Nailing your foundation is
key to pulling off any makeup look, yet this first essential step can be the
trickiest of all to master. So we asked Sandy Linter,
celebrity makeup artist at New York City’s Rita Hazan Salon and Lancôme beauty
expert, where we most often go wrong, as well as how to make it right. Here,
five ways you may be messing up:
1. Matching Color
Exactly
“Many women get color matched right to skin tone
and are unhappy with the results, since it can end up looking too washed out,”
says Linter. In these cases, going for a bit warmer of a tone (one that has
yellow or golden undertones)—especially if you’re very pale or have aging skin
concerns—can actually look more natural and flattering. Topping with a warm
shade of blush will also help with tone correction here. If you’re tan or
deeper toned, stay away from pinkish hues that can look obvious on skin in
natural light.
2. Concealing with
Heavy Coverage
Whether it’s discoloration, blemishes, or fine lines that
you want to cover, heaping on heavy foundation will actually draw attention to
the difference in skin texture. “Foundation is really meant to enhance what you
have or to moderately even out your complexion,” says Linter. Instead, use
primers and highlighters to improve the look of discoloration and fine lines,
and spot-blend concealer on blemishes instead of caking on the cover-up all
over.
3. Using the Wrong
Consistency
Whatever kind you use, foundation should seamlessly
blend into skin when you apply it, says Linter. That way, you get coverage
without heaviness, and the finish appears natural. For dry types, powder
formulations can settle into pores and lines, while liquids can look too wet on
oily skin. Linter finds that creamy textures often hit the right note of
providing flattering coverage with a natural finish on most. This takes some
experimentation to find out what looks best on your skin type. (Read our guides
to the best foundations for dry skin and the best foundations for oily skin.)
4. Thinking Foundation
Looks Aging
“Foundation has a bad rap because it’s been used incorrectly by so many, but
don’t be afraid to wear it,” says Linter. The right formula evens out aging
issues, like discoloration and pore size, to actually make you appear younger.
Plus, other cosmetic helpers you apply—like blush,
bronzer, and concealer—can blotch up and appear obvious without a good
foundation as a base. The trick is to find a formula that applies smoothly and
doesn’t settle into lines and pores.
5. Applying Everything,
Everywhere
The sure way to look like you’re wearing makeup is to apply a blanket of foundation and powder to the face and to over-conceal. Linter recommends working on foundation as needed, and then going into specific areas, like the under-eye and blemishes, with concealer. Blending with the warmth of your finger marries concealer more naturally into skin. Finish with powder only in the center of the face, where it’s truly needed; overdoing it can kill your whole look.
The sure way to look like you’re wearing makeup is to apply a blanket of foundation and powder to the face and to over-conceal. Linter recommends working on foundation as needed, and then going into specific areas, like the under-eye and blemishes, with concealer. Blending with the warmth of your finger marries concealer more naturally into skin. Finish with powder only in the center of the face, where it’s truly needed; overdoing it can kill your whole look.
The bottom line: Finding the right foundation shade
and formula is key. And remember, less is always more. Follow these tips, and
you're guaranteed to look flawless!
