Applying Foundation with a flawless, airbrushed finish can be quick and easy. The goal is to build an even, healthy glow with a soft focus on problem areas. From preparing your skin to choosing the right tools, formula, shade, and application techniques, this comprehensive collection of step-by-step pro tips will help you get gorgeous, professional-looking results.
Step 1: Prep Your Skin.
Soft, supple, well-prepped skin is key to achieving a professional-looking foundation application. Committing to a twice-daily natural, gentle skin care routine using a Basic Skin Care Set, selected for your specific skin type, will make a world of difference in your results.
1. Exfoliate
Twice weekly, use the Rejuvenating Facial Peel or the Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub. These gentle exfoliators remove tired, dead surface cells that make skin look dull and lifeless while creating an even complexion that glows naturally.
2. Clean
An Aloe-First cleanser formulated for your specific skin type will remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from the skin so that it can receive the full benefits of anti-aging and moisturizing products.
3. Freshen
Balancing your skin’s pH and removing additional impurities from the skin with a Freshner is also an important part of maximizing the results of your other skin care products. Choose the Aloe-First formula for your skin type.
4. Anti-Aging Serums
The application of serums does not affect your foundation application. However, it is important to allow them to completely absorb into the skin before applying your moisturizer.
5. Eye Care
Aloe-First eye care products are formulated specifically for the delicate eye area to help hydrate and smooth the skin around the eyes. Be sure to allow the product to absorb before moisturizing.
6. Moisturize
Nourishing and hydrating your skin while locking in moisture is your final step before your foundation application begins. A moisturizer formulated for your skin type will absorb into your skin leaving it supple, soft, and perfectly prepped. If your face feels oily or greasy, consider trying a different moisturizer. Be sure to allow it to absorb completely into your skin before you begin applying foundation.
Find the Basic Skin Care Set for your skin type.
Step 2: Select the Best Tools
For Liquid or Powder Foundation application, a Foundation Brush is your most precise tool. Plush, ultra-soft bristles help create even coverage quickly, while the bamboo handle is the perfect length to maximize your control. A Flawless Blending Sponge should be used to get steak-free, even coverage with a wet powder foundation.
Be sure to clean your tools often to avoid spreading bacteria to your face.
Step 3: Find Your Favorite Foundation Formula
Flawless Finish Liquid Foundation is a light, creamy, buildable formula perfect for all types. While Perfect Finish Wet or Dry Powder Foundation offers two formula options. Use dry for a sheer, matte finish or wet for maximum coverage.
Step 4: Find Your Perfect Foundation Shade
You’ll know when you find the perfect foundation shade because it will seem to almost disappear into your skin. Test each shade on your jawline in natural light. Although it’s tempting to test each shade on your hand or wrist, this method is sure to deliver inaccurate results.
Ask your L’BRI Independent Consultant for Foundation samples.
Step 5: Choose Your Foundation Application Techniques
Foundation is meant to complement and enhance your natural appearance. So, less is always more. The secret is to start small and build until you reach your desired coverage.
Liquid, Dry or Wet Foundation?
Although the application techniques for your chosen Foundation formula are the same, the way you apply each is different. Liquid Foundation can be applied in a couple of ways. The first way is to use the back of your hand like a painter’s palette by squeezing out a small amount of product and dabbing your Foundation Brush in it as needed. The second way is to dab small dots of foundation with your fingers onto your T-zone, under your eyes and on your cheeks. When using a Dry Powder Foundation for light coverage, simply swirl your Foundation Brush in the product to coat, then tap to remove any excess. A Wet Powder Foundation will give you beautifully even, maximum coverage. Simply wet a blending sponge and squeeze as much water out as possible, then swirl the damp sponge onto the product.
Building Coverage
No matter what formula you use, always start by working from the center of your face out toward your hair and jawlines. Ensure even coverage first, then go back and build upon problem areas. Not every part of your face will require the same application technique. For instance, you may want maximum coverage on your nose to hide large pores and conceal redness, medium coverage under your eyes to hide dark circles and light coverage on your cheeks for a perfectly even tone.
The 3 Master Strokes
Mastering application techniques is all in the wrist. For sheer coverage, use a sweeping motion, moving the brush back and forth across your face. For medium coverage, create small circles as you work. And maximum coverage requires short, precise stippling motions. Be careful to pay attention to the smaller areas of your face that may go overlooked, such as around and between your nostrils and eyes.
Build, Buff, then Blend, Blend, Blend
After you’ve built the perfect base, it’s time to blend, blend, blend. This step is the finishing touch that can make or break your final look. Be sure to blend sheer, medium, and maximum coverage areas well. Don’t forget to blend thoroughly near your hair and jawlines, being sure to buff out any harsh lines. If you’re having a hard time blending your foundation into your jawline seamlessly, you may need to reconsider your shade. Most women use different foundation shades and formulas according to the seasons.
The Benefits of Wearing Foundation
Professionally applied Foundation creates a complexion that appears clearer, brighter, and more even in tone. This natural-looking radiance appears when large pores, blemishes, redness, unevenness, and other skin imperfections are concealed. Not only that, but it can also protect your skin from free radicals by creating a barrier against environmental aggressors. The best part of a well-applied Foundation is that it can transform your look and boost your confidence, which can never be undervalued.
Looking for complexion perfection without using Foundation? Try our Translucent Pore Minimizing Powder for an instant airbrushed effect.
