Basic makeup that helps support the appearance deserves extra attention. While it may seem simple, creating only a flat surface and hiding blemishes, in practice this job requires more attention. Once you understand the basics about skin tone and the properties of foundation and concealer, you can create beautiful makeup easily.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Foundation
Step 1. Find a color that matches your skin tone
Foundation should be as close to your natural skin tone as possible. When choosing a color sample, try a color that best matches your skin, plus one that is slightly darker and one that is lighter.
Most cosmetic products employ a numbering system to help you make your choice, but each system only applies to certain products. However, most cosmetic brands prefer a numbering from 10 to 50 or 1 to 10, and higher numbers are usually for darker skin
Step 2. Check the color hues that work for you
Most foundations target a specific color tone, which can be classified as “C” for cool (cold colors), “N” for neutrals, and “W” for warm (warm colors). Choosing the wrong color can make your makeup look pale gray or coppery. If you have dark skin, it is important to pay attention to this. The following tests can be applied to all skin tones:
- Examine skin without makeup, with the help of sunlight or neutral white light.
- Hold a piece of yellow cloth or gold jewelry under your chin. If this method makes your face look healthy and radiant, then you are suitable for warm tones.
- Hold a piece of red cloth or silver jewelry under your chin. If they both enhance your facial appearance, that means you're better suited to cool tones (which range from red to blue).
- If you can't tell the difference, it means you're more suited to neutral colors. You may need different colors of foundation for different parts of your face.
- If you want a quick, but unreliable test, check the veins on the inner wrist. Blue means a cool hue, green means warm, and bluish green means neutral.
Step 3. Test the foundation on the jaw and chest
This test is easier to do with a sample provided at a convenience store, but if you buy it at a drugstore, you can guess by sticking the bottle to your skin. People who love make-up have different opinions about the right place to test foundation, but each gives good reasons. If you want to be absolutely sure, do the two suggested tests:
- The jaw will be the edge of the foundation. If the color looks good in that area, you should have no trouble blending it in.
- The chest (if exposed to the sun) is usually similar in color to the skin on the face. Doing a test in this section also ensures that the color of the face will not be too different from the skin of the body.
Step 4. Do the test with the help of sunlight
If you're not going to spend the whole day under a brightly lit department store light, the colors you see in the store won't be the same colors you get. After applying the sample to the skin, leave the room with the mirror. A sample that blends in with skin tone so it's barely visible is the perfect foundation choice. Allow the foundation to soak into the skin for a few minutes before you do your assessment.
- If you're going to apply bronzer and blush, the end result will look darker than the foundation. To work around this, it would be better if you choose a color that is half or one shade lighter for the foundation.
- If you don't find a color that matches, mix the two foundations on top of the skin.
Step 5. Choose between powder and liquid foundation
Both have rabid followers and strong opponents. Learn the pros and cons of both so you can make a smart choice:
- Liquid foundation provides more control during the blending process. However, poor blending or imperfect color combinations can leave a clear line between facial skin and foundation. If you have oily skin, choose a foundation sample that is oil-free or non-comedogenic.
- Powder foundations (especially mineral powders) absorb oil and sweat, but they can give you a crusty appearance, and can even emphasize wrinkles and flaky skin. Use a light touch when applying powder foundation to minimize this effect.
Step 6. Consider the final result
After taking the time to choose your foundation, you have to make one final decision. The end result is a matter of personal preference, but you can follow some of these principles:
- Consider the final result. After taking the time to choose your foundation, you have to make one final decision. The end result is a matter of personal preference, but you can follow some of these principles.
- Matte foundations are perfect for controlling oily skin.
- A light foundation enhances the glow of the face and can help reduce wrinkles.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing a Blemish Cover
Step 1. Learn about the different types of blemishes
The form of blemish cam you choose will depend on your skin type and on what part of your face you will be using it:
- Liquid blemishes are a common choice, they cover acne and wrinkles very well.
- The blemish cams are rods and creams are thicker, which those with oily skin should be wary of. Use this blemish cam to treat major problems, such as dark circles under the eyes and very red patches.
- The stain disguiser is creamy, but close to powder, when applied like a cream, and dries quickly. A blemish mask like this is very handy if you have to fix your make-up in between activities, but it tends to crust over after a few hours.
Step 2. Choose a color that is close to the foundation
Blemish cams used to cover blemishes on the face should be as close as possible to the color of the foundation. If you're using a smudge mask to cover a fairly large blemishes, especially dark circles under your eyes, you can choose a shade one shade lighter.
Puffy eyes will look better with a slightly darker smudge mask, although that's a little hard to believe. The brain interprets dark areas as shadows, so swollen areas look more sunken than they really are
Step 3. Consider the final result
Smudge masks provide a variety of finishes, from matte to glossy. Non-matte camouflage should usually be finished with powder after application.
Step 4. Learn about color correction
Slightly tinted blemish cams are designed to cover discolored skin. The color chosen is based on the color wheel: two opposite colors will cancel each other out. If you want to cover up dark under-eye circles, blood vessels, or uneven skin tone, read the full guide or learn these basic rules:
- Cover the green areas with a red mask, and the red areas with a green mask.
- Cover the blue part with the orange stain mask, and vice versa.
- Cover the purplish part with a yellow camouflage mask, and vice versa.
- Dark circles under the eyes are usually a combination of blue, purple, and sometimes green. Experiment to find the right shade of orange, salmon, peach or coral for your skin.
Part 3 of 3: Applying Makeup
Step 1. Wash your hands
Use warm soapy water to wash your hands before handling makeup or touching your face. Dirty hands transfer bacteria to your face.
Step 2. Apply moisturizer on the face
Moisturizer will protect the skin and make makeup more natural. If moisturizer doesn't provide protection against the sun, apply sunscreen too.
You can apply a primer on top of your moisturizer, but this is optional. This step will be especially helpful for those with oily skin as it creates a smooth base for foundation
Step 3. Use a color-correcting concealer if necessary
If you want to cover dark under-eye circles, birthmarks, or other colored areas, apply a smudge mask of the opposite color on the color wheel. Blend in this colored stain mask, but don't expect the stain to be invisible right away. Foundation and concealer that matches your skin tone will hide it.
- When applying the concealer to the eye area, all you have to do is tap your fingertips, starting from the outside of your eyes and working your way up to your nose. You only need to apply it on the darkest part, then smooth it upwards in a sweeping motion to cover the entire area only lightly.
- This colored stain cam is the most difficult to apply. Practice with different amounts until you get satisfactory results.
Step 4. Sweep the foundation all over the face
Use a makeup sponge, fingertips, or (for liquid foundation only) a makeup brush. Sweep the foundation all over your face and blend until it's evenly distributed, being careful not to remove too much of the color mask. Stippling brushes are best suited for blending.
- If you are using a liquid foundation, warm the container by hand before using it.
- While many makeup enthusiasts apply the concealer first, this will only be a waste of time and product if the foundation removes most of the concealer. This can be avoided if you use a powder foundation, which should be applied on top of the concealer.
Step 5. Make adjustments
Check the jaw line. Usually if the blending technique is not correct, a clear boundary will appear. If you can see the outline, brush the foundation slightly below the jawline. If your foundation looks like it's moving anywhere, pat it off with a plain powder sponge. You only need a thin layer. All you need is a thin layer.
Step 6. Blur any blemishes or other dark spots
There's no rule against using a blemish mask all over your face, but you usually only need to apply it to areas with uneven skin tone, pimples, and other blemishes. Apply gently with your fingers, a blemish-covering brush, or sponge until you can't see the line between the blemish and the surrounding skin.
Step 7. Apply a thin layer of transparent powder on the face
Perform this step as soon as you apply the blemish mask for a beautiful matte finish that will last longer. You can skip this step if your face feels very dry because the powder can absorb moisture.
Step 8. Apply another make-up if necessary
Now that the concealer and foundation blend well, you're now ready to show off your natural look, or use it as a base to apply highlights, contour your face, and so on. Whatever your choice, enjoy a smooth, blemish-free facial appearance.
Tips
- Apply the stain mask lightly. A little will actually give a more beautiful appearance.
- Be aware that skin types can change throughout the year. Skin may be drier in cold weather and oilier in hot weather. Choose the type of foundation according to your needs.
- If you have sensitive or problematic skin, don't try to skimp on your foundation, as cheap brands can irritate your skin. A higher quality brand can actually improve the quality of the skin and does not cause irritation.
- You don't need to apply foundation all the way to your neck so that the color matches your face. If there is a difference in color, it means you are using a foundation that is too dark.
- If you're using a brush to apply your foundation, brush the brush over your face in quick, circular motions. Then use your finger to blend it. You will get a very natural and chic look!
- Don't touch your face all day. You can remove foundation and trigger acne breakouts.
- If you use a makeup brush to apply foundation, change it twice a year because of the build-up of oil and dirt. Most brushes can be washed with a mild liquid soap, rinsed thoroughly and dried by hanging upside down. Wash brushes at least once a week and wash sponges to apply foundation after each use.
- If you need to cover large areas of your face, use liquid foundation followed by powder foundation and then transparent powder. Using several types of foundation at the same time will provide maximum protection and coverage and create a more natural appearance than applying a single thick layer of foundation of a particular type.
