Yes, many professional makeup artists and beauty gurus swear by applying liquid foundation with their fingers. This tactile approach provides a skin-like, natural makeup result since you're massaging the makeup onto your skin. Using your fingers works on all skin types and with both cream and liquid foundation.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage. And sometimes, a little mixing and matching can go a long way.
Dab, don't rub.
Whether you're using a foundation brush (synthetic bristles are best) or your fingertips, apply foundation in a stippling motion, which means gently tapping it into your skin. Avoid any wiping or rubbing motions because that will only push the foundation around and cause streaks.
Foundation always looks best on skin that's been properly cleansed and moisturized and is free of any flakes, dry patches, or texture. “You have to make sure that the skin is smooth—not dry, not oily,” Bobbi says. A good moisturizer will do the trick, and a dab of eye cream will fill in any fine lines around the eyes.
Yes, many professional makeup artists and beauty gurus swear by applying liquid foundation with their fingers. This tactile approach provides a skin-like, natural makeup result since you're massaging the makeup onto your skin. Using your fingers works on all skin types and with both cream and liquid foundation.
Start by applying your foundation in single pea-sized amounts to each area of the face you're covering: generally the forehead, nose, chin, and each cheek. To blend your makeup, use gentle dabbing motions and upward strokes that match the natural contours of your face to create the most even look.
“Start with a test on the back of your hand and look for a color that feels like you—you'll know it when you see it. Once you're down to one or two shades, try them on your whole face,” Yaitanes says.
Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes. If you apply your concealer first, you may end up wiping some off when you apply foundation or using a lot more product than necessary, which can create a heavy, cakey look.
4. Apply Thin Layers. Starting with a small amount of product and building up coverage is a crucial step when applying foundation to mature skin. This leads to a more naturally glowy look versus overdone or cakey, and it can also help prevent your foundation from creasing or settling into fine lines.
You apply too much foundation
“Too much product on the skin doesn't look natural,” says Naoko. “Foundation is about enhancing, not masking – I would always advise using a small amount and then if more is needed, build it up gradually.”
This usually means your skincare products underneath are clashing. Always leave enough time for your serums and moisturisers to dry between layers. Applying hydrating serums to damp skin can also help. If foundation separation is your issue, try to use products with similar textures.
VIOLETTE: Keep some skin bare
I never put foundation down the front of the nose, only the sides – if your nose is bare, it makes it look like you're not wearing foundation at all, but your skin still looks great.”
You don't wait for your foundation to dry.
Aka it takes a little time to completely dry once you've applied it. This means if you speed through your beauty routine and dust a powder product over it immediately, it's going to heavily absorb into the first spot you applied it and it won't blend out properly.
I like to use brushes for application when I want to focus on a detail area, or when I want to use a sheer finish and give a wash over the skin. If the skin is really dry, I only use damp brushes when applying. Generally speaking, sponges can give more coverage, while brushes can be more sheer.”
Let your foundation set
This step is crucial. Let the foundation set for 3-5 minutes. Take a tissue, and blot all over your face, avoiding the nose if you have large pores.
“Applying too much product can lead to an uneven application—especially if you are using a powder-finish product. Too many layers of powder finish tend to make the skin look textured/dry. Also, the layers tend to repel each other, creating a blotchy appearance and camera flashback.”
Over time, dead skin cells and impurities build up on your skin. If exfoliation isn't part of your regular skin care routine, this build-up can cause your foundation to apply unevenly and separate throughout the day. Prevention Solution: Start to exfoliate regularly.