No matter how perfect your smokey eye has turned out or how pretty the colour of your lipstick is, it will all go to waste if your base makeup looks streaky or cakey. Achieving flawless, natural-looking base is the key to master the art of makeup, but applying it incorrectly can make your skin look mature and tired.
Say no to tidemarks, patchy application and mismatched shades by finding out where exactly you’re going wrong and how to fix those foundation mistakes.
- Applying with your fingers
- Ignoring your neck
- Applying foundation immediately after moisturiser
- Using the wrong formula
- Using concealer before foundation
Applying with your fingers
This may seem like the fastest way to apply foundation, but using your fingers leaves harsh lines on the skin. This method of application makes your base makeup look blotchy and streaky. Instead use a damp beauty blender or a foundation brush for a more even and seamless finish.
Ignoring your neck
If you’re using a full coverage foundation, be sure that you apply some foundation on your neck as well. As your neck is usually slightly lighter than your face, not blending the foundation down your neck creates an obvious demarcation between the colour of your face and neck.
Applying foundation immediately after moisturiser
If you want to avoid a streak-free application, it is important to wait a little after applying your moisturiser to give it some time to dry. This will make the foundation adhere to your skin better and make it look more natural.
Using the wrong formula
If you have oily skin, powder foundation may seem like a smart choice, but let us tell you that it is not so. Powder foundations dry out the skin, look chalky, settle into wrinkles and look unnatural in pictures. If you are worried about oily skin, use a matte foundation to eliminate extra shine from your face. But don’t forget to use a compact at the end to keep your makeup in place.
Using concealer before foundation
All those makeup tutorials that tell you concealer goes before foundation have gotten it wrong. The point of a concealer is to provide extra coverage when your foundation isn’t enough. Therefore the correct way to go about it is by applying foundation and then using concealer to correct flaws.
Written by Urvi Dalal on May 17, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!