How To Apply Foundation – The Pro Way To Nail That Flawless Base
When it comes to applying foundation, it’s all too easy to end up with dodgy tide marks, cakey cheeks and a patchy finish aka not what we’re aiming for. Which is why we spoke to the pros to get the expert insight on how to apply foundation the right way.
Guiding you through the process is MAC Global Senior Artist and backstage pro, Dominic Skinner, Instagram’s hottest make-up artist of the moment and queen of glow, Nikita Baffour and Givenchy make-up artist, Neil Young. Safe to say, you’re in good hands.
Read on for your guide to perfecting your foundation application for a totally flawless base…
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How To Find The Right Foundation
First things first, before applying your foundation you need to make sure it’s got the coverage, texture and finish that you’re aiming for.
‘For a foundation to look amazing on the skin it needs to replicate your skin,’ says Young. ‘What I mean by that is the rule of thumb is the more coverage you get with foundation, the more it has to match the skin, if it doesn’t match the skin, you need undertone in the foundation to mimic your skin’s complexion.’
How To Apply Foundation
Foundation Dos And Don’ts
Before you get started, there’s a few key tips to bear in mind for applying your foundation:
- ‘One of my top tips in achieving flawless foundation, is in the application!’, says Baffour. ‘Get your hands on a dense flat top brush! This is a real game changer.’
- ‘A great tip for a super flawless finish is to gradually build up the desired amount of layers with a brush, as this will give you more control over coverage.’
- ‘I always finish off with a damp, (not wet or dry) sponge to set the foundation in place, this also helps to remove any excess shine.’
Nikita’s Top Tip: Always pair your foundation with a primer that is suitable for your skin type, as this gives the foundation something to grip onto and leaves you with a smoother and longer lasting finish.
How to prep your skin before applying foundation
It’s almost time to get that foundation on, but first, you need to prep your base. Bring on the skincare!
‘Skincare is key to a great flawless foundation,’ says Skinner. ‘Serums, moisturisers, facial oils and primers will all support your foundation for a smoother, long-wearing finish.’
With more and more modern foundation formulations available, it’s now an option to incorporate your skincare into your foundation. Or, as Young puts it, ‘If your foundation doesn’t have skin-caring ingredients in it in 2021 then why are you using it?’
Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help care for your skin while you wear your foundation.
ELLE Edit: The Best Make-Up Primers Tested
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Combine your daily SPF with a radiance-giving primer with Bobbi Brown’s oil-free primer. Formulated with Sodium Hyaluronate, it’ll smooth over pores and wrinkles whilst giving your complexion a serious hydration hit.
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This miniature size primer is ideal for carrying in your hand luggage for that last minute make-up application just before your flight lands. Formulated with five forms of coconut (oil, juice and water to name just three) for extra hydration, this is a gift for parched post-aeroplane skin.
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At just £3.99 this is the best value primer that actually does the job. Formulated with advanced adaptive silicones, this techy primer minimises the appearance of pores for an airbrushed finish to your make-up that lasts all day long.
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The boujiest primer of the bunch, this luxe make-up base works on all skin tones to give a pore-free complexion. Added amino acids hydrate and soften your skin for the ultimate multi-tasking beauty product.
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This Works’ genius formula is a mask, moisturiser and primer all in one. Smooth on before foundation to brighten and rehydrate tired skin with hyaluronic acid, argan oil and a hit of caffeine.
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Is it a highlighter? Is it a primer? Well, yes and yes, but also so much more. Charlotte Tilbury’s latest secret to getting your skin but way better is a blemish blurring, pore concealing, glow giving all in one foundation base of dreams.
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If the world of colour correcting is too much hassle for your morning routine/a little over your head, then Clarins’ new primers are for you. Available in six shades, each primer tackles a different skin problem which is helpfully specified on the packaging. Just in case you weren’t entirely sure why you were swiping green cream onto your face before your foundation…
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The ultimate make-up multi-tasker, use Sisley’s primer as a radiant base before applying foundation, dab onto the high points of your face to use as highlighter or wear completely alone for a seriously radiant complexion.
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Control that shine and blur those pores with NARS’ oil-free matte primer infused with soft focus powders so you look selfie ready 24/7.
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When you feel like your foundation refuses to stay on your face, YSL’s long-wearing primer makes it stay put. Huzzah!
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A cult classic for a reason, this ticks all the longevity, skin-perfecting boxes and has SPF15 mineral UV protection. If you’ve got sensitive skin, it’s free of all the usual aggravating suspects – oil, fragrance, parabens and sulphates. Overall, a difficult one to beat.
How to apply foundation… with your fingers
For those of us who prefer to get to grips (literally) with applying foundation, using your fingertips is a totally legit method for getting that perfect finish.
‘If you are using your fingers to apply foundation I would advise applying the product with your ring finger when applying around the eyes, as this area is usually very delicate and thin,’ suggests Baffour. ‘This allows you to evenly distribute the product with minimal pressure and also prevents creasing.’
How to apply foundation… with a brush
If using your hands to apply make-up isn’t your vibe, then using a brush is your next port of call.
Control how much foundation you apply by pumping a few drops onto the back of your hand and then take it onto your brush from here. Then, sweep onto your face.
Nikita’s top tip? ‘I always advise to stipple the brush in small circular motions when applying, really working the foundation into the skin, for full and seamless coverage.
‘Avoiding dragging or sweeping motions, to prevent streaks or brush lines!’
ELLE Edit: Foundation Brushes
How to apply foundation… with a blender or sponge
If fingertips or a foundation brush aren’t your choice of applicator then a beauty blender or sponge could be the one for you.
‘I like to use my sponge after using a brush, this really helps to settle the foundation and helps to achieve a flawless finish,’ says Baffour.
‘I find that using a sponge only, soaks up too much product and works best as a perfecting tool. Ultimately, always make sure that your sponge is slightly damp and not wet. If there is too much water in your sponge, this can leave patches in your foundation.’
ELLE Edit: Foundation Sponges
How to apply foundation… if you have dry skin
For dry skin types some foundation formulas can feel heavy or drying leading to the dreaded forehead flake. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of lightweight, hydrating foundations that give good coverage minus the parched complexion.
‘Dry skin should be tackled from the base; primers and moisturisers are a great start, however, it is best to avoid mattifying foundations and instead, opt for formulas that are hydrating or have hydrating ingredients such as, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E,’ advises Nikita.
‘Water-based, sheer/medium foundations are better suited options for drier skin types and gives a softer, luminous finish. Avoid matte or fragranced foundations as these can leave the skin drier, tight and uncomfortable!’
10 Of The Best Foundations For Dry Skin
How to apply foundation… for a dewy finish
In 2020, the elusive glow is what most of us are aiming for when we apply foundation. But how do you keep things dewy and fresh rather than sweaty and shiny? Dominic has the answers.
‘For a dewy finish to your foundation I always recommend applying your foundation with a damp foundation sponge,’ advises Skinner. ‘MAC Fix+ Magic Radiance is perfect for this, spray the Fix+ directly onto the sponge and squeeze the sponge to work the Fix+ through. Magic Radiance contains hyaluronic Acid and essential oils so not only will you foundation go on with added glow it will also fix your foundation for a longer dewy finish.
‘Pump a little foundation onto the sponge and bounce the sponge over the skin. By bouncing the sponge you’ll get a flawless clean finish.’
Vincent Lappartient
How to apply foundation… for a matte finish
Not all of us are totally obsessed with achieving a luminous complexion, if a matte finish is what you’re after, here’s how to get it right.
‘My top tip for a matte foundation is to buff the base on with a fluffy brush,’ says Skinner. ‘By applying it in circular brush strokes the foundation will apply smoother and will not leave streaks as it sets. This circular technique is also great to polish the foundation so you can have the matte without the flat!’
The Best Foundations Ever As Voted For By ELLE And 10 Pro Make-Up Artists
As Voted By… ELLE
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Cushion Foundation – £25 (refill only) SHOP NOW
Digital Beauty Editor George Driver swears by this ultra light foundation. Simply dab on top of a layer of primer for the ultimate dewy ‘your skin but better’ finish. The best bit? It can’t smash in your bag.
As Voted By…Diane Kendal
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation – £48 SHOP NOW
‘Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation has SPF and a really lovely dewy finish.’
Pro Tip: ‘I would apply this with a brush or sponge to get more coverage where you need it most, but it’ll still look incredibly natural.’
As Voted By… ELLE
bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation – £27 SHOP NOW
Even the most sensitive of skin will love this complexion clearing powder foundation. You’d be forgiven for thinking a powder foundation would be drying but fortunately you’d also be wrong. This genius formula gives a silky soft finish, instantly smoothing out pigmentation, sallow skin and spots without any cracking.
As Voted By…Hannah Martin
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick – £32 SHOP NOW
‘Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Stick is my all time favourite foundation for a number of reasons, not least because it’s so portable and great for touch ups on the go. It also has a beautiful, velvety finish that’s hard to beat.’
Pro Tip: ‘Use it sparingly on any areas of high colour to even out your skin tone for a relaxed, pared down look. Alternatively, stipple over day cream for lightweight coverage or layer up for full-glam coverage. Without powder it has a soft, dewy finish, but set it with powder and you can create a completely matte look that photographs amazingly.’
As Voted By… ELLE
Surratt Dew Drop Foundation – £70 SHOP NOW
Pro Tip: ‘The no-make-up make-up look shows no sign of going away. Just because you don’t have naturally glowing bare skin, doesn’t mean you need to smother your entire face with foundation. Instead, apply a high-pigment product only where you really need it. Start at the outside of your cheeks, where breakouts are most visible, and go super light in the T-zone.’ – Wendy Rowe
As Voted By…Caroline Barnes
Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation – £47 SHOP NOW
‘My favourite investment foundation is Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Foundation. It feels like liquid cashmere on the skin and gives a lovely glow to your complexion that looks healthy rather than made up.’
As Voted By… ELLE
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation – £34 SHOP NOW
With a shade range of 44, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation works with almost every skin tone which means we can all treat ourselves to the perfect complexion.
As Voted By… ELLE
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 – £32 SHOP NOW
Pro Tip: ‘Matte foundations have been under the radar for a while, with ‘dewy’ being the finish of choice for many women. However, many women with oilier skin still prefer to have a shine-free complexion, so need a more mattifying formula.
‘To use, think about applying where needed and in good daylight. Pump a small amount on the back of your hand and use a brush, sponge or fingertips to blend into your skin starting at the nose and blending out. Most people need the most around their noses and chins, where there are more sebacious glands, more redness or discolouration. Use sparingly, and barely use on areas of the skin that don’t need it.’ – Kay Montano
As Voted By…Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation – £34 SHOP NOW
‘My Magic Foundation is your secret weapon and best friend if you suffer from rosacea, redness, acne or discolouration.
‘It treats and transforms while you wear, reducing the appearance of acne after just 9 weeks. It contains mushroom extract to tighten pores and reduce sebum production, Vitamin C to brighten and lift the complexion, and Hyaluronic Filling Spheres to youth-boost and smooth the skin. These super-charged ingredients also reduce the appearance of age spots by 75% in 4 months!
‘The high coverage – which glides over skin like a dream– covers even the darkest of birthmarks.’
As Voted By… ELLE
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation – £39 SHOP NOW
Pro Tip: ‘Use your fingers to apply the foundation as you can really work it into the skin, then use a foundation brush to go over your base and add a little more foundation where its needed on key areas.’ – Kirstin Piggott
As Voted By…Val Garland
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation – £66 SHOP NOW
‘This foundation is so fine that it can diminish the appearance of pores and wrinkles.’
Pro Tip: ‘Use a duo fibre foundation brush like a MAC 187 Duo Fibre Brush to ‘airbrush’ the foundation onto the skin with a circular motion. Or if you prefer, you can use a Beautyblender instead of a brush.’
As Voted By… ELLE
Dior Diorskin Nude Air Serum – £38 SHOP NOW
The ultimate weightless serum foundation, Dior’s sheer formula gives your skin the glow-giving boost it needs without feeling heavy, cakey or leaving dodgy tidemarks in your side burns.
As Voted By…Hannah Martin
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation – £48 SHOP NOW
‘For olive skin tones I love Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Serum Foundation.’
Pro Tip: ‘Those with an olive skin tone should look to buy yellow toned foundations as pink undertones won’t match the tone of the rest of your body.’
As Voted By… ELLE
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation – £27 SHOP NOW
Causing a storm when it first launched, Rihanna’s ultimate matte foundation lasts all the way through your morning commute, overtime in the office, dinner with your best women and all the way home again.
As Voted By…Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth-Boosting Foundation – £34SHOP NOW
‘To always look fresh-faced and healthy, apply my Light Wonder foundation for a luminous, dewy finish that lasts all day.
‘The air-light formula illuminates, smooths and hydrates the complexion, while minimising pores and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
‘Featuring youth-boosting actives to even out skin tone, and a botanical alternative to retinol to kick-start collagen production, this genius foundation is instant radiance in a bottle!’
As Voted By… ELLE
Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation – £42 SHOP NOW
Pro Tip: ‘Fingers are the finest tools. Just put it in your handbag and you’re good to go!’ – Alex Box
As Voted By… ELLE
Sisley Phyto-Teint Ultra Eclat – £66 SHOP NOW
Worth the investment, this light-diffusing foundation blurs and mattifies without drying skin. An added extra of pollution protection courtesy of buckwheat seed makes this the ultimate city-ready foundation.
How to apply foundation… for a long-lasting finish
If you’re applying your foundation first thing in the morning, then ideally you want it to stay put for the rest of the day. But, between sweat, humidity, oily skin and oxidisation, the foundation slip and slide can mean by the time you leave the office you’re bare-faced all over again.
‘To maintain your look for longer, it’s all about priming. Make sure you’re hydrating your skin beforehand,’ advises Skinner. ‘People don’t believe me but moisture is your foundation’s friend. Foundation stays put longer if it has hydration underneath to hold on to. Use a face cream like MAC Strobe Cream and a hydrating spray like MAC Fix+ before, after and throughout the day to keep you base in place.’
ELLE Edit: The Best Full Coverage Foundations
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Full coverage foundation doesn’t have to mean a matte finish. In fact, L’Oréal’s latest Infallible foundation covers all skin sins with a satisfyingly dewy finish that won’t look heavy or feel drying. And all for a tenner.
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NARS’ first 16-hour wear foundation, you’d be mistaken if you thought this was going to be dry and overly matte, because frankly, it aint. Infused with watermelon, apple and raspberry extract to give a radiant finish, it’s the healthiest full coverage foundation you’ll find.
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If you haven’t heard the legends about Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty foundation then you’re in for a treat. Available in a whopping 40 shades, this game-changing foundation transforms any skin tone into a perfectly matte complexion.
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When even luxury brands like Dior are launching full coverage foundations, you know it’s a thing. Treat yo’self to their 24 hour Undercover foundation that uses highly concentrated pigments to blur imperfections into submission.
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The new kid on the full coverage foundation block, Urban Decay’s All Nighter foundation is oil-free which means you can nab that super matte finish without breaking a sweat. Oily skin gals, this one’s for you.
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Foundation sticks are the stuff of lazy girl (aka our) dreams. And with its triangular design for easy precision and the most perfectly creamy formula imaginable, this one is bound for cult-classic greatness.
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