You don’t climb a mountain from the top. That’s pretty obvious. You have to have a starting point for pretty much everything you do in life and then work your way up. Well, the same goes for your makeup routine.
First, comes the primer then the foundation. Next in line is your concealer, setting powder, some eye shadow. Finally comes the finish the look with some eyeliner, and you’re set to go — pretty basic stuff for any makeup routine.
But imagine if you got your foundation all wrong. It would be pretty hard to bounce back. Having the right foundation sets you up for the look you’re going for. That’s why it’s so important to start your routine with the correct foundation application by following these hacks and tips.
Find the Right Kind of Foundation for Your Skin Type
Here’s a quick intro to skin types. There are four types, namely dry, oily, normal, and combination skin. Your skin type plays a significant part in what kind of foundation you can use.
In case you don’t know what your skin type is, take the tissue test to find out. Firstly, clean your face with a cleanser then pat it gently with a towel to dry it off. Leave your face unmoisturized for about an hour then take a piece of tissue and blot it on all areas of your face. If after blotting you notice that your T-zone is still oily while the rest of your face remains dry, then chances are you have combination skin.
The best foundation for combination skin should add moisture to your face without making your T-zone shinier. It should also blend easily on your face without leaving streak marks, thereby giving a more natural look. A well-blended foundation has the added advantage of looking less cakey, enhancing a seamless final look. Avoid the scenario of your foundation gathering into dry little patches by picking the ideal foundation.
Pick a Concealer That Works
You just had the most peaceful night’s rest. You wake up and think that nothing could wreck your day. Looking in the mirror, there they are, tucked away underneath your eye. A little platoon of pimples.
Chances are you’ve had that type of experience at some point, but it’s nothing to fret over. Get some under-eye concealer to make those pesky pimples disappear. For the right kind of concealer, look for something that doesn’t crease easily. Doing so ensures that those blemishes are hidden away for longer. Use a conservative amount of foundation then add on top of it a concealer to finish off your look.
Keep It Light
Makeup is fundamentally an art, and art is something that can’t be rushed. That’s why the foundation is best applied in layers rather than unloading it all at once. Thin and light layers allow you to assess your work as you go along. That way, if your foundation starts to get flaky in certain areas, you can go back and redo it.
If you notice that you have sensitive skin, then taking a light approach could manage your issue. Go slow and only add foundation to areas that need it. That way, your face won’t feel too suffocated, and your skin can breathe a bit easier.
Go Liquid
Liquid foundations have a considerable advantage over their powdery counterparts. They’re the most popular foundations found on the market and come in oil-based, water-based and cream-based options. Liquid foundations are more comfortable to apply than powdered ones, and they provide a basis on which to build on since they replicate your skin’s natural texture.
While applying your liquid foundation, make use of a slightly damp sponge. A slightly wet sponge will even out the coverage of the foundation while allowing the product to spread out evenly. Run the sponge under your neck and chin to fully integrate your foundation. A damp sponge is an ideal way to reduce the chances of your foundation caking.
Exfoliate Before Application
There’s a lot that goes on when it comes to your face. Skin cells die, oil gets produced, and pores get blocked. Exfoliation helps to effectively eliminate all the stuff that accumulates on your skin and makes sure that the surface is in a prime position to take on the foundation.
When exfoliating, you may opt for a chemical or a physical exfoliant to eliminate dead skin cells. Removal of all the gunk on your face helps to keep your foundation from caking in bumpy areas of your face.
Moisturize
A moisturizer goes beyond its general purpose of hydrating your skin. By using a moisturizer, you create an excellent base for your makeup. Why is that? Moisturized skin is like a blank canvas on which you can bring to life a beautiful look.
Make use of a moisturizer that hydrates as well as giving your skin a more polished look. Make use of a bit of moisturizer after applying your foundation. Use a swab to dab some moisturizer over areas that feel drier. This easy exercise smooths out the makeup and keeps your foundation from crumpling up.
Oil Up Under Your Foundation
Before laying on your foundation, try rubbing a slight amount of facial oil on your face. Give it a minute or so to get there and then apply your foundation. Facial oil is a great way to prep your face for a makeup session. So how does it work?
Well, facial oils tend to come from natural plant oils, and this allows them to absorb into the skin. They then hydrate as they get absorbed, and this gives a perfect base to apply your foundation. You’ll want to refrain from rich, heavy creams that tend to sit on your face and cause your foundation to slide around and cake up potentially.
So, there you have it. These are essential pieces of advice to help you maneuver the sometimes murky waters of cakey foundations. Pick one or two of these tips and give them a try then see your cakey foundations become a thing of the past.
