6 Tips for Applying Flawless Foundation From Bobbi Brown

Selecting your foundation will depend on your skin type and the sort of finish you prefer to see (matte, dewy, etc.), and the best way to apply foundation depends on the formulation. Whether your perfect foundation is a loose powder or a liquid, Bobbi has a few makeup tips for getting a flawless finish with foundation.

1. 1. Know your undertone. Bobbi’s test for finding the right shade of foundation is to apply it on the side of your face. If it disappears seamlessly into your skin, it’s the right color. Many foundation lines are organized by levels of undertones, so knowing your undertone (warm, golden, tan, olive, pink, neutral, etc.) will help you select the proper shade. (Your skin tone may differ quite a bit from winter to summer, so it’s not a bad idea to have a “summer shade” and a “winter shade”—which can be conveniently blended together to perfect your shade.)
2. 2. Focus on skincare. Foundation always looks best on skin that’s been properly cleansed and moisturized and is free of any flakes, dry patches, or texture. “You have to make sure that the skin is smooth—not dry, not oily,” Bobbi says. A good moisturizer will do the trick, and a dab of eye cream will fill in any fine lines around the eyes. For dry skin, go for a nourishing cream (you can even add a drop or two of face oil if your skin is extra parched), and if you have oily skin, opt for an oil-free moisturizer. You don’t need a lot, just enough to hydrate your skin and make it look refreshed. This will give you a good starting point to know where to place foundation; oftentimes well-moisturized skin looks fresh enough that you may realize you don’t need foundation all over your face, just in certain spots.
3. 3. Use the right tools. Your fingers are good for blending creamier foundations because the warmth from your fingers will melt the formula into your skin more seamlessly. A makeup sponge leaves a fresh, natural finish with cream and liquid foundation. Dampen the sponge before applying for a more sheer and natural finish, and build coverage by dabbing and blending over certain areas. A foundation brush is great if you’re going for full coverage or blending large areas and it’s easy for applying precisely around the nose and under the eyes.
4. 4. Seek out good lighting. Whatever tool you prefer, make sure you’re applying your foundation in good lighting. Natural light is best, but if it’s nighttime, bright, natural-toned light works as well.
5. 5. Treat dark circles and blemishes, but not the same way. Since under-eye shadows tend to have a bluish or purple cast, a pinky, peachy or yellow-toned under-eye concealer helps counteract that, no matter your skin tone. For pimples, choose a highly pigmented formula in a shade that matches your skin tone because anything lighter will draw attention to what you’re trying to conceal. A small concealer brush is best for blemish-concealing because your fingers may smudge it out of place. You’re going for precision here.
6. 6. Set your foundation. Once your foundation and concealer are on, you can use a fluffy powder brush to set them with a light dusting of face powder or setting powder. This will prevent your makeup from sliding around, and it’ll cut excess oil and shine. If you have oily skin, you don’t want to skip this step, but for drier skin (or if you’re going for a dewy look), you can target your powder placement with a smaller powder brush. If powder doesn’t work for you, you can also try setting spray.

Learn how to apply foundation with our guide here.

Whether you already know a blush brush from a bronzer brush or are simply looking for tips on bringing glamour into your daily routine, navigating the beauty industry takes knowledge, skill, and practical experience. No one knows their way around a makeup bag better than Bobbi Brown, the makeup artist who built a career and a multi-million dollar brand with one simple philosophy: Be who you are. In Bobbi Brown’s MasterClass on Makeup and Beauty, learn how to do the perfect smoky eye, find the best makeup routine for the workplace, and hear Bobbi’s advice for aspiring makeup artists.

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