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How-To (Beauty)
Foundation That Flatters How to look like you've got perfect skin—not perfectly applied makeup.
Less is more, of course: Real skin is almost always prettier than layers of makeup. But people rarely wear foundation simply to enhance an already flawless complexion. While it can mute redness and even skin tone, foundation can't erase breakouts, dark circles, or freckles—all those are best spot-covered with concealer. "For the most natural face, use as sheer a formula as you can, and get extra coverage where you need it with concealer," says makeup guru Bobbi Brown. "It seems like extra product, but it actually looks like less."
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If your skin is…
Dry
"Bring in moisture to every step of your routine," says makeup expert Sylvie Chantecaille. "The right foundation builds in comfort, hydration, and a beautiful dewy glow."Normal
"You have choices," says Giorgio Armani makeup artist Tim Quinn. "If you're feeling confident, go lightweight. Or, if your skin isn't at its best, use a sheer cream-to-powder and build up coverage."Oily
Layer a mattifier underneath if you tend to get super-shiny, but keep it to your T-zone.Dark
1. To avoid ashiness, go for warm, bronzy undertones and avoid titanium dioxide, which leaves a whitish cast.2. Creams hold up better than liquids on darker skin—the pigments are richer
Medium
Stick to foundations with yellow undertones; pinks are fine for blush and lipcolor, but not in your base.Pale
Go for an ultra-sheer formula that isn't too golden. "You can really detect foundation on porcelain types," New York makeup artist Carmindy says. "You want the least coverage possible."2
How to apply it:
For a matte finish: Apply foundation with a sponge, working in a circular motion. Start sheer and build as you need.
For a super-even look: Use a foundation brush—makeup pros swear it perfects like no other technique: Use the brush to put on the color and to blend.
For the most natural: Use your fingers, again in a circular motion. For blotting oil: Brush on powder only in the T-zone—or use oil-absorbing papers. "You don't need to 'set' foundation anymore," notes Quinn.
For a super-even look: Use a foundation brush—makeup pros swear it perfects like no other technique: Use the brush to put on the color and to blend.
For the most natural: Use your fingers, again in a circular motion. For blotting oil: Brush on powder only in the T-zone—or use oil-absorbing papers. "You don't need to 'set' foundation anymore," notes Quinn.
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Midday skin reviver!
It's 4PM and suddenly you look less than fabulous. The temptation to put on more makeup should be resisted: Instead, take a few drops of face oil, rub it between the tips of your fingers, and pat your face lightly wherever it feels dry. This, amazingly, doesn't mess up makeup and leaves your face remarkably fresher and dewier. It even works for oily skin!
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4 ways to use less foundation
1. Even your skin with liquid bronzer or self-tanner before you put on any makeup. "I'm a big fan of this trick," says Brown.
2. Use concealer to cover anything that needs actual concealing.
3. Keep two shades on hand and custom-blend as your skin tone changes. "Most women get a different color just from being outside in the summer," adds Brown. "As your tan fades, mix the two."
4. Don't attempt to hide your freckles.
2. Use concealer to cover anything that needs actual concealing.
3. Keep two shades on hand and custom-blend as your skin tone changes. "Most women get a different color just from being outside in the summer," adds Brown. "As your tan fades, mix the two."
4. Don't attempt to hide your freckles.
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