Lots of water, a strict skincare routine, and a good night’s sleep are all important, but a decent foundation is also essential. Knowing how to properly apply foundation, concealer, and powder may appear straightforward, but watch a makeup artist do it and you’ll notice a significant difference. Here’s what some of our go-to specialists have taught us…
STEP 1: PREP YOUR SKIN
“Before applying primer, we always spend a lot of time massaging the skin with skincare backstage. It keeps the skin hydrated, making the texture look smoother, and it helps to bring blood circulation to the surface, making the skin glow. It also prevents patchiness by preventing the skin from absorbing moisture from the foundation or primer.
After cleansing, apply your moisturiser and massage it in before patting on a serum targeted to your skin condition. With a mix of vitamin C and key nutrients, the new Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum promotes radiance while also refreshing tired skin.
STEP 2: USE A PRIMER
It may appear to be just another skincare step to add to your routine, but any makeup artist will tell you that a primer is a crucial element of their toolkit, allowing them to achieve radiance, enhance moisture, mattify the T-zone, or simply keep their makeup in place. Choose one that is appropriate for your skin type, or mix and match.
A silicone-based primer is definitely a smart first step if your complexion is greasy and has prominent pores, says Surratt Global Artist Konstanine Mironychev. “If your skin is dry, start with a creamy moisturiser and then layer on an illuminating primer on top. You don’t have to go all out. I use a 5p size amount of NARS Radiance Primer on my face.
STEP 3: APPLY YOUR FOUNDATION
“In my experience, a well-chosen liquid foundation will completely enhance your skin, which is why I prefer to start with it,” Konstantine explains. “However, if your chosen foundation texture is powdery, I would apply concealer first; layering concealer over powders is more difficult.” Apply your foundation first to blur any blemishes.
It also means I don’t overuse concealer,” Rachel adds. “I’m just more strategic with where I use it,” says the author. Pour two to three pumps into the palm of your hand and apply to your skin, starting in the middle of your face where discolouration or uneven skin tone is most noticeable and working outward.
STEP 4: COVER-UP WITH CONCEALER
Concealers often have a higher pigment concentration, so they’ll cover any areas that require attention if your foundation doesn’t. “I use the NARS #12 Cream Blending Brush to apply NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, patting out with my ring finger to blend.
Rachel explains. “I prefer to use a couple of hues, a peach tone to brighten beneath the eyes and then a yellow tone to neutralise the redness of a blemish,” she says. Makeup artists swear by brushes for precision and then blur the lines with the warmth of their fingertips.
STEP 5: SET WITH POWDER
If you’ve always avoided powder because it makes you feel “cakey,” you’re missing out. Powder formulas have come a long way, and they can now tone down shine, give more coverage, and even add radiance, in addition to setting your base so it lasts all day. “Begin with deciding what you want your powder to do. Translucent powder is your buddy if you merely want to take away shine because it won’t build up.
