How to apply foundation: the ideal techniques for a perfect finish

Foundation is one of the most important parts of the process when it comes to a more elaborate makeup for a party or a photo shoot. A skin with a natural appearance and a beautiful and homogeneous appearance is the result of the combination of a good base and a correct application technique.

And it is one of the items that is most in evidence when it is applied too much, too little or in a way that does not favor the natural texture of your face.

When you apply too little, or don’t spread it well, the makeup finish isn’t even and even the blush application in the sequence can be compromised. When you apply too much, your skin can get a rough texture, the product can crack, and your face can end up looking artificially aged.

Therefore, the proper application of the product is almost as important as acquiring a quality foundation that is ideal for your skin type.

Next, we solve some of the main questions about applying foundation with makeup artist Neto Moreira and then we show you what options you have for ways to apply it to your face.

What comes first: primer or foundation?

In the preparation of the skin, to obtain a more satisfactory result in the makeup, after sanitizing, toning and hydrating, the primer is applied and then the foundation. It will close the pores even more, allow greater oil control and give this foundation more durability.

Is there a right amount to spend?

The amount of foundation to be applied depends on the type of coverage, the amount will reflect on the result providing a lighter or denser skin. During the day, for example, the ideal is a lighter coverage. Care should also be taken not to apply too much product and the foundation will crack.

Is there some kind of foundation that is “easier” to pass?

To facilitate the application of foundations, I recommend choosing liquid foundations, slightly creamy, using sponges or brushes with soft bristles, as they allow an equal coverage in all regions of the face.

Should I apply powder every time I use foundation?

This is up to each individual. Mature skins should avoid powder or use it only in the most oily area, as the powder shows expression marks.

How to apply foundation step by step

Applying foundation is not necessarily just putting the product on the skin without any method. To achieve a beautiful result, but with a more natural appearance, even the order of application has a certain importance. Check out the following tutorial that works for most liquid foundations for application with a synthetic brush.

Step by step:

1. Before applying the foundation, it is recommended to clean the skin and tone it with a light moisturizer;
2. Start the application on the forehead, coming from the middle of the eyebrows pulling slightly upwards until reaching the entire forehead area;
3. Then apply with light movements over the entire eye area;
4. The next step is to apply it on the nose, coming from top to bottom and then in the same way around the mouth and chin;
5. Then apply the foundation on the cheeks, pulling from the middle of the face outwards, always with light movements that simulate lifting the face.
6. If you applied with a brush, the suggestion is to give light taps with a sponge to finish.

5 tools to apply foundation

Check out in the topics below the main tools you can use to apply foundations on your face and choose which one best fits the product you have and your needs.

1. With your fingers

This application doesn’t have much of a secret. Just take a little product in your hand and spread it in the same order as the tutorial, coming from top to bottom on the central part of the face and then horizontally from the center out on the cheeks. The cool thing about using your fingers is that you can massage the skin when applying the product, ensuring a very homogeneous application and a smoother, more natural result.

Advantages: it is practical and fast, easy to wash and costs nothing.

Disadvantages: Hand oil transfers a little to the face and if your makeup is waterproof, it can be a bit of a hassle to remove it from your hand.

Best products: ultra fluid products such as water-based foundations, BB creams and tinted sunscreens, such as MAC Face and Body (R$121) and BB Cream L’Oréal (R$27.92).

2. With kabuki duo fiber brush

Kabuki brushes are chubby brushes with lots of bristles and a cylindrical shape. In the case of duo fiber, the mixture of synthetic fibers and natural fibers guarantees the application almost completely free of marks. To apply with kabuki duo fiber, make light and rotating movements on the face, also following the same order as in the tutorial. If the foundation is still a little marked, just dab your face lightly with a sponge.

Advantages: marks less than a synthetic fiber brush and provides quick application.

Disadvantages: Good duo fiber brushes in general can be a little expensive and brush application always requires cleaning the bristles at least weekly.

Best products: liquid products, such as Dior’s Diorskin Nude foundation (R$275).

Options to buy: The Beauty Box (R$23.92) and Océane (R$17.99).

3. With common synthetic brush

The common synthetic brush is also very practical for applying foundation. When using, always make light movements, following the order of step by step. To finish, if the foundation is marked, give light taps on the face with a sponge or with your own fingers.

Advantages: it absorbs less product, which avoids makeup waste.

Disadvantages: it can leave the skin marked.

Most suitable products: liquid and pasty products, such as Revlon’s Colorstay foundation (R$75.99).

Options to buy: Who said, Berenice? (R$30.51) and Dailus (R$17.91).

4. Common sponge (flattened)

This is one of the most affordable tools in terms of price, as its price is around R$5 and some kits with several cost around R$10. To use, just put a little foundation on your hand, take the product with light taps and apply this way to your face as well.

Advantages: the application has a very nice finish and it is cheap and quick to use.

Disadvantages: it absorbs a lot of product, so to use it it is necessary to place the base on another surface to reduce waste.

Best products: works well with any product, but is ideal for compact creamy foundations such as Ideal Face Avon Compact Foundation (R$35).

Options to buy: Kit Belliz (R$10.95) and Kit Marco Boni (R$17.53).

5. With Beauty Blender (and similar)

The application of foundation with “egg” type sponges is very similar to the common sponge, but its anatomical shape makes it easy to reach even the most difficult corners of the face, such as the areas close to the eyes and the corners of the nose. It is worth remembering that the application should be done with light taps and not with “swipes”.

Advantages: application is quick and easy.

Disadvantages: it ends up accumulating more dirt than the other options, so cleaning should be a little more frequent and it also absorbs more product.

Best products: any foundation, but creamy ones are easier like Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation (R$60.99).

Options to buy: Beauty Blender (R$134.90).

6 videos with tips from bloggers about foundation

Check out what each blogger has to share about their experiences with foundations, after all, they test and use many different products every day and can give very interesting tips for those who want to learn or improve.

1. Foundation for beginners by Blog Cílios da Catarina

In this video the blogger gives very basic days and teaches everything someone who has never used foundation or makeup needs to know to make a beautiful application even without experience. She explains everything in detail and very easily.

2. Skin preparation by Camila Coelho

In this tutorial, blogger Camila teaches skin preparation, a little beyond foundation, she also gives tips on highlighter, concealer, brushes and some product suggestions.

3. Choosing the correct foundation by Adrianna Ramos

Here vlogger Adrianna teaches you how to choose the foundation tone for your skin, giving very good tips on warm and cool tones, and also shows how she applies foundation without using brushes, just with her fingers.

4. How to use powder foundation?

If you are interested in using powder foundation because it is faster to apply, this video is ideal for learning how to use it correctly. The vlogger gives tips so that the finish is natural and not heavy.

5. Applying foundation stick by Blog Ale Bittencourt

Check out the blogger’s tips on how to properly apply foundation sticks to ensure a beautiful, natural finish.

6. How to contour by Boca Rosa

Learn how to finish the skin with light and shadow techniques after foundation application. This type of finish is ideal for evening wear.

When it comes to foundations, both application and product choice are a matter of trial and error. It could be that a foundation that looks good on your friend doesn’t look good on you and vice versa. Therefore, it is very important to always test products before buying. Many brands provide samples or allow you to try the product in stores before taking it home. So take advantage of this feature and don’t give up on finding the perfect foundation to apply according to your preference and need.