Follow the instructions on your exfoliator’s packaging to ensure that you use it properly. Don’t scrub your face too roughly with the exfoliating cleanser or you may end up with red, irritated skin that will be more difficult to cover up. Pat your face with a clean towel after rinsing the cleanser to avoid irritating your skin.
If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free moisturizer to help keep your foundation and other face makeup from fading and melting off.
As with the moisturizer, choose an oil-free primer if you have oily skin. If you have dry skin, look a primer that says it is hydrating or moisturizing on the product. It will add even more moisture to your skin so your makeup won’t cling to dry patches.
If you have dry skin, you may prefer a demi-matte or satin finish foundation. That will help keep your skin from looking too dull or flat.
Remember—many of the airbrushed celebrities you see on the red carpet are using a lot less makeup than you think since they take a lot off during the blending process. [6] X Expert Source Joseph HarwoodBeauty, DEI & Social Media Expert Expert Interview. 16 March 2022. If you have a lot of discoloration, scarring, or acne that you need to cover up, you may prefer using a full-coverage foundation. You won’t need to apply as many layers or as much concealer if your foundation covers well.
Be sure to dampen your sponge with water before using it to apply your foundation. That keeps it from absorbing too much product and allows it to really diffuse the makeup for a flawless look. Use the sponge to apply the foundation in a light layer over your entire face, even areas that are fairly even and clear. You can bounce the sponge over problem areas a second or third time for extra coverage, though. When you’ve finished applying your foundation, roll the sponge over your face on its side. That will pick up any excess makeup so it doesn’t look cakey. If you aren’t a fan of makeup sponges, you can use a dense foundation brush to buff the foundation into the skin. Just make sure to blend well to avoid streaks and achieve a smooth, even look.
For fair and light skin tones, use a peach color corrector. For medium and darker skin tones, use an orange color corrector. The warmth of your finger helps blend the corrector more seamlessly into your skin than a brush does.
While the color corrector can cancel out the darkness under the eyes, its orange or peachy tone doesn’t always blend completely into the skin. Adding the concealer on top helps camouflage it.
If you have dry skin, you don’t necessarily have to apply the powder all over your face. Dust it over any areas where you applied concealer and possibly your T-zone, or forehead, nose, and chin, which is most prone to getting shiny.
