A Foolproof Guide on How to Apply Foundation

Sporting a flawless makeup look starts with your base. Whether you consider yourself to be a makeup newbie or a veteran, not knowing how to apply foundation properly can make or break your beauty look. After all, you certainly don’t want cakey foundation. If you’re unsure about the best way to apply foundation, that’s where we come in! Keep reading as we give you the lowdown on how to apply foundation with a brush, a makeup sponge, and your fingers so you’ll have three different ways to create a flawless complexion in your repertoire.

HOW TO APPLY FOUNDATION WITH A BRUSH

When it comes to learning how to apply foundation, the first method that probably comes to mind is using a makeup brush. Makeup brushes come in handy to eliminate the risk of mess and help to lay product evenly on the skin for the seamless base you’re no doubt after. Follow our step-by-step routine to master how to use a foundation brush.

STEP #1: START WITH A CLEAN MAKEUP BRUSH

The worst thing you can do is use dirty makeup brushes on your face. Makeup tools come in contact with dirt, oil, and bacteria, and using them without washing first can cause blemishes to occur. Play it safe and clean your foundation brush regularly.

STEP #2: REACH FOR PRIMER

Makeup primers work wonders to create an even base for your foundation, help your makeup apply evenly, and allow your look to last all day. Kick things off by applying a primer, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer, to prep your face.

STEP #3: APPLY YOUR FOUNDATION

Since you’re sticking with a brush for your foundation application, liquid foundation is a natural choice. And this is how to apply liquid foundation seamlessly: Using the makeup brush of your choice (a stippling brush, an oval brush, a flat foundation brush, etc.), paint your face with a lightweight foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight. You’ll want to work the product onto your skin in short, downward strokes, making sure to blend evenly all around. This helps to ensure creases and lines are blended out for a skin-like finish.

STEP #4: REMOVE YOUR FOUNDATION

Once you’re ready to hit the hay, you want to completely remove your makeup. After all, taking your makeup off is a must for keeping your skin in tip-top shape. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes, which work to remove all makeup and nourish your skin for the perfect finish.

HOW TO APPLY FOUNDATION WITH A MAKEUP SPONGE

Another common way to apply foundation is to use a makeup blender. A great way to make sure you cover every inch of skin—even tricky spots like around your nose—it’s easy to see why makeup sponges are such a popular tool in the beauty world. Follow our tips below for even coverage.

STEP #1: START WITH A CLEAN MAKEUP SPONGE

You already know the drill! Only clean makeup tools should touch your face. So, grab the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender and make sure it is nice and clean before moving on to the next step.

Editor’s note: Need a little help? Read up on How to Clean Makeup Brushes and Blenders.

STEP #2: PRIME, PRIME, PRIME

We can’t say this enough, you should always use makeup primer to ensure that your foundation lays evenly for a flawless finish.

STEP #3: CREATE YOUR BASE

Now it’s time to apply your foundation! Since natural coverage is at the top of mind, you’ll want to use a formula like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Makeup to get the job done. Gently pour a small amount of the liquid formula onto your makeup blender and apply the product to your skin in rolling and dabbing motions. Use the pointed tip to cover hard to reach areas.

STEP #4: CATCH SOME Z’S WITH A CLEAN FACE

You know what’s next! Going to bed with makeup is an absolute no-no. Keep the process super simple and use a makeup remover like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types, which helps to lift and remove makeup without any rinsing.

HOW TO APPLY FOUNDATION WITH YOUR FINGERS

If you don’t have enough time to clean your makeup tools, applying foundation with your fingers isn’t a bad idea. Sure, things can get a little messy, but the end result is totally worth it. Keep reading to find out how to apply foundation with your fingers like a total pro!

STEP #1: WASH YOUR HANDS

Whether or not you’re applying makeup, you should wash your hands regularly to help keep bacteria at bay. And if you’re going to be touching your face to apply your foundation, clean hands are a must.

STEP #2: PRIME YOUR FACE

Next, you’ll want to prep your face with a layer of makeup primer.

STEP #3: PERFECT YOUR COMPLEXION

Get ready to sport a flawless visage! Using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Foundation Shaping Sticks, swipe the product onto your cheeks, chin, forehead, and under-eye area. Then use your index and middle fingers to dab and blend the foundation onto your skin.

STEP #4: REMOVE YOUR FACE MAKEUP

As always, play it safe and remove your foundation before you go to sleep.

Editor’s note: Using your fingers to apply stick foundation is great, but that’s not the only foundation formula you can use this method for. Liquid foundation also pairs well with your fingers in a pinch. The choice is all up to you!

Next up: Congratulations, you’ve learned the ins and outs of applying foundation! Ready for more makeup tips? Head on over to our article, How to Apply Highlighter, to take your makeup game to new heights.