For many of us, the foundation is the main makeup product that we tend to splurge on. Having a high-quality product to use on our skin is our number one makeup priority. Although a good foundation can usually be costly, it does tend to be worth the splurge. However, that doesn’t mean that there are no ways to get the most of the product you paid for.
If you want to make sure that you are using your foundation in the most effective way possible, keep reading for a few tips and tricks.
Making Sure You Choose the Right Foundation
If you are looking to get the most out of your foundation, you are first going to want to make sure that you are using the right product. Let’s talk about coverage. There are four coverage types: sheer, light, medium, and full. If you are only trying to lightly even out the tone of your skin, then you should be looking at sheer to light coverage foundations. However, if you have any significant imperfections or redness that need to be covered, stick with a medium to full coverage foundation. If you choose a lighter coverage option, you may end up going through the product much quicker because you are using more of it to build up the opacity. With a light coverage, you will still be able to see your skin through the foundation, so most people who wear foundation are going to want a medium coverage at the very least.
You are also going to come across different formulas. The most popular formulas you will see on the market are liquids and creams. If your skin is dry, then you can use a cream foundation. These foundations are a bit thicker and are less commonly made free of oil, so only people with dry skin should be using creams. Everyone else will do better with liquid. Liquid foundations are far more diverse and work well for all skin types. These also tend to be a bit easier to blend than a cream, so they are good for people who are new to foundation.
Choosing the Right Shade
Making sure you have the correct foundation shade for your skin tone is important if you want to get the most out of your foundation. We first recommend purchasing your foundation in person if you can. This will allow you to test out the product on your skin before you make your purchase. When you go to test foundations, go to the store without any makeup on your face. Apply the shade you think is best directed to your face rather than your hand for the most accuracy. Wait a couple of minutes after you apply the sample and observe how it looks again. Some foundations will oxidize more than others once they dry so make sure it still matches your skin once it’s settled.
If you have decided to purchase a foundation online, make sure the store has a fair return policy should you need to exchange your shade for a different one.
How to Prep for Foundation
How you prepare your skin for makeup will play a large part in how much you get out of your foundation. Foundation should always be applied to clean and moisturize skin. You should also exfoliate a few times a week to ensure that the surface of your skin is as even as possible. Start with a makeup primer before applying your foundation. This will give the product a base to hold onto so you will not have to touch up or reapply throughout the day.
Applying Foundation Correctly
Foundation looks best when applied with a flat top brush. If you have been using a makeup sponge for foundation, switching to a brush will help you conserve more of the product. Sponges like the beauty blender are good at absorbing liquids, so you may end up losing product this way. Start with a small amount of foundation and apply it first to the center of your face. Then using your brush, blend the foundation outward using a gentle sweeping motion. Make sure you are blending the foundation down past your jawline to avoid any obvious makeup lines. Use concealer after you apply foundation to any stubborn areas.
How to Set Your Foundation
Once you have your foundation blended and applied to your liking, it's time to set it. If you applied your foundation correctly, you shouldn’t need more than a translucent powder to finish your look. Applying anything else that has pigment to your skin can result in a cakey or heavy appearance. Once you have your eyes and face makeup done, you can complete your routine with a setting spray. This will help lock everything in and keep the makeup in place.
Make the Most of Your Products
You’ll never stress about splurging on foundation again now that you know the tricks to make the most out of this staple product. So go out and buy that nice foundation you’ve been eyeing, you won’t regret it.
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