Make up: Flawless Foundation

I've been wearing make up for the last 6 or so years. The first foundation I ever bought wasn't even really a foundation, it was a tinted moisturiser that was WAY to dark for my skin (think badly tanned white girl). A series of high end and drug store foundations later I realised that the reason I'd never found a 'holy-grail' of foundations was probably because I didn't apply it correctly. 

My mum or any other close family relatives only wear make up for special events so I didn't really have anyone to guide me through the steps of how to apply, well, anything. These are a couple tips I've picked up over the years.

1. Start with foundation that; matches your skin colour and is the right coverage. 

I used to use Bobbi Browns stick foundation for several years until I realised that the reason why it never lasted more than 3 hours on my face was due to the fact it was too heavy a coverage for my skin type. Then some time later I bought a foundation (by accident) that was the wrong shade but I used it anyway. There is no way a foundation that isn't the right colour or the right coverage for your skin type will look as good as it can. 

2. Use a good moisturiser and primer

This isn't just for flawless foundation this is for flawless skin in general. Moisturisers are a way of providing the skin with all the 'good stuff' in one quick product. Primers 'plump' your face and decrease the appearance of any bumps or pits in your skin. 

3. Do your make up in a well light room.

I personally don't like doing my make up in a fully sun light room as I find that I can never get my foundation to look 'perfect' in that lighting. As long as the lighting in the room you are in enables you to see yourself clearly that's okay. Don't ever try applying make up in a dimly lit room, what you think may match your skin tone probably wont. 

4. Apply concealer before foundation.

I didn't understand this step for the longest time. Why on Earth would you apply concealer before foundation, it's just going to rub off when you apply the foundation on top...right? No. Applying concealer beneath your foundation means you'll actually use less of the foundation as you wont be trying to cover up  blemishes or dark spots unknowingly with foundation. Applying concealer first also eliminates the chance of 'concealer dots' on your face, where you think you've blended it into your skin but you haven't.

5. Apply foundation using a brush/sponge/blender.

For the longest time I used my fingers to apply foundation because it made sense to me. Why apply it on a brush when it's going to waste product getting stuck in all the bristles? Yes, brushes/sponges will use up more foundation than you would if you applied it with fingers but the result is so much better with a brush. A brush/applicator will allow you to evenly apply your foundation without the 'patches' you often see from finger-painting make up.

6. Set your foundation.

A translucent powder generally is the go-to for foundation setting. Apply one that has colour to it if you want a more 'glowy' look. This makes sure that the hard work you've put into looking flawless stays looking flawless.

7. Contour and blush

Contouring your face isn't necessary but makes a huge difference in facial appearance. You can make your nose appear thinner if needed, make your cheek bones more prominent or just give yourself a healthy glow.