Professional Makeup Artist Tricks

from makeup

Now that you've mastered the basics of foundation application, have are some insider tips from professional makeup artists.

Building on Foundation

This is simply applying another coat of foundation. Just as you would apply a second coat of paint when painting a house, you put on a second coat of foundation on your face. However, this isn't paint and you're not a house, so when you apply a second coat, you only want to add it where necessary (i.e., if you have red cheeks, apply the second coat there). After applying your first layer of foundation, wait a moment before applying the second layer so your skin has time to absorb the first coat. When applying the second coat, do not apply downward as you did with the first coat, as you're likely to rub off the first coat. Instead gently pat a small amount of foundation on to the necessary areas using quick, short taps, working slightly around the targeted area to ensure a nice blend.

Using Two Different Shades

When purchasing your foundation I generally recommend buying the next shade up or down as well (depending on what time of year it is). You're never just one colour throughout the year unless you're truly very good about staying out of the sun (using sunscreen, a hat, shades, and an umbrella regularly), which most of us aren't. You will more than likely get paler during the harsh winter months when the sun is not so strong and darker in the summer when sun is harsher and you're more likely to do outdoor activities. You can use the lighter foundation during the winter, the darker for summer, and mix the two for the months in between. Once you become more comfortable with applying foundation, you can use the different shades to add contour to your face. If you're using the lighter shade of foundation, use the darker under the cheekbones to define them. If you're using your darker shade use the lighter foundation along the middle of your nose as a highlighter. (This makes your nose look narrower without looking like you obviously thinned out your nose.)

Severe Acne

If you have severe acne or oily skin and everything slides off, try dusting on a full-coverage powder instead of foundation, then use a small brush to conceal excess redness.