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For many women their foundation is one of the most important steps of their beauty routine. When applied correctly it covers blemishes, dark circles, redness, and gives a flawless base to continue with your makeup application. But if the consistency is wrong, or the color is off it can look a little less than natural. Foundation should never actually be seen but should give the illusion of perfection. Here are some tips.
Test it Out to Make a Match
Test foundation before you buy it, or if you’re working with what they’ve got at the drugstore be willing to buy a couple to find your match and then stick with the good one. To test it, apply the foundation to your jawbone and then look closely at it in broad daylight. The jaw is often the unfortunate spot of that telltale demarcation line that occurs when the color is wrong. If it blends it seamlessly on that area in the light, you have found a match.
How Layering Can Help
After you moisturize your face, wait about five minutes for everything to soak in before you do the foundation step. If you have large visible pores or are looking for some long coverage you might want to try using a primer, which can add an extra element of smooth.
Use the Right Tools
Which tools you use to apply your foundation can create a different effect. Using your (freshly washed) fingers will give you the lightest coverage, and using a makeup sponge will give a heavier one. For an average day you might want to apply the foundation only where you really need to cover something, but for a more smooth look you can do the entire face including the eyelids. If you’re going all out you can even extend some foundation mixed with moisturizer down onto your neck and chest to keep things even but not quite as thickly covered as your face.
First Things First
Be sure and apply your foundation before you head to the concealing step, which will help cut down on potential creasing throughout the day. Your under eye concealer should be a shade lighter than your skin to effectively cover any dark spots but no more than that to safely avoid a whitish glare around your eyes.
But Not Too Many Layers!
After you apply your foundation, you can dab at your cheeks with a tissue to remove any excess and unnecessary foundation before you apply your blush. That will keep it from getting cakey from too many layers, and everything will stay in place a little longer.
Finishing Up
To finish up your foundation application, dust your face with a brightening powder to seal everything in. A matte powder can be good for shine but can be a little flattening for all over coverage, but a translucent powder with a little punch of shimmer can reflect light and add to your now flawless appearance.
Total Beauty Guide 