When it comes to applying foundation, it's all too easy to end up with dodgy tide marks, cakey cheeks and a patchy finish, aka not what we're aiming for. With foundation now competing against an abundance of traceless skin tints, BB creams and tinted moisturisers, mastering the art of the classic coverage has never been more important. Not to mention, the application options are endless.
From classic flat brushes and duo-fibre stipplers to velvet sponges and even your own hands, choosing which tool to opt for when layering your base can be tricky. Guiding us through the process? MAC Global Senior Artist, backstage pro and Glow Up judge, Dominic Skinner, and celebrity make-up artist royalty, Katie Jane Hughes.
So, whether you're looking to level up your brush game or your go-to tool is your fingertips, this is how to apply foundation flawlessly.
How to prep your skin for foundation
If you're looking for a believable, skin-like base, it's no secret that looking after your canvas is key. Any good make-up artist would agree that their job begins long before the coverage comes out.
'I think skin prep is more important than the foundation formula,' says Hughes. 'If you know that your skin is dry, then you need to supplement with rich face creams and serums, if you know you're oily, you need to go for a gel and lightweight texture.'
With more modern foundation formulations on the market, you can now even incorporate your skincare into your foundation, too. Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help care for your skin while you wear your foundation.
'Skin prep starts at cleansing,' adds Skinner. 'Make sure you're using a cleanser that suits your skin and its needs; the serums and moisturisers can then do their job properly. People overlook the power of cleansing oils. They are brilliant for cleansing and refreshing the skin without drying it out. Making sure the skin is as healthy and as hydrated as possible helps to deliver a better looking base.'
How To Apply Foundation
When it comes to applying your foundation, it's important to note that every tool carries its own pros and cons.
'I’ve been known to use all different tools for applying foundation, even fingers,' says Skinner. Sponges are a great way of building coverage in a smooth, flawless way. Brushes come in many different versions however they tend to allow you to layer and build a softer looking coverage. Whereas fingers give you more control and your able to really push the product into the skin creating a more real-looking texture while placing coverage where you want it.'
How to apply foundation... with your fingers
For those of us who prefer to get to grips (literally) with applying foundation, using your fingertips is a totally legit method for getting that perfect finish.
'If you notice streaks from your foundation application it will most likely be down to applying too much too quickly,' says Skinner. 'Try applying lots of small layers instead of one thicker layer. This will give you more control over where the coverage should go and also give you a more stable base resulting in longer-lasting foundation.'
How to apply foundation... with a brush
If using your hands to apply make-up isn't your vibe, there are a ton of brushes that make it look like a total breeze. Control how much foundation you apply by pumping a few drops onto the back of your hand and then take it onto your brush from here. Then, sweep onto your face.
'I apply foundation onto my hand first, then I really force it into the bristles; I call this priming the brush,' explains Hughes. 'That way when I apply it to my skin, I don't have to blend it. It's just applying it like it's in a paintbrush.'
ELLE Edit: Foundation Brushes
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7
Vieve 117 Foundation Brush
Glossier Stretch Face Brush
Bobbi Brown BOBBI BROWN Full Converage Face Brush
How to apply foundation... with a blender or sponge
If fingertips or a foundation brush aren't your choice of applicator then a beauty blender or sponge could be the one for you.
'I like to use my sponge after using a brush, as this really helps the foundation settle and achieve a flawless finish,' says Baffour.
'I find that only using a sponge soaks up too much product and works best as a perfecting tool. Ultimately, always make sure that your sponge is slightly damp and not too wet. If there is too much water in your sponge, it can leave patches in your foundation.'
ELLE Edit: Foundation Sponges
Clé de Peau Beauté The Sponge
Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge
Beauty Blender Original Sponge
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
How to apply foundation... for a dewy finish
When it comes to our foundation finish, most of us are aiming to achieve an elusive, lit-from-within glow. But how do you keep things dewy and fresh rather than sweaty and shiny? Keep scrolling...
'For a dewy finish, I always recommend applying your foundation with a damp foundation sponge,' advises Skinner. 'MAC Fix+ Magic Radiance is perfect for this: simply spray the Fix+ directly onto the sponge and squeeze the sponge to work the Fix+ through. Magic Radiance contains hyaluronic acid and essential oils, so not only will your foundation go on with added glow, but it will also fix your foundation for a longer-lasting finish.
Pro tip? Pump a little foundation onto the sponge and bounce the sponge over the skin. By bouncing the sponge, you’ll get a flawless clean finish.
'Placement of your product is key,' Hughs adds. 'If you're using a product like Glossier Future Dew, for example, I wouldn't put it over the entire surface of the face. I'd use it as a pre-highlighter highlighter, and then apply foundation strategically on top.'
Editors On: Dewy Foundations
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
How to apply foundation... for a matte finish
Not all of us are totally obsessed with achieving a luminous complexion, so if a matte finish is what you're after, here's how to get it just right.
'My top tip for matte foundation is to buff the base on with a fluffy brush,' says Skinner. 'By applying it in circular brush strokes the foundation will apply smoother and will not leave streaks as it sets. This circular technique is also great to polish the foundation so you can have the matte without the flat!'
Hughs notes that a large eyeshadow brush will also be your best friend for strategic powdering.
Editors On: Full-Coverage Foundations
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
Nars Light Reflecting Foundation
KVD Beauty Good Apple Full-Coverage Serum Foundation
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation
How to apply foundation... for a long-lasting finish
If you're applying your foundation first thing in the morning, then ideally you want it to stay put for the rest of the day. But, between sweat, humidity, oily skin and oxidisation, the foundation slip and slide can mean by the time you leave the office you're bare-faced all over again.
'Foundation breakdown is a result of not enough hydration in the skin meaning that the base isn’t drying out on the skin,' advises Skinner. 'If the foundation becomes too dry then it doesn’t have anything to adhere to the skin so will float away. Try using more hydrating primers like MAC Studio Radiance Moisturising and Illuminating Silky Primer. This primer not only gives the skin added moisture, but it also grabs hold of the foundation and leaves the skin with a beautiful glow.'
