If applied correctly, liquid foundations can give you a very nice finish and natural shine without makeup! Liquid foundation can be a little tricky to apply at first, but with a little practice, you'll have flawless looking skin in minutes. This article will teach you three different ways to apply liquid foundation. Fingers work best if you want a lighter, natural finish. Use a sponge or foundation brush to create a thicker layer and give a glamorous, camera-ready finish.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Applying Liquid Foundation with Fingers
Step 1. Clean and moisturize your face
Makeup should always be applied to a clean canvas. Wash your face using your regular cleanser and pat it dry. If you have dry skin, apply a moisturizer and wait a few minutes before applying foundation to let the moisturizer do its work.
If you are in a hurry or have applied too much moisturizer, blot your face with a tissue to remove excess moisture before applying foundation
Step 2. Dispense a small amount of foundation onto the palette of your choice
You can use the back of your hand, a small plate, or even a folded cloth. Don't spend too much. You can always add more later.
Step 3. Dip your finger into the foundation, and start applying it to your face
Start with two patches on the forehead, two on each cheek, one on the nose, and one on the chin. Just a little is enough for liquid foundation, and you can later add more to the areas where more is needed.
Step 4. Use your fingertips to blend the foundation into the skin
Use either a patting/pressing motion with only the pads of your fingers, or make small, light circles with your fingertips. Start with areas that tend to have the most uneven skin tone (nose, cheeks, and forehead for most people) and work your way up from there.
- Mix the foundation a little at a time, not rubbing, and certainly not "smearing" a lot.
- If you need more coverage, add more foundation to the face one dab at a time.
Step 5. Blend the edges
Carefully blend your foundation into your jawline, hairline, and around your ears to avoid leaving streaks of different colors.
- If you have a sponge, use it to blend the foundation on your jaw using short downward strokes.
- If you notice different discoloration on your jawline, you may need a different shade of foundation.
Step 6. Set the foundation
Wait 2-3 minutes for the foundation to dry. If it still feels damp, gently press your face with a tissue. Apply another make-up, then set your foundation with a translucent finish. Apply a gentle powder with a sponge, and your makeup will last all day!
Method 2 of 3: Applying Liquid Foundation with a Sponge
Step 1. Choose the right sponge
The most popular sponges for applying liquid foundation are egg-shaped blending sponges made of antimicrobial foam. Both, both branded and general are usually available at the nearest pharmacy or cosmetic store.
Step 2. Clean and moisturize your face
Use the product you normally use, and allow a few minutes for the moisturizer to fully absorb.
For a completely flawless, smudge-free finish, you can also apply the main makeup at this stage
Step 3. Wet the sponge
Submerge the sponge completely in the water, and squeeze it a few times to make sure it's completely saturated. Then squeeze the sponge so it's still damp, but not soaking wet. You can wrap the sponge in a towel or washcloth and squeeze it quickly to remove excess water.
Step 4. Pour a small amount of foundation onto the palette of your choice
You can use the back of your hand, a small plate, or a folded cloth. Don't spend too much. You can always add more later.
Step 5. Dip the sponge base lightly into the foundation
Sweep back and forth several times, until the surface of the sponge is covered with a light and even layer of foundation.
Step 6. Lightly sweep the foundation onto the face using a sponge
Start around the nose and cheeks, and continue to apply in small, fast sweeping motions until the coverage is evenly distributed over the entire face.
Remember to use a light touch, you're not trying to rub the foundation off, just spread it evenly
Step 7. Use the pointed end of the sponge on areas that need more coverage
Use bouncing motions (short, short affixes) to apply and blend additional foundation. You can also easily apply foundation under your eyes using the tip of the sponge in a rolling motion.
Step 8. Blend the edges
Again, use a bouncing motion to blend the foundation along the hairline, jawline, and ears. You can also use the tip of the sponge and use short downward strokes to blend around the jawline.
Step 9. Set the foundation
Wait 2-3 minutes for the foundation to dry. Blot the face with a tissue, if needed, and apply other makeup. Then gently apply a translucent finish with a sponge, or bristle brush, and get ready to receive a barrage of compliments!
Step 10. Clean your sponge
When you're done, rinse the sponge thoroughly with water, wring it out, and let it air dry. You should also clean the sponge with a mild soap or shampoo regularly. Apply a small amount of soap, shampoo, or brush cleaning product, and wring the sponge a few times until it's nice and lather. Then rinse until no more bubbles appear, and allow to air dry.
Method 3 of 3: Applying Liquid Foundation with a Foundation Brush
Step 1. Choose the right brush
While many types of brushes can be used to apply foundation, the best choice is a compact brush with a flat tip that is specially designed for applying foundation.
Step 2. Prepare your skin
Clean and moisturize your face using the product you normally use. Allow a few minutes for the moisturizer to fully absorb, and carefully blot any excess moisture with a tissue.
For a flawless finish, you can also apply a makeup primer at this stage
Step 3. Pour a small amount of foundation onto the palette
You can use the back of your hand, a small plate, or a folded cloth. Spread the foundation with your fingers so you have an even, thick layer to dip your brush in.
Step 4. Dip the tip of the brush into the foundation
You only want to use the tips of the bristles. Do not dip the brush or press it into the foundation.
Step 5. Apply foundation to face
Start using circular bouncing motions, starting at the nose, then moving to the cheeks, chin, and forehead using small circular motions. Sweep out of these central areas towards the edges of the face using short, short strokes in the same direction.
Remember to use a light touch, you want to work the foundation into the skin with a brush, not paint over it
Step 6. Blend the edges
Continue to use bouncing motions to blend the foundation along your hairline, jawline, and ears.
Step 7. Set your foundation
Wait 2-3 minutes for the foundation to dry. Absorb with a tissue, if necessary, and apply other makeup. Then gently apply a translucent finish with a sponge, or bristle brush, and get ready to get a barrage of compliments!
Step 8. Clean the brush
Wrap and press the brush with a paper towel to remove any remaining foundation. Clean your brushes once a week using a mild shampoo or brush cleaner.
Step 9. Done
Tips
- Make sure your hands are clean before applying any foundation or makeup.
- Always blend foundation thoroughly; Blending is the key to achieving a smooth and natural look.
- Apply concealer after you apply foundation to avoid using more makeup than necessary.
