So you’ve spend an inhuman amount of time doing research about base makeup and how to get that beautiful red carpet glow. Even though you’ve followed all the advice, it still just isn’t working. Here are some common mistakes, misconceptions, and application tips to set you up to win at flawless skin.
Skincare
The first thing you need to do is make sure your skin care routine is working for you. I think everyone already knows this, and you’re all going “duh,” but no really. Skin care. Be about it. We will be posting more about this in the future, but for now check out this great article for some basic tips.
Prime
Make sure you are applying moisturizer AND primer before you put on your makeup. Let each set for ten minutes before applying anything else over top. You want it to absorb into your skin. If you put anything else on top before that happens, your makeup will pill (clump).
Cover your bases
Make sure your skin makeup and primer all have the same base. This is very important. If you mix a silicone-based foundation with a water-base primer it will separate right there on your skin. Sounds complicated, right? If the ingredients on your product have words that end in “-cone” or “-siloxane,” that means it’s silicone based. If not, it’s water based. Still really complicated? Reddit user sunrisesunbloom put together a chart that will tell you which is which. She basically deserves a pat on the back from every makeup user ever.
Powder before foundation
The Wayne Goss Method, applying powder before foundation, has been touted by makeup enthusiasts and artists everywhere. His video is titled “This foundation tip can change your life!” and it’s absolutely true. Using the powder beforehand makes your makeup last longer, fills in pores, and you actually end up using less makeup in the long run. One of my favorite makeup sites, Pretty Girl Science, has a great tutorial and review of the Wayne Goss method–check it out!
Invest in a stippling tool
A stippling brush or a beauty blender. Dabbing, rather than using long strokes, makes for a more airbrushed finish. Using a buffing brush can pick up the small hairs that everyone has on their face, and make them stick straight up, which makes your makeup more noticeable. You won’t get that by stippling. With the beauty blender, the excess moisture is picked up by the brush, and the pigment remains on the skin. Peace out, cakeface.
Fixing spray
Using a fixing spray is different than a setting spray, in the sense that it does not add to the longevity of your makeup. Instead, it dissolves the microspheres in your powder, whether it be face powder or blush, and makes your face look more like skin and less like makeup. A cult favorite is MAC Fix +.
Have a top secret tip to perfect skin? Share it with us in the comments. We won’t tell.
Wow those brushes are AMAZZZZING!! IM IN LOOOOVE!