Foundation for makeup: what is it for, how to choose according to skin color and how to apply

Hello everyone, dear readers!

Surely many of you use foundation or perhaps powder in your daily life. After all, our skin cannot always please us with an ideal complexion; redness may appear, pimples may appear, and age spots may appear. Some people don’t like freckles, others suffer from rosacea, in fact, there can be a great many reasons why we resort to foundation.

But not everyone knows how to properly apply foundation to their face. Sometimes the layer is too thick and the face looks like a mask, or it often happens that the foundation emphasizes flaking, does not hide imperfections well, and does not last long. Therefore, in this article I will try to give you a step-by-step scheme for applying makeup using foundation and tell you the best way to do it.

Foundation for face

The history of foundation goes back to ancient times, when the face was covered with a mixture of flour, chalk and oil to ward off evil spirits. In our usual version, the cream appeared only thanks to Max Factor in 1938, since then the structure and components have changed many times and today the market offers a wide range of different foundations for every taste and budget.

How to choose foundation for perfect makeup?

The first step to achieving the perfect makeup look is purchasing the right foundation that suits your skin tone.

First you need to determine your skin type :

Dry skin needs creams that contain essential oils; due to the moisturizing effect, the skin will become smooth, flaking will go away and the cream will lie evenly.
For oily skin that needs to hide excess shine, choose mattifying products.
Those with combination skin are lucky; all cream options will suit them.
For skin prone to irritation and problem skin, special medicinal cosmetics are suitable, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.

The next step is choosing the color of the foundation, for this:

Apply a small amount of cream to the back of your hand and rub - your ideal color should match the color of your skin, that is, the transition border should not be visible.
Salon lighting does not always allow you to correctly assess the color, so go outside and look at the applied cream again in natural light.
It is believed that in order to select the ideal cream, it is better to apply it directly to the cheek; only you can decide how hygienic it is in the conditions of publicly available store testers; for example, you can bring the hand on which the cream is applied to your face to evaluate the correctness of the shade.

Foundation (or base) for makeup

The composition of the foundation is much more diverse, and it can transform even hopeless-looking skin, hiding pores, wrinkles and unevenness even from acne and small scars. All this becomes possible thanks to the presence of silicone and collagen in the base, which allow you to heal and rejuvenate even not very good skin.

The consistency of the foundation is similar to foundation, but its palette is different. The base can be transparent, apricot, peach or beige. These tones are quite suitable for relatively good skin, which only needs to be slightly improved and “illuminated” from the inside.

But if you have problem skin, then you should try foundations in more exotic shades. So, a green base neutralizes redness, lavender will lighten pigment spots, banana will cope with yellow skin undertones, and pink will remove grayness. The pearlescent base will visually rejuvenate more mature skin.

Typically the database copes with a number of tasks, such as:

evens out skin texture;
illuminates the face from the inside (which looks especially good in the photo);
fixes makeup while allowing the skin to breathe;
eliminates oily shine and protects the skin, like a day cream.

If everything is fine with the skin and there is no need to seriously even it out, you can get by with more familiar means - powder and foundation.

Healthy skin should not be corrected in any way, but if you have a party or TV broadcast, that is, you need to look perfect for several hours, then you need to take into account some nuances.

Foundation colors

Foundations are presented in a wide palette of shades of all colors from ivory to chocolate. If you find it difficult to choose a color scheme, then remember a few tips:

For cool skin types (usually found in brunettes with fair skin and dark eyes), pink shades are suitable.
For warm skin types (usually found in fair-haired or red-haired people with light or brown eyes), olive and brown shades are suitable.

You shouldn’t limit yourself to one foundation; for example, for evening makeup, a cream with optical pigments that refresh your face is suitable, and for daytime makeup, you can choose a light face cream with a moisturizing effect. In the summer, you need to protect your face with a cream with a UV filter, and in winter, moisturize your skin.

The secret to success is the right tone

The key to beautiful makeup is always the right shade of foundation. Professional makeup artists shared several valuable tips on how not to make a mistake with the color of your foundation:

pigmentation in combination with a reddish skin tone is successfully masked by a natural shade of beige;
to hide a grayish skin tone, purchase a foundation with an ivory shade;
aristocratic pale skin will glow when applying a light caramel or porcelain-colored base;
a yellowish complexion can be easily corrected with a pink-peach cream;
dark-skinned beauties will become even more attractive with a golden tint.

Choosing a foundation shade is one of the most important steps.

The right foundation

In addition to color, when choosing a cream, you should pay attention to a number of factors:

Manufacturer - on the one hand, well-known brands offer proven and certified products, but you will also have to pay a lot for a well-known name.
The packaging must be intact, without chips or leaks.
Shelf life - foundation has a shelf life of 6 to 18 months.
The presence of dangerous components such as Octyldimethyl PABA, or NDGA, or Padimate-O, which adversely affect the health of facial skin.

Types of foundation

On store shelves you can find foundations of different shapes and consistencies:

A classic cream with a dense texture that allows you to disguise minor skin imperfections and even out your tone.
Thick cream that hides serious imperfections such as acne, scars, pigmentation
BB cream combines the properties of toning and moisturizing the skin; it does not hide serious imperfections
The foundation mousse has an airy structure that gives the face a velvety feel.
Cream-powder has a unique texture that, when applied, covers the face with a thin, barely noticeable layer that hides skin imperfections.
Cream stick, thick foundation in a convenient package, convenient to take with you on any trip
Creams with a UV filter help protect your face from ultraviolet radiation.

Which foundation to choose

When choosing the consistency of the foundation, proceed from the result you want to get:

liquid perfectly hides imperfections, but is quite heavy for daytime makeup;
BB and CC creams are an excellent choice for every day due to their light corrective effect;
airy mousse is powerless against serious pigmentation and imperfections, but is ideal for a natural base;
Fluid is recognized as the most weightless foundation; this is a good choice for summer.

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How to apply foundation correctly?

Having decided on the brand, you still need to apply the cream correctly to hide all minor skin imperfections:

Wash and wipe your face with toner, then apply any light day cream, leave for 5 minutes to absorb.
If there are redness or bags under the eyes on the skin, then first apply a corrective base, treat all redness with a green tint, and cover the bags under the eyes with concealer.
After this, using a sponge, brush or fingers, apply a small amount of cream first to the forehead and blend. Then apply the cream to your nose, cheeks, chin and neck, gradually blending the cream so that there are no borders left.
Set the cream with a thin layer of powder.

Who better to choose a denser tone and give up the vibes?

The successful outcome of skin toning largely depends on the preparatory process, which includes:

Regular exfoliation (scrubbing).
Cleansing and toning using tonic, gel, lotion, milk.
Moisturize with cream (using your fingertips in a circular motion).
Dry for 10-15 minutes.

Scrubbing will help get rid of dead particles that affect the texture and interfere with the regeneration of new cells. The cosmetic product contains abrasive components that are used for cleansing.

The rules and frequency of using the scrub depend on your skin type:

For oily types, weekly treatments are recommended.
For dry type, 2 times a month is enough.

Applying a tonic or special gel to the face will help tone the cellular layer of the skin and cleanse it of fine dirt. Only after natural drying can you use a moisturizer. After 15 minutes, all components will be completely absorbed and the face will be ready for tinting.

Foundation can be used as the only means for tinting the skin when applying daytime makeup. If this is evening makeup, or you have any skin defects, then this product alone will not do; you will have to use others that have a denser texture.

The foundation is applied to the entire surface of the face after the moisturizer. Application is carried out using a sponge, brush or special sponges. The choice of one tool or another depends on the consistency of the foundation. If it is very thick, it is best to apply it with a sponge. If the cream is more liquid and transparent, the tone is applied using a soft natural brush.

Concealer

Before using foundation, it is recommended to mask all areas that differ in color with a corrector. Brownish spots and circles under the eyes will help hide the pink or yellow tone of a corrective pencil, and thanks to the green tone, you can make any redness invisible.
Distribute the foundation evenly over the face in the form of dots. When applying makeup in the summer or on the occasion of a celebration, the neck and décolleté area are covered with the cosmetic.
Blend with smooth movements. Do not pull the skin or put pressure on it. When using a brush, blend using short masks. The brush should move from top to bottom. The chin area is shaded towards the top and towards the ears. If the distribution of the product is done with your fingers, then you can get by with light pats.
Allow the cream to absorb for 10-15 minutes.
Powder your face to set the tint layer using a brush with natural bristles. Use fine structure powder in small quantities to prevent delamination of the treated surface and the formation of cracks in facial wrinkles.

A feature of the tone application technique is considered to be leisurely smooth movements directed along massage lines.

There are several recommendations that you need to follow in order to correctly apply foundation and hide skin defects and unevenness as successfully as possible:

Before using cosmetic products, you must apply moisturizer to your face.
If you need to get a denser tone, then apply the product with a slightly damp sponge.
Apply foundation using tapping and tapping movements with your fingers.
If you apply a concealer that is a shade darker into the wings of the nose, you will create the effect of reducing it.
We must not forget about the neck area. Use the remaining product on the brush or sponge to go over the neck, smoothing out the visible transition.
After completing the makeup, the skin of the face should be lightly sprinkled with thermal water to consolidate the results.
The foundation should be a tone lighter than natural skin. This will create the effect of a fresh and rested face.
The skin above the hairline should be re-shaded again so that the presence of the concealer on the face is least noticeable.
If you plan to go to places with high humidity, it is best to use a waterproof foundation.
Makeup artists allow you to apply concealer cream to your lips only if your facial features are poorly defined.

For a girl, foundation is an indispensable product in her makeup bag. Bags under the eyes appear from lack of sleep, wrinkles come with age, and acne comes from unhealthy food and improper care. Of course, you should eradicate the problem from the inside, but if an important event is planned, and there is an unattractive pimple on your face that spoils the entire upcoming mood, then an indispensable concealer will come to the rescue. The main thing is to apply foundation in accordance with the recommendations given.

Any woman can always be on top, regardless of skin condition. Properly composed makeup will not only hide flaws and imperfections of the skin, but will also highlight the most beautiful areas of the face, enlarge the eyes and lips, make the nose smaller, and correct contouring can change the appearance beyond recognition. But don’t get carried away with cosmetics - fashion dictates natural and unnoticeable makeup.

A foundation with foundation not only improves the color and texture of the face, it helps to correct the shape. An oval shape is considered perfect, so when applying makeup, makeup artists try to bring the result closer to the ideal.

First, the areas that need to be emphasized are identified. Then areas requiring camouflage are identified.

For correction, creams of different shades are used.

By highlighting or darkening parts of the face, you can visually change the shape of the oval, nose, chin:

A long face can be visually shortened by applying a dark tone along the chin and forehead area.
A dark tone of cream distributed over the temporal and lateral parts will help to narrow a round face in a matter of minutes.
A square shape can be made oval thanks to a dark tone applied from the corners of the mouth to the temporal part.

Different manufacturers produce foundations that differ in structure, density, and fat content. Each representative of the fair sex can choose the cream that is most suitable in composition.

Types of tinting cosmetics are classified mainly by consistency:

Liquid creams are intended for oily skin types and are almost colorless, which is why they cannot disguise problem areas.
Thick creamy formulations create a good camouflage for dry skin types, fatty enzymes provide sufficient nutrition.
Foundation films have a delicate structure, are suitable for any skin type, and are applied in a thin layer.
The cream stick is intended directly for masking imperfections: scratches, circles under the eyes, etc.
Cream powder can be used daily, perfectly moisturizes, smoothes out color and unevenness.
Foundation mousse creates a light effect and cannot mask problem areas

We invite you to familiarize yourself with Facial care and the procedure for applying products.

The weightless texture of such a foundation may be a disadvantage for you - not everyone strives for a translucent coverage. Sometimes it is better to choose a classic foundation, cream powder or mousse.

In what cases do I not recommend using fluid foundation because its texture is too light:

If the skin is inflamed and there is local redness. A translucent product will not hide minor problems on the skin - it is better to take a classic foundation instead and arm yourself with a concealer.
If you like thick coverage. Even 2-3 layers of fluid will not give the same density that you get when using cream powder or tinted mousse.
If you are doing makeup for a photo shoot or creating an evening look. In photographs and under artificial lighting, makeup appears 30-40% paler, so particularly thick coverage and bright accents would be appropriate.

At its core, it is a light cream with a more liquid texture (like milk, serum or emulsion) without fats and oils. Therefore, the fluid is absorbed faster, leaving a pleasant feeling of moisture and freshness, and is used sparingly. But, on the contrary, you will not see heaviness and oily shine.

This is mainly due to the composition: a non-greasy gel, supplemented with active ingredients, creates the thinnest coating on the face.

Fluids without oils are designated as “oil free”; if the products contain oils, then in a small proportion.

There are some misconceptions among those who already practice this technique. You can often come across them in some instructions. To avoid this, you should immediately familiarize yourself with the main mistakes:

An excessive amount of product is not needed; the layers should be as thin as possible.
There is also an opinion that a good balm should sting a little. This is completely absurd. Such a reaction on the face is symptoms of an allergy.
In areas where there is unwanted active hair growth, application can be avoided. It is not necessary to completely cover the surface. Such areas can be left, because the nutrients in the composition can lead to more active growth over time.
Movements should be smooth, not abrupt. Some people believe that the application should be clear and confident, but this is not the case.
Always using the same product becomes ineffective. The body gets used to the composition, adapts and becomes immune.

You can come across various misconceptions on the Internet. To be completely protected from them, you need to check every moment with trusted sources.

Should I apply foundation to my eyes?

The makeup artist's answer
is YES. Foundation should be applied to the entire face, including the eyelids and neck.

Makeup artist's answer

Foundation should be applied to clean, moisturized skin. Wash, tone, moisturize and prime before applying foundation for best results.

How do you apply liquid foundation?

Dotted strokes are applied to the tip of the nose, center of the forehead, cheeks and chin. Use a foundation brush or sponge to distribute and blend using gentle circular motions until your entire face is covered.

How to apply foundation?

Depending on the type of foundation, it can be applied either with your fingers, a sponge, or a brush. Use circular motions to blend it.

How to apply foundation correctly?

Makeup Artist Answer
Use makeup brushes or sponges with a small amount of product. Apply using light pressure and blend.

How to make your foundation look natural?

Apply it using a beauty blender. Also, make sure the tone matches your skin exactly and is applied in thin layers.

What is the best tool for applying liquid foundation?

I like to use a beauty blender, but a brush works really well too. With a beauty blender, you get a natural look.

What is the best way to apply foundation?

Use a damp beauty blender or foundation brush. Apply foundation in circular motions, starting from the center of your face and working towards the edges. Make sure to blend the base into the neck.

Can I use powder on top of foundation?

Makeup Artist Answer
Yes, you can apply powder with a blush brush, but it is better to use a powder brush.

Should I apply foundation under my chin?

Makeup Artist's Answer
You should blend your foundation under your chin to avoid any harsh lines. If you don't stretch and blend the foundation under your chin, you may look like you're wearing a mask.

Concealer

Foundation brush

Shading the cream so that it fits perfectly and looks natural is not an easy task, and the choice of the tool that will help you with this depends solely on your preferences. The main advantage of the brush is its thin layer application, but this tool will require some practice and adherence to the rules:

choose a flat brush up to 3 cm wide
the brush must be made of synthetic material
It is preferable to have a smooth edge of the brush rather than a pointed one

How to apply foundation with a brush?

To get the perfect makeup, follow these steps:

Cleanse your face, apply day cream, and use a corrective base if necessary.
Squeeze a drop of the existing foundation between your thumb, pick up a dry, clean brush and dip it into the cream, rub lightly, remove excess.
Make four strokes with the brush: on the forehead, on the chin and on the cheeks.
Blend the strokes to the sides and upwards, the strokes should be gliding and light, without pressure, if necessary, add more cream to the brush.
Having tinted the forehead, move to the nose and cheeks and gradually go down to the chin, all movements of the brush should be made from the center to the edges.
Be especially careful when working on the nasolabial folds; excess cream in these areas can roll off and look untidy.

Face Makeup Tool

To create the perfect make-up, you need a serious arsenal of cosmetics and tools. You will need brushes for:

tones;
spot correction;
blush;
shadows;
eyeliners;
lipstick.

You will also need sponges of different types. Makeup artists do not recommend saving on brushes. The better the bristles, the better the cosmetic product will be shaded, the smoother the tone will be, and the better the arrows and contours will be.

Sponge for foundation

Another effective material for blending concealer cream is a sponge.

Choose special sponges for shading; due to their shape and composition, this tool allows you to apply an even layer of cream with soft movements, while using less cream than when applying with a brush.
Sponges are made from latex, foam rubber or cellulose, and natural sponges are also available.
To make the sponge last longer, do not forget to rinse it after each application of the cream.

NYX Professional Makeup foundations

NYX Professional Makeup has all the main types of foundations. For example, Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation with a mineral composition mattifies and provides moisture resistance. It is also available in liquid version.

Total Control Drop Foundation is another liquid product. It is distinguished by a light texture with the ability to adjust the density by layering, a velvety “finish” and a subtle shine.

How to apply foundation with a sponge?

The method of applying cream with a sponge has its own characteristics:

Prepare your face, apply day cream, corrective base
Wet the sponge with warm water and carefully remove excess moisture with a napkin.
Squeeze a little cream onto the area near the thumb of your left hand, take the sponge in your hands and dip it in the cream, rub lightly
Gently spread the cream over your face, starting with the forehead, then the cheeks and nose, ending with the chin and neck.
Rinse the sponge and leave to dry

How to apply foundation with a beauty blender?

A beauty blender is one of the types of sponges that has a certain egg-shaped shape. Depending on the type of cream applied (light, dense, medium), various beauty blenders are available that allow you to apply the concealer as evenly as possible.

The egg-shaped shape with a pointed tip allows you to reach even the most difficult to reach places, such as the inner corner of the eye, and apply makeup as smoothly as possible.

The application technology is the same as with a regular sponge, you need to wet the beauty blender, squeeze it slightly so that it remains wet, while it will increase in size, then apply the foundation using patting movements.

How to apply foundation with your fingertips?

You can evenly distribute the cream over your face without any tools, using only your fingertips. This method can be called the most economical in terms of foundation consumption.

Wash your face thoroughly with toner, apply face cream, and let it absorb for 5-10 minutes.
Wash your hands well with warm water and rub your palms to warm your fingers.
Apply a few drops of foundation into the crease near the thumb on your left hand, take a small amount of cream on your finger and apply to the main areas on the forehead, chin and cheeks.
Blend to the sides and upwards using light patting movements with your fingertips, trying not to pull or stretch the skin.
To assess the uniformity of application, periodically move away from the mirror a couple of steps and evaluate the result.
Distribute the tone evenly over the entire face and neck, especially carefully working on the hairline and eyebrows.

Equalizer (concealer)

The foundation usually stays on the face for up to 5-6 hours, performing its main functions: it prevents makeup from rolling and spreading, and the skin shines.

Professional makeup artists use a super product called “evener” for such purposes. This transparent gel has the ability to keep makeup perfect for up to 18 hours, but, of course, you cannot use it often.

The purpose of concealer is to hide dark circles, redness, broken capillaries and any other imperfections that appear on your skin. One of the tinting agents must be applied over the concealer to level out the transitions.

In general, try not to overload your skin with corrective products. And you shouldn’t apply the fundamental sequence of everything you have in your makeup bag. Professionals do not overuse everything at once and usually only “patch” the skin, removing blemishes, rather than applying a continuous layer of foundation, tone, powder and blush.

For example, for pigment spots or a nose that turns red in the cold, use a colored base - lilac and green, and for other areas sometimes one base is enough, and often it doesn’t hurt to powder, say, the T-zone, thereby adding matte to the face.

How to apply foundation under the eyes?

This area must be treated with special care and precision. Incorrect movements when shading can lead to stretching of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles.

On the other hand, lack of sleep and stress primarily affects this area, so it is also impossible not to mask it. For this area, choose a cream with a light and delicate texture, one tone lighter than your base skin color, apply it with a brush or fingertips.

If regular foundation does not cover all imperfections, then use concealer.
Concealer differs from regular foundation in its structure, lighter on one side, but very dense on the other.
This product is ideal for sensitive skin around the eyes, allowing you to mask all imperfections without drying out thin skin. Usually they have a yellow tint, which allows you to optically “extinguish” the blue under the eyes.
Any product for the area under the eyes should be applied with light movements, do not stretch the skin, start from the inner corner of the eye, gradually moving to the outer corner.

A few examples

In order for you to have a rough idea of what types of bases there are, what companies and brands produce them, we have prepared a small selection for you. In the list you will find the most popular foundation bases.

Max Factor Facefinity All Day Flawless Primer

This product has a pleasant gel-like texture. Easy to apply and does not highlight flaking. The skin takes on a healthy appearance, becomes smooth and soft. Provides long-lasting coverage that preserves makeup for a long time.

Mary Kay TimeWise

The product also has a gel consistency. It fits well on the face and does not roll off. Absorbs quickly and ensures easy application of foundation. Evens out color, tightens pores and disguises fine wrinkles.

Maybelline Affinitone Perfect Tone

The product is well absorbed, giving the face shine and silkiness. Maintains makeup throughout the day.

Guerlain Meteorites Perles Light-Diffusing Perfecting Primer

The base contains pearl particles. This gives the skin a beautiful glow. Perfectly smooth skin and a feeling of comfort - that’s what this product gives. In addition, it can be used not only under foundation, but also as an independent product.

Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser

This base does an excellent job of treating enlarged pores. Light texture is pleasant to apply. The skin becomes even and smooth. The foundation fits perfectly on this base. It is both long-lasting and matte – what could be better?

You can learn more about the bases for foundation of various brands from the video:

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How to remove foundation?

A foundation from a good manufacturer that has not expired can be used constantly, every day. It protects your skin from environmental influences and nourishes, but in any case, after a busy day, do not forget to remove your foundation so that your skin can rest. For this purpose you can use:

makeup remover wipes
makeup remover milk
shower gel
foam for washing
hydrophilic oil
micellar water

The modern beauty industry offers women a wide selection of products to create the perfect makeup. You can be sure that your skin will glow with beauty and health, while foundation will not only not worsen its condition, but, on the contrary, will help you cope with problems. Love yourself and be beautiful!