5 Steps To A Flawless Makeup Base

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Foundation has come a long way since the days where we’d paint our faces and end up looking like we’d rolled in cake.

These days, we take a different approach. Forget the mis-matched shades and obvious lines where you’ve used fingers to blend it in – we’re in the time of gorgeous looking skin that looks naturally beautiful.

But how can you get that effect without the help of an amazing makeup artist? The answer – you become your own!

Here’s my 5 steps to a flawless makeup base:

Step 1: Choosing your tools

The tools with which you apply your foundation with are just as important as the foundation you choose and can have a huge impact on the final look.

Ditching your fingers in favour of makeup brushes not only eliminates the chances of smearing dirt from your hands to your face, but also helps to get a smoother application.

My tool of choice is the Real Techniques Buffing Brush as the density of bristles is ideal for seamlessly blending foundation into your skin.

Stippling brushes and foundation brushes are also great options.

Step 2: Choosing your foundation

One of the most difficult things a woman can do in her beauty routine is find her perfect foundation. I’ve been through a fair amount during my time working with makeup and found a few tips that have worked for me. Ask yourself the following questions:

What formula do I like? You’re the person who will be applying the foundation so you’ll want to know how to work with it. Whether it’s a cream-based product or something similar to a liquid foundation, finding the one that makes application easy is key.

What coverage am I looking for? Determining which kind of coverage you’re looking for is a proven way to find your ideal foundation and is important when trying to create a flawless makeup base. Do you have naturally beautiful skin that needs subtly enhancing or a lot of problem areas that you’d like to cover?

What undertone am I? Even if the shade of your foundation matches your skin perfectly, it won’t look great if it’s the wrong undertone. People with a warm undertone should choose a foundation that is yellow based whereas those with a cool undertone should steer towards pinkier options.

Step 3: Applying primer

Once you’ve applied your foundation, you may find that it begins to progressively slide off your face as the day goes by. This is where using a primer can really help.

Finding a primer which includes silica can have a filling effect on your skin; covering any large pores and making your skin appear naturally smooth for when you apply foundation.

A primer also has the ability to increase the longevity of your makeup. It’s a no-brainer to factor one into your routine!

Step 4: Spot concealing & colour correcting

With a fine-tipped brush, you are able to apply concealer over any small imperfections that the coverage of your foundation may have missed.

Using a concealer that is a few shades lighter beneath your eyes has the ability to brighten them and you’ll instantly look more awake.

Colour-correcting can also be included in this step. Green-based products can help to cancel out redness in the skin, whilst yellow tones can help to cancel out the blue often shown in veins and eye bags.

Step 5: Setting with luminous powder

Unlike matte powders, luminous setting products can help to add dimension to your face, but there’s a common misconception that people with oily skin cannot use them.

All skin types can use a luminous powder, but it must be finely milled so as to look natural and gently dewy rather than shiny and obvious.

Elise from Celebricious

x