We all know how makeup can boost your confidence and give you a means of self-expression in no time. But with the array of products flocking the market, it can be easy to make mistakes, from the formula you choose to how you apply your makeup. And as foundation creates the canvas base to apply your makeup smoothly, it’s always crucial to get it right.
Misapplying your foundation can turn out disastrous to the extent of ruining your entire day. Some commonly made mistakes have been highlighted down below for you. Read along to identify what might be standing in the way when it comes to serving your face.
Picking the Wrong Foundation Shade
Your foundation doesn’t have to be the reason people turn their heads to look at you awfully. Besides the reactions, using an overly light foundation makes your face appear paler while a darker one makes you appear too tanned. The right foundation is one that matches your skin color.
To choose the right foundation, test it on your jawline or nose, as an arm swatch is likely to give you the wrong results. Apply the foundation and wait for 15 minutes. Then go out and check how it appears after oxidizing. If it blends into your skin, that’s your foundation shade.
Choosing the Wrong Formula for Your Skin Type
Despite your skin type, a good foundation formula should adequately hydrate your skin. If you have dry skin, opt for a moisturizing liquid foundation that gives you a dewy finish. If your skin is typically oily, then go for a matte finish. Cream foundations also work great for dry skin as they give so much hydration and lock moisture into your skin throughout the day.
For those with oily skin type, opt for powder or oil-free/water-based foundations. Also, watch out for comedogenic products as they tend to clog pores. If your skin is the sensitive type, opt for a foundation with no irritants like preservatives, dyes, and fragrances.
You Are Using the Wrong Tools to Apply Foundation
Using your fingers to blend your foundation is likely to give you an uneven application. Besides that, chances of transferring germs to your face are at its peak. For an excellent foundation application experience, invest in brushes and sponges. They’ll help you blend better and typically use little product.
After applying the foundation with a brush, you can turn to sponges to press off any excess foundation for a more matte finish. Remember to wash your makeup brushes frequently to eliminate the risk of transferring harmful bacteria to your skin.
Skipping Out the Preparation Step
Not prepping your skin is the key reason for smudgy makeup. Prepping your skin first prevents unwanted cakey layers and dry, flaky patches. It also prevents your face from breakouts. The right way to prep your skin is to clean your face first then apply moisturizer.
Proceed to apply serum and eye cream before your foundation and let them sit for a minute. Making your skincare products rest helps them sink into the face first. Remember to exfoliate your skin regularly to get rid of dead skin cells.
When retouching your foundation at the end of the day, use a light spritz of your hydrating skin spray first. It aids in prepping your skin’s surface for a smooth blending of the freshly applied foundation.
You’re Applying Too Much Foundation
Many people believe that foundation should be applied all over the face, but it’s not the case. Florrie White, a makeup artist, says that foundation should only be used where needed. Foundation evens out your skin tone and should be applied directly to the areas of concern to cover redness, pigmentation, blemishes, and shadows. Avoid too much foundation as it makes your face appear cakey.
Liz Pugh, another makeup artist, advises that the right way to apply foundation is to always start from the center of your face working outwards. It’s the best way to avoid getting build-up at your hairline. It also helps in covering redness around your nose and any discolorations. Remember to go in with a light hand and buff your foundation into the skin to make the texture of your skin visible.
Not Updating Your Foundation with the Season
There are some reasons why you shouldn’t use the same foundation for all seasons. Your skin tone is likely to change in the summer after you have a tan than it is during winter. During winter, skin tends to be dry, and, in the summer, it tends to get oilier. It is, therefore, advisable to use a different formula depending on the season.
Using the Same Product Past the Expiration Date
One mistake people make is forgetting that beauty products also expire. If you don’t do a full face makeup every other day, then a single bottle of foundation can last for a long time. While this seems like good news for your budget, keeping that foundation way too long allows bacteria to grow in it, which can then easily transfer to your skin. Always be keen not to use an expired product.
Not Setting Your Makeup Properly
If you want to apply foundation without having to do midday touches, then use the right products to finish off your look. Using a light hand when applying setting or finishing powder aids in a smooth application of the product. It ensures that your skin doesn’t appear dry and prevents powder from settling into any fine lines or wrinkles. You can use a setting mist to set your foundation correctly. It can also be used later to reactivate the foundation and hydrate your skin.
You Apply Concealer Under Your Foundation
A build-up of foundation and concealer under the eye not only looks cakey but also draws attention to fine lines. If you apply concealer first, chances of removing it when swiping foundation are very high. By using concealer after foundation, you can see where you need that extra help as the foundation will have covered the shadows a little. You can proceed to apply your blush, bronzer, and then finish off with mascara and lip color.
With everything said, avoid common foundation mistakes and incorporate the given tips into your foundation routine to up your makeup game.