The Foundation Application Mistakes You Want to Avoid

It’s no secret that when our skin looks good, we feel good. And while good skin is no doubt achieved through an effective skin care routine, the help of the right foundation can elevate it even more. But the truth is that many people make some vital mistakes when it comes to their foundation, and doing so can take away from a glowing complexion. If you’re a newbie to makeup, or you’re simply looking to up your makeup game in the hopes of sporting a naturally perfected complexion, keep reading, as we're sharing four major mistakes to avoid when applying foundation (and what to do instead). 

1. You're Choosing the Wrong Shade 

One of the hardest tasks when it comes to makeup is finding your foundation match, so it’s no wonder why this was the first mistake. It’s extremely common for people to choose a shade that’s significantly too dark for their skin, as well as too light. Oftentimes, people will choose a foundation that’s too dark for them because they want to look tan, but that's what bronzer is for. Going too dark on base products will just make you look orange or dull. 

In addition to finding a foundation shade that matches your skin color, matching your undertone is equally important. But many of us know that properly matching our undertones isn’t an easy feat. As a rule of thumb, if you have olive skin, you can go warmer with your foundation to avoid looking sallow, according to the pros. For anyone with too much redness, you’ll want to neutralize it with a neutral, or cooler shade. In photos and videos, it’s always more flattering to look cooler rather than warmer unless you happen to fall within the small population of people with truly green undertones. 

In order to nail your foundation match, avoid color matching on fleshy areas of the T-zone as this area fills with blood. For example, when you smile, the skin looks warm and would not be a great indicator for looking at your undertones. Color-matching in areas like your jaw or forehead can offer a more precise indicator of your tone. 

2. You're Not Prepping Your Skin 

While you may sing the praises of moisturizer for its ability to keep your moisture barrier healthy and your skin feeling hydrated, it works wonders for enhancing the appearance of your makeup too. So don't skip exfoliating and moisturizing if you want your foundation and concealer to look their best. 

3. You're Choosing the Wrong Formula 

Between the countless drugstore foundations on the market and luxury cosmetics options, selecting a formula that works for you can be overwhelming. To make it easy for yourself, assess the two basic foundation needs: coverage and finish. 

For example, if you have oily skin and want a full-coverage, matte foundation, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder. If you’re dry and prefer a light-coverage option with a luminous finish, go for L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation or L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation.

Editor’s tip: If you prefer to skip foundation altogether but want light, natural coverage try a skin tint like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. It evens out the complexion while letting features of your skin shine through.

4. You're Using Too Much  

When it comes to the actual application of foundation, some people love tons of coverage and they often add too much, making it appear heavy or cakey on the skin. The trick is to only layer additional coverage in spots where you need it. This is where concealer becomes your best friend, as it was made to do exactly this. Plus, professional makeup artists are leaning towards sheering out coverage so that freckles and other skin features can show through foundation for a fresh and modern look.

Next: How to Find Your Foundation Shade Match in 4 Easy Steps

Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn