I get a few questions over and over. The most popular question is how to get a flawless face. There is something about great skin that sets a great canvas for anything else you artfully place on top.
The answer to this simple question can be summed up with a few simple factors:
Clear Canvas, Beautiful Art
When I get asked about foundation, invariably I roll back to skin care. I never talk to clients about makeup without talking, first, about the canvas – a beautiful slate of skin.
How you treat your skin will make a huge impact on the overall outcome of your look. So let’s be real; like anything else you have to know and love the skin you are in. Get to know your skin and find out how it likes to be treated.
Oily, Dry of Combo Skin – Your skin care routine will be contingent upon what skin type you have. Regardless, find a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer that works for you. Then, be consistent in the way you care for your face.
I love the following products and have found them essential to my beauty routine:
- Coconut Oil – MUST BE COLD PRESSED AND ORGANIC. This is , without a doubt, the absolute best cleansing oil I have ever used! I love this one!
- Micellar Water – The French got it right with Bioderma! I love this micellar water and have not found a comparable one in the drug store. It is perfect for every day washing or for cleaning up makeup mistakes.
- Moisturize! Please. I love this one, also French. While there are several great moisturizers, this one works for everyone. Also, a kit essential for me.
- Makeup Primer – While not essential, this product does amazing things toward having great looking base and long-wearing makeup. Try this delicious smelling citrus version and you will be spoiled forever!
- Hydrating Facial Mist – Roses are just a part of ME spoiling ME! This relaxing and moisturizing mist will make you feel like you took yourself out for a date too. If you love roses as much as I do, go get yourself a bottle to mist your face with after cleansing!
Although this is the most boring part of the foundation routine, and seems like it lacks artistic luster, it is key so do not skimp – a bit.
Luminous skin
Luminous skin has always been a sign of healthy youthful skin. Enjoy it while you are young? Has your skin started dulling? There are lots of serums to bring back the healthy glow, but until you are sheening again, find products that give you a little glow. I really love Loreal Magic Lumi Primer or mix a few drops of Temptu highlighter into your foundation for a subtle boost. For more on luminous skin, check this blog post by Amrezy.
Get Primed
Priming skin is serves several purposes:
- Fills pores and turns your skin into silky smooth surface one which to place your foundation.
- Serves as a barrier between your precious skin and your foundation.
- Creates a lasting environment to prolong to wear of your foundation.
You are sure to love the following primers:
- Laura Geller, Spackle (for priming and pore filling)
- NYX, Angel Veil (for priming and pore filling, very economical)
- NYX, Pore Filler (for more attention to pores)
- Benefit, Porefessional (higher end help for pores)
- Smashbox, Photofinish Primer (oil free)
Color
Color is key. Lots of theories here, but I am a purist; go get color checked at a Sephorah store or color matched at a MAC counter. Feel free to find foundation color dupes! Good foundation does not have to break the bank, try one of these quality drugstore bases.
- L’Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation – great for luminous skin; dewy finish
- L’Oreal Infallible Foundation – Super long wearing with a demi-matte finish (one of my favorites).
- Revlon Colorstay – Will stay through all kind of weather. A staple of my kit.
- L’Oreal True Match – with one of the most wonderful color ranges, there is a shade for everyone. The finish is also truly beautiful.
Yes, I love L’Oreal. Is it that obvious? HAHA!!
Dimension
For once, do not take things at face value. Still feel pale? Faux your fawn; warm up your face with a little bronzer (these are some of my faves) over the bridge of your nose and around your hairline. Feel a little sullen? Brighten things up with brightening pen or highlight the high points of your face using a highlighter (here is a delicious one) a few shades brighter than your foundation.
Contour, but don’t get crazy. Likelihood is, you are not working under studio light or getting snapped up by the paparazzi. So, you will need a more natural contour. Try this palette for the most blendable and flexible set of products. This will build depth back in after foundation while not adding a cakey texture.
Word to the wise
Go easy on the powder. Easy.
Nothing ruins good face faster than some powder keg. If your foundation is well suited to your skin, all you will need is a light dusting. Past your contour and highlight, you should not need many more powder products. If you have no allergies, try a lighter and silkier setting powder with a non-colored composition to finish your flawless face. To knock the powdery finish off of your makeup, mist with a primer water or moisture mist!
As always, be playful, experiment, find what works for you and have fun. It is makeup, not a masters degree.
Love and Light,
That Basic Chic
Great post, have you tried the beauty blender for your foundation or do you stick to brushes? Zoe, zoebeautyblog.com xx
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I have used brushes and a Beauty Blender. I like both, but prefer brushes. Brushes really allow a more skin-like texture and tend to minimize product usage. I also love the appearance of buffed-in foundation. ..While allowing stippling for a small troubled area that might need more coverage.
Beauty blenders are great for studio work because they really eliminate a lot of (fine line and pore filling) editing.
The caveat to that is the wearability of makeup tends to be extended with the use of brushes because beauty blenders tend to pack makeup on, which I feel also causes more creasing and caking.
What about you?
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Starting with skin care is so true! I didn’t realize this until much more recently than I care to admit :). When I take care of my skin, I definitely notice the difference!!
Also, back when I first started getting into makeup, I read Kevin Aucoin’s book, Making Faces. I loved the contouring he did and decided to try it myself. I quickly learned that you cannot use this in your every-day life! I DO use a little bit of countouring, but too much just makes me look like I don’t know how to blend my makeup!
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