It can be tricky figuring out just how to use foundation.
Along with a ton of formulas and finishes on the market, there’s also an overwhelming number of guides out there claiming they have the best way to apply your product.
To figure out a process we could rely on, we spoke to two makeup artists who answered all our burning questions, helping us form the ideal makeup routine.
Your perfect look is just a scroll away…
First things first, what does foundation do?
Professional makeup artist Lucy Meyer told us, ‘Primarily the job of any foundation is to create the appearance of a more even skin tone and smoother texture whilst covering minor imperfections.’
She went on to explain that ‘due to innovations in recent years the blend between skincare and makeup is now much closer, meaning we can now benefit from added skincare properties being delivered from our foundation… from added sun protection to anti-ageing.’
Jade Farmiloe, makeup artist and hair stylist, agreed with this, ‘A good foundation helps treat the skin underneath; key ingredients to look out for include vitamin A, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and zinc oxide.’
What should I apply first before foundation?
It’s best to use a moisturiser and then a makeup primer to create the perfect base for your foundation.
A good moisturiser will infuse the skin with hydration and prevent your makeup from appearing cakey or dry. When it comes to the best options, our experts had three moisturisers they recommend above all others.
Keep scrolling if you’d like to check out the primers recommended instead.
While this highly rated pick has been designed to suit normal to oily skin types, Meyer informed us that it’s actually ‘incredible on dry skin, offering super hydration.’
Its formula is completely unique, acting more like a moisturiser-primer hybrid rather than just a face cream; it simultaneously nourishes skin while prepping it for your foundation.
Key ingredients include vitamins B, C and E as well as hyaluronic acid, squalane and shea butter which all combine to make your skin feel healthy and plump.
Farmiloe often uses this luxurious cream on her clients.
Recommended for dry, combination and mature skin, the moisturiser has a gorgeously silky texture that melts beautifully into the skin. It contains Japanese purple rice, an antioxidant-packed ingredient that delivers a healthy glow.
It’s a cream we’ve used in the past and have seriously loved thanks to its hydrating, plumping effect.
A favourite of Farmiloe, this dermatologically tested pick is an excellent option for both sensitive and mature skin types.
Its formula is bursting with squalane and prebiotics which soften the complexion, balance the skin’s microbiome and boost elasticity.
Expert-approved primers
Farmiloe suggests using this primer ‘if your pores are quite big.’
It instantly smooths pores and fine lines, ensuring your makeup sits comfortably and evenly on the skin. Offering sheer coverage and a natural yet slightly matte finish, the product can even be used on its own for a subtle look.
It contains a vitamin E derivative known to help promote a healthy complexion.
While this Charlotte Tilbury goodie is marketed as a highlighter, it can actually be used in a myriad of other ways, too. It can be worn on its own, under foundation, over makeup or even mixed in with your foundation.
Farmiloe uses it as a primer when she wants her clients to have that ‘glow from within’ look. It promises to keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours and contains smoothing airbrush polymers which keep your complexion even.
Available in five illuminating shades, Strobe Cream is another recommendation from Farmiloe.
Infused with vitamins and green tea, the primer will give your look radiance and clarity, instantly transforming dull or tired skin.
What is the best way to apply foundation?
Farmiloe’s instructions for where to put liquid foundation and how to blend it are as follows.
- ‘Put your foundation on the back of your hand so that your body warms the product up. (You can use either a brush or your fingers for liquid foundation.)
- ‘I like to start above the jawline to make sure it’s a good colour match then apply to the centre of the face.
- ‘I use small amounts on my brush and blend in a soft motion going in one direction or a circular motion (not back and forwards). You’re not rubbing the foundation completely in like a moisturiser. Using a brush is the quickest way to achieve both a light and full coverage look.
- ‘If using your fingers, I like to do a few dots on the face with the product on my finger, then gently press the foundation into the skin.
- ‘Blend upwards so that the foundation melts perfectly to look like skin. Always make sure you have clean hands before!’
When it comes to powder, this is how to properly apply foundation, according to both Meyer and Farmiloe.
- ‘Make sure all skin care is fully absorbed before applying powder foundation to avoid pilling.
- ‘For loose or mineral powders, begin by tipping product into the lid and use this to work from to avoid dipping brushes into the pot.
- ‘Use a powder brush, a large powder brush will give a sheer finish whereas a smaller brush or kabuki brush will give more coverage and allow you to build up to a more full coverage.’
‘Apply straight to areas that need attention, then gently blend outwards/upwards,’ added Farmiloe.
What are your pro tips for achieving a flawless base?
‘Drink water,’ Farmiloe instructed. ‘A flawless base starts from within and hydration is key!’
Meyers agreed with this, saying that staying hydrated ‘helps to plump and give you a glow from within, making any product look better on application. Contrary to popular belief this is also the best thing for oily skin. The more hydrated the skin, the less the need for overproduction of sebum.
‘Drinking two litres of water per day really is the key for all skin to look more flawless.’
‘When you wake up in the morning splash the face with ice-cold water at least three times, too,’ added Farmiloe. ‘Not only does this wake you up but it increases blood flow giving the skin a healthier glow, reducing puffiness and tightening pores.’
Both of our experts highly recommended upgrading your skincare routine, too. ‘Your base and the finish on the skin will always be more flawless if you can put some time into working on your skin,’ said Meyer.
Find the products that the professionals prefer above all others below.
‘Use a nice cleanser before bed to remove makeup,’ suggests Farmiloe, recommending this Pai offering.
Not only does this product come with expert endorsement, but one of our very own editors swears by it, too.
The Pai Light Work Cleansing Oil removes makeup with a simple one-two while also working wonders as a daily cleanser or part of a double cleansing routine. Its formula is neither too thick nor too thin, ensuring a nice, clean base for your foundation with no filmy residue left behind.
Not to mention it’s filled to the brim with skin-loving antioxidants and nourishing omegas that work to keep your skin both clear and healthy.
Toner
Meyer recommends using this toner with a cotton pad to ‘slough away dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin.’
It’s suitable for all skin types and bursting with ginseng and aloe vera, which combine to energise, hydrate and reduce the appearance of pores.
Face Oil
A favourite of Farmiloe’s, this soothing oil nourishes skin, leaving behind a plump, glowy, hydrated complexion.
This smooth finish is ideal for blending liquid foundation or patting in a powder.
Exfoliator
‘Regular exfoliation using a gentle exfoliant enables foundation to sit smoother on the skin and creates a more even finish for all foundations,’ says Meyer.
‘And the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliant is the most gentle and effective daily exfoliant in my opinion. Skin texture is improved after just one use and it’s great on every skin type, even sensitive.’
Do you recommend applying liquid foundation with a brush or sponge?
Interestingly, our experts had slightly different preferences when it came to using a brush or sponge to apply foundation.
‘I like using both, a sponge can be great in different areas compared to a brush,’ remarked Farmiloe. ‘I use the sponge towards the centre of the face and around the eye area. Makeup sponges are great for lighter coverage foundations and for people who have a much dryer complexion.
‘Brushes are better for a heavier/thicker full coverage foundation, making it easier to buff the edges of where the product is placed, so that it’s all blended nicely.’
Meyer, on the other hand, tends to prefer makeup brushes. ‘In my opinion, your foundation will not only last longer in terms of product usage but also stay looking flawless for longer when applied with a brush over a sponge.
‘Sponges are hugely absorbent, therefore you often find you need to use way more product to get the desired effect.’
She went on to explain that foundation brushes can provide a variety of finishes (from sheer and luminous to full coverage), depending on the type of brush you use — which isn’t the case with different types of sponges.
Not sure which to pick? We suggest purchasing an affordable sponge and brush, and experimenting with which you prefer before splurging on a high-quality pick.
What are the expert’s go-to foundations?
And finally, we get to the moment you’ve been waiting for… The foundations that come with an expert’s stamp of approval.
- Suitable for: All skin types
- Coverage: Medium buildable
- Finish: Radiant
A firm favourite of both our experts, this foundation is known for its silky formula that sinks into the skin, leaving behind a natural, glowing complexion.
The formula uses Micro-fil technology to blur imperfections and create a flawless base.
- Suitable for: All skin types
- Coverage: Full
- Finish: Natural
CC creams are brilliant for evening out any discolouration on your complexion. And this pick from IT Cosmetics comes with Meyer’s approval.
The formula is bursting with kind-to-skin ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid which infuse the skin with hydration and keep it feeling healthy. It also has SPF50 to protect you from harmful UV rays.
Reviewers love how smooth and even their skin looks after applying this cream. Expect a full-coverage look that never feels heavy or cakey.
- Suitable for: All skin types
- Coverage: Sheer to medium
- Finish: Satin
Farmolioe’s go-to for medium coverage is this acclaimed Nars offering.
It’s perfect for creating a lightweight illuminated base. Plus, when used daily, it will boost the skin’s brightness while evening texture — thanks to the product’s Complexion Brightening Formula.
Meet our experts
Professional Makeup Artist Lucy Meyer has 22 years of makeup artistry expertise, specialising in editorial and luxury bridal makeup. From creating looks backstage at iconic fashion weeks to teaching seminars and working across advertising campaigns, Meyer’s abundance of experience makes her a trusted source on all things beauty.
Jade Farmiloe, Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist studied ‘Makeup for Media and Performance at The Art’s University Bournemouth before going on to work for Charlotte Tilbury. Her experience spans editorial, red carpets and more. You can find examples of her fabulous work on her Instagram page.
Apply your foundation with confidence
From the recommended tools to the correct techniques and the foundations themselves, our experts have walked you through all their hottest tips to achieve an airbrushed base.
Level up your skin routine with must-haves such as the Pai Skincare Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil or the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.
And don’t forget to pick up an easy-to-blend, kind-to-skin foundation such as Armani Luminous Silk or Nars Sheer Glow.
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