Better Base Makeup In 4 Simple Steps

Base makeup is named well. It truly is the foundation of your whole look, and the rest of your makeup depends on it. No matter how carefully you apply everything above it, if your base goes cakey on you, you’re not going to like the way you look.

The good news is, it’s not that hard to master the art of applying a flawless base. With the right technique, you can lay down a smooth, long-lasting base every time.

Read on to learn the steps that deliver the perfect base makeup you’re looking for.

1) Start With Clean, Moisturized Skin

Getting your skin in shape before you lay on your base makeup is important for two reasons. First, if you apply makeup on dirty skin, you’ll see impurities and imperfections coming through in no time. And second, if your pores are dry and open, they’ll absorb your foundation and make your base look patchy.

Start by using a cleanser suited to your skin type to wash your face. If you’re feeling a little extra grungy, you may want to go with the “double cleansing” method. Once your skin is clean, apply an ordinary moisturizing cream. Make sure you use a non-greasy product for this.

2) Prime For Success

Face primer makeup smooths your skin out and creates the ideal surface for applying all of your makeup — not just foundation, but concealer, color corrector, and anything else you want to wear. You can also think of primer as a protective layer that keeps your makeup and your skin separate.

If you haven’t been using primer, that may be why your face starts getting shiny within a few hours of applying your makeup. One of the best things primer does for you is to cover your larger pores so they can’t secrete makeup-ruining oil. When you use a good primer product and apply it properly, you’ll be pleased to find that your makeup stays perfect for hours.

Apply primer in small quantities with your fingertips. You don’t need a brush or sponge for primer; using them can create unwanted lines.

3) Use A Foundation That’s Right For Your Skin

You probably already know what type of skin you have — dry, oily, normal, or combination. This is essential info when you pick out your foundation. The basic example is that foundation with a matte finish is best for those with oily skin. That combination will extend the life of your makeup and prevent that unpleasant “sticky” look from developing later in the day.

Your choice of foundation should also depend on whether you’re looking for light or heavy coverage.

4) Blend Your Foundation Using The Proper Brush

Just as you have a lot of different foundations to choose from, you also have a wide variety of foundation brushes available. Here’s a quick rundown of the advantages of each common type. Beauty blenders are probably the most common brush for foundation use; many women swear by the natural results it delivers, particularly on high-coverage foundations. Stippling brushes are getting more popular for foundation work now, too. If you haven’t tried a stippling brush before, you’ll recognize it by its double-layer bristle pattern. The first layer puts your foundation on while the second blends it evenly into your skin. And of course, the reliable flat brush can be used to apply foundation as well.

Apply foundation in small dots and use your preferred brush to blend it in. Always remember to carry your foundation down to your neck!