Foundations

While foundation is applied over the entire face, the same amounts shouldn’t be applied to all the areas. If you vary the amount of cover from one area to the next, you’ll create more natural looking skin, avoiding any chances of the foundation looking like a mask.

Apply light to medium cover over your cheeks, forehead and chin.

Apply a very thin layer under eyes, especially the outer section over smile lines. Medium to heavy cover will exaggerate fine lines. Keep this in mind if you have ‘smoker’s lines’ around the lips.

If you’re wearing eyeshadow, apply generously over the top eyelids to help your shadow stay in place. (You’ll also need to set the foundation with powder before applying your eyeshadow.)

Only apply extra foundation layers over the specific areas that need more cover, such as pigmentation or red patches.

Start thinning out the foundation as you extend down to the jaw-line and spread an even thinner layer tucking under the jaw-line resulting in a natural blending into the neck. Great applicators will help you achieve best results.

Here’s a list of make-up artists’ favourite foundation applicators:

You can never have enough latex wedges – these are not only great for blending foundation, but other make-up products too. Use them dry if you want them to last longer. They’re ideal when applying powder and crème foundation textures, but it’s not advisable to pour a liquid foundation directly onto a latex sponge, as the liquid is quickly absorbed and wasted inside the sponge. Rather choose from an applicator below and only use your latex sponges to blend away foundation streaks and edges.

Sea sponges can only be used to apply liquid formulas and in contrast to the latex wedges, they’ll assist you in saving product as they easily release any product in the sponge on application. When using a sea sponge, first wet the sponge, squeeze out the excess water and then dry off on a towel or tissue. Apply the foundation onto the sponge and apply to the face with a "sweeping" motion. Use a dry latex wedge to blend away the streaks of foundation.

A foundation brush is far more durable than a sea sponge (which breaks up after a few month’s use) so it’s a far better long term investment and can be used to apply liquid or crème formulas onto the skin. Use the brush dry and in conjunction with a latex wedge to help blend to a flawless finish.

Fingers can also be used to apply liquid foundation, but if you’re heavy-handed, it’s best to choose an applicator will which soften your touch. If you’re using your fingers, spread lightly across the skin without rubbing it in – foundation is not moisturizer!

To choose the correct foundation for your skin, please visit: