Razzle Dazzle Foundation: The Art of Make-Up Application

Not every woman feels the need for foundation as part of her make-up routine. Those who are blessed with a naturally even skin tone, for instance, may prefer to skip right to the powder and continue from there. The art of applying make-up without foundation is usually practiced when the goal is to project a more natural appearance. However, when a more glamorous look is the target, foundation can definitely provide the base for a flawless face.

The trick to applying make-up is not applying as little as possible - it's applying as much as needed without the caked on appearance. Applying the right foundation correctly can enhance even the most impeccable complexion. Since there are so many textures of foundation to choose from, you may become overwhelmed when trying to decide which you should buy. I have found that soft, matte foundations work best with my skin. They don't dry up on my skin like a mud mask, so it's not a distraction.

I have noted that generally speaking, women with dry skin tend to gravitate toward water-based foundations, while those with oily skin choose drier foundations. However, choosing the texture of a foundation is totally a matter of preference and usually a trial-and-error process.

Creme-to-Powder foundations have become extremely popular because they cut out the intermediary, providing both foundation and powder in one. I'm a little old fashioned in that area because I would rather apply the foundation and then apply the powder on top. I like being able to actually see the transition from an unmade face, to a face with foundation, to a powdered face, and so on. The result is astonishing!

One thing to keep in mind when deciding to purchase a creme-to-powder foundation is that you have a smaller margin of error when picking out the color that most closely resembles your own. Although I try to find the color foundation that is closest to my skin tone (using the back of my hand as a point of reference), I will settle on a color that is just slightly darker than my own, knowing that my powder shade will brighten my face to my natural skin tone blending the color on my face with the color on my neck.

However, with creme-to-powder foundation, what you see is what you get - times two. That should not be a problem for the lot of the foundation-wearing public who would rather find that one perfect color than mix-n-match, anyway. The only problem is that it is hard for most to find their exact shade of foundation, so mix-n-matching foundation and powder is the most realistic option for many.

After you have chosen your best foundation, you want to apply in a manner that gives you maximum coverage. Here are a few tips to follow that will do just that:
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Fingers tend to be the most precise method of applying makeup simply because you guide them!
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Use minimal pressure when applying fingers or sponge to face.
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Apply dabs of foundation to six points of face - chin, both cheeks, nose and both sides of forehead.
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If applying manually, glide middle finger over skin to spread foundation - it is naturally the least abrasive to skin.
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Stroke in upward motion, against the pull of gravity. This discourages wrinkles.
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When applying any makeup to the bottom of eyes, strokes should begin from the bottom outside corners and move inward and upward.