tips and tricks to a flawless look

The main goal in foundation application is to achieve a naturally flawless look on the skin. It is important to even out the skin tone, texture, and correct any imperfections; thus enhance a better complexion overall.

There are 3 ways that you can apply foundation on the skin: finger application, sponge application, and brush application.

Finger Application

This is the oldest method for foundation application. To this day, a lot of consumers still choose to use their fingertips to apply foundation.
Pros: The main reason this method is popular is that it is easier to control the level of coverage wanted on the face, and is of course, less expensive.
Cons: The disadvantage is that it is not the most hygienic; bacteria on the hands may clog the pores causing acne on the skin. Also, improper motion while applying the foundation may form lines and wrinkles on the face. Therefore, most professional makeup artists avoid using this method and prefer to use tools to apply makeup.
Bess’s Golden Tips: This method is not highly recommended, but if this is the only method available at the time, be sure to wash your hands and sanitize them thoroughly before you begin application.

DO use your index finger and middle finger together and hold your fingers downwards and pull upwards in an arc motion.

DON’T drag the foundation downwards, pulling and stretching your skin thus forming unwanted lines and wrinkles.
Professional Tricks: To achieve the best result, always start with the forehead and work your way down the cheeks and chin. Apply lightly at first, then add more where you need it.
Bess recommends: With the finger method, it’s best to work with products such as cream, mousse, and foam foundations.

Sponge application
This is the easiest and most accepted tool that most consumers and some makeup artists choose because it provides a smooth foundation application

Pros: Sponges come in many different sizes and shapes for flexible application. This provides freedom of choice for consumers to select their favourite type to work with. The most common sponges are the wedge sponges (triangular) for precision in areas that are hard to reach.
Cons: The disadvantage of using sponges for foundation application is that they tend to absorb too much product, and therefore can be wasteful. Additionally, sponges collect dust and grow bacteria if not washed after use. This is why most cosmetics counters and other professional makeup artists dispose the sponges after one use–also somewhat wasteful.
Bess’s Golden Tips: To makeup beginners out there: in order to reuse the same sponges after each use, for economic and ecological purposes, you must clean your sponge well with soap and water after using it each time.

DO use a method similar to the one used in finger application. Start off by dabbing the sponge with the foundation, then blend it from the centre of the face working outwards. Watch for excessive product accumulated near the hairline–because it is hard to remove foundation from that area, it creates unnatural looking coverage.

DON’T forget to be gentle to your skin even when applying foundation with a sponge. Like applying with your fingertips, try not to pull the skin downwards when you dab the sponge on the skin. You can easily create unwanted lines and wrinkles or enlarged pores, smudges, or erase the foundation already applied.
Professional Tricks: Dampen the sponge for a smoother result and better foundation blending. This can also help erase and smooth out any lines or creases on the skin.
Bess recommends: Sponge application works well with liquid or compact foundation.
Brush Application

This is one of the most professional methods used by makeup artists to apply foundation, but recently, more consumers have been educated on the use of makeup brushes.

Pros: Using makeup brushes is more hygienic, plus it is easier to achieve a flawless finish without mush waste. Additionally, it saves more time because it provides even application and blending, and it works better for larger areas.
Cons: The disadvantage of using brush application for beginners is that it can at first feel harder to control. Also, incorrect application may leave streaks on the skin.
Bess’s Golden Tips: It is best to choose a brush with soft yet firm bristles, so that it won’t irritate the skin during application.
Bess recommends: The common foundation brush has flat bristles made out of synthetic fibres because they do not absorb too much product. There are many kinds of foundation brushes on the market to choose from, and many different ways to use them. See below for tips and tricks to using some common types of brushes: the flat bristle brush, round bristle brush, kabuki brush, and duo fibre brush.

Flat Bristle Brush: crisscross and gentle arch outwards

This is a flat elongated bristle brush with a half-moon rounded tip.

This type of brush can reach all areas of the face, such as the sides of and under the nose, eye area, chin and jaw line. Applying with a ‘crisscross’ motion will help blend the foundation into the skin. Sweeping gently, arching outwards and downwards on the face, can conceal enlarged pores and wrinkles.

Round Bristle Brush: swift motion

This is a new type of foundation brush that many makeup artists like; it has round and firm bristles.

This full and thick brush provides a firm grip and control, and can smooth out small to large areas on the face. It can precisely go into fine details on the face, and conceals any flaws on the skin. Applying with a swift motion will create a smooth look on the skin without leaving streaks on the face.

Mineral Power Kabuki Brush: buffing method

This method uses a Kabuki brush to apply mineral powder foundation on the face. This is one of the new ways to apply mineral foundation.

Simply tip out some mineral powder into the lid, and then twirl the brush to pick up the powder. Tap the brush to remove the excess powder, and then buff it on the skin in a circular motion around the face. This method of application feels really light and comfortable on the skin. As a result, it will give the most natural and lightweight effect with medium coverage and a natural look–as if wearing no foundation at all.

Duo Fibre Brush: buffing method with airbrushed effect

The duo-fiber brush is a large circular brush with duo fibres, unique in that it is made with a blend of goat hair and synthetic fibres.

Use a spatula to take out a small amount of foundation onto a mixing palette, and then dab and twirl the brush onto the palette. Dab and stipple some foundation onto the skin, and then begin buffing. Start with small circular motion around the face. This method will slowly and cautiously spread the foundation and blend into the skin seamlessly. The result is an airbrushed-looking finish with good coverage: a perfectly blended and very natural look.

The ‘buffing method’ is yet another technique to apply foundation, and is by far one of the most popular application methods among professional makeup artists. Because of its lightweight coverage with soft layers and enhancing texture, it creates an airbrushed finish.

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