I have been a Liverpool Makeup Artist for many years, and I know how to create flawless foundation on every type of skin you can imagine. It takes the expertise of an experienced professional MUA to know the secrets of getting flawless foundation. I am going to share my top makeup artists secrets for how to get flawless foundation with you now!
***please note that this blog post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you purchase any of my recommended products via the link, this does not affect my recommendations, thank you in advance***
Skincare for Flawless Foundation
Flawless looking foundation starts with skincare. Your makeup will only look as good as your skin is beneath it. You should treat your skin well using a skincare routine that works for your skin type. Discover your skin type and pamper yourself with an at home facial – read my step-by-step guide here! A basic cleanse, tone, moisturise routine done morning and night will keep your skin happy and hydrated. Your foundation will sit better on your skin if you exfoliate 1 – 2 times per week, depending on your skin type. Drinking plenty of water every day is also key in keeping your skin healthy from the inside out.
Do You Need a Primer for Flawless Foundation?
Primer is a necessary step before applying foundation if you need to address specific skin concerns, There are many types of primers on the market, choose one that relates to your skin concerns. If your skin is dull, a brightening or radiant primer will boost your glow. If you have fine lines, a smoothing and plumping primer is for you. Open pores or uneven texture? Avoid primers that have lots of glow to them as this will only accentuate the texture of your skin. My favourite primer is Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. It smooths fine lines, reduces redness and uneven skin tone, and gives radiance without accentuating texture. It is a staple in my professional makeup kit. If you are lucky enough to have beautiful smooth skin, applying a good moisturiser should be enough to prep your skin before foundation. I love Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate, it leaves skin perfectly primed for makeup.
Best Tools for Applying Foundation
Foundation brushes, makeup wedges, beauty blenders, and even fingers are some of the tools used to apply foundation flawlessly. I like to use a buffing style foundation brush, such as the Zoeva 104 Buffer Brush to apply thin layers of foundation on the skin. However, if you have dry skin prone to flaking, I would avoid brushes and stick to using a damp non-latex makeup sponge or beauty blender to stipple the foundation on the face. This MyKitCo sponge is my favourite! I also finish every foundation application with a quick blend with the damp sponge, to remove any excess makeup and give a smooth flawless foundation finish.
Should You Apply Concealer Before or After Foundation?
There is no right or wrong answer as to when concealer should be applied. I personally prefer to apply the foundation base, then do concealer after I have finished the eye makeup. This way I can remove any tiny bits of eye shadow fallout that can happen, and create a perfectly flawless foundation look. Some blemishes are better covered before foundation, especially if they need colour correction. Using a tiny bit of yellow or green colour corrector with a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush over a red spot will neutralise the redness and make it easier to cover with foundation or concealer.
What Kind of Concealer Should I Use Where?
For blemishes, I prefer to use a cream based concealer with more pigmentation. I love RCMA for this, because it can be sheered out to a foundation as well. It comes in all shades for every single colour of skin too. For under the eyes, I prefer to use a creamy consistency of concealer, one shade lighter than foundation. I recently discovered this Catrice concealer and it is absolutely AMAZING and cheap as chips. I love using fluffy blending type brushes to give an airbrush finish with concealer. This Zoeva brush is wonderful!
Which Foundation is Best For Me?
There are so many foundations available on the market, and right now during the pandemic, it is very difficult to choose one because you cannot physically try them in store. I would recommend that you do your research, read reviews ( I love MakeupAlley for real reviews), and if you order online, check the return policy if you can return or exchange if the product isn’t right for you. If you have reasonably good skin and don’t want lots of coverage, look for tinted moisturiser or BB Cream type foundations that will boost your skin but not be super heavy. If you have a drier skin, avoid super long wear foundations with matte finishes because they can cause even more dryness. Instead, look for a foundation that contains hyaluronic acid that will hold moisture, like the Boots No7 Hydraluminous Foundation. If your skin is oily and has shine break through during the day, choose a long-wearing formula that will absorb excess oil like The Ordinary Coverage Foundation.
Setting Your Flawless Foundation
Now you have created this flawless base, let’s set it so that it lasts! My favourite setting powder is Ben Nye Neutral Set, which is colourless and works for every skin colour. However, I do prefer Ben Nye Banana Powder for skins that have a more golden or olive undertone as it enhances the natural warmth of these skins. I simply dip a small fluffy powder brush and lightly dust the face with the powder, and then go over once again to brush off any excess. I don’t believe in overloading the skin with powder, especially under the eyes, because it can show up any fine lines or dry texture. If I want a more dewy look, I will powder only under the eyes and down the center of the face, leaving the cheeks looking fresh and radiant. I always finish with a light spritzing of setting spray all over the face. My favourite is the NYX Dewy Setting Spray, which is perfect for my bridal makeup clients!
Do you find your makeup always disappears on a certain place on your face? Lightly spray your makeup sponge with setting spray when applying your foundation there and it will stay all day.
Now you know some tricks, have a go at creating a flawless foundation for yourself. Follow me on Instagram where I am sharing videos and more tips to help you be your best beautiful.
I offer a range of Online Makeup Lessons via Zoom if you want to learn more. Lessons are tailored specifically to your needs and are a personal one-to-one consultation. Check them out on my website!
Leave your questions below or get in touch via Instagram. I love to hear from you!
Vicky xxx
