Many women shy away from using foundation, mostly because they don't know how to choose and apply it. Here are five steps from start to finish to achieve a flawless look.

FIND THE RIGHT SHADE

This is the most important step to a natural looking finish. Too many women choose a shade that is too dark. Remember, your foundation should match your skin as closely as possible. Its purpose is not to make you look tan.

To get the perfect shade, first determine if your skin is fair, medium, or dark.  Also consider the undertones of your skin. Most women have yellow undertones to their skin, while others have pink . You want the undertone of the foundation to match the undertone of your skin. However...I would caution those with pink undertones to try a foundation with a yellow undertone because sometimes adding a foundation with pink in it can make you look too pink.

Now, pick three shades that you think come closest to matching the tone of your skin. You cannot judge the true shade of foundation based on the color in the container. To get exactly the right fit, you must blend it into your skin. If you can get samples of the shades you are considering, all the better. If not, you may have to purchase them all and return those that aren't right.

Avoid testing foundation colors under artificial light like fluorescent. For the truest light, grab a hand mirror and position yourself in front of a window. This natural light will give you the truest representation of color.

The right shade should disappear into your skin and look natural. What you DON'T want is the "mask" effect--a foundation a shade or more darker than your neck.

FIND THE RIGHT FORMULA

It’s important to choose a foundation that is made for your skin type. Is your skin oily? Then look for foundations that are oil-free. Cream to powder foundations, which typically come in compact form, are a very good choice too.

Dry skin needs the extra moisture that a cream or whipped foundation provides. These formulas also tend to provide a little more coverage. Liquid foundations that hydrate your skin for several hours after application are also an option.

Normal skin will find a liquid foundation to suit them best. Look for foundations that do not have oil added. If you want a sheer coverage look for dual coverage foundations that can be used with a damp sponge or dry as a powder.

Regardless of your skin type, look for foundations labeled non-comedogenic. This hard-to-say phrase simply means that it doesn’t clog your pores, which could lead to blemishes. It’s also a good idea if the foundation has gone through testing for skin irritancy and allergy.

PREPARE YOUR SKIN

Okay…you’ve got the right shade and you’ve settled on the formula. Now let’s put that foundation where it belongs: on your face.
But not so fast. Is your face ready?

Make sure your skin is clean. If not, go grab your cleanser!
Once cleansed, apply a thin layer of your usual moisturizer and…wait. Allow several minutes for your moisturizer to be absorbed into your skin.

Now your skin is primed and ready to 

APPLY THE FOUNDATION

Repeat after me: Less is more. Less is more…

Use foundation sparingly or you’ll end up with a cakey mess that looks anything but natural.

If you’re using a liquid foundation, dispense an amount into your hand the size of a pea. For cream foundation, use a little less. (We’ll get to the Cream to powder users soon. )

Using your index finger put a dot of foundation on the center of your forehead, one dot in the center of each cheek, a dot on your chin, and a tiny dot on your nose. Now gently blend the foundation in with your fingers using upward and outward strokes. Be gentle! No need to stretch the skin or push hard.

If your skin tone is fairly even, use foundation only on the areas that need evening out.

For Cream to Powder foundation, use a sponge and drag it gently across the foundation. Use the same gently, upward and outward strokes and blend evenly.

Should you use a sponge to apply foundation? Well, that’s really up to you. Some people find it easier to control and reach tight areas with a sponge. Others like to blend with their fingers because the warmth from their hands helps to blend the foundation. Apply foundation with a cosmetic sponge for the most even application. You also use less foundation this way. Run sponge under water and squeeze out until it is just lightly damp. For a little more coverage use the sponge dry.
 
Now look in the mirror. Did you blend well so there are no streaks? Do some areas need a little more coverage? A little less? Go ahead and adjust as needed. When you’re finished, your skin should have an even tone and there should not be a visible line where your foundation ends, at your jaw line, and your neck.

Yea! All done.

Not so fast…

SET YOUR FOUNDATION

Now that your face looks great, help keep it that way longer by setting your foundation.

Find a loose or pressed powder that matches your foundation as close as possible. You’re going to apply a light dusting over your foundation.
For loose powder, dip the tip of a powder brush in the powder and then tap gently to release the excess. Use downward strokes to apply the powder. Don’t go crazy and apply too much or you will look unnatural.

Remember…less is more.
 
For pressed powder, drag the applicator puff across the surface and pick up a light amount. Use the same downward strokes to apply.
Not only does this light application of powder keep your foundation looking great, it is also the perfect base for your cheek color. Ever apply blush and end up with two ugly, dark streaks instead? Face powder provides the smooth, silky base for your cheek color to slip on lightly, evenly and effortlessly.

Use these tips and you will always put your best face forward!

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