makeup

THE FOUNDATION GOLDEN RULE

TUTORIAL + PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY NADINE, GRAPHIC DESIGN BY EUNICE CHUN

I realized the other day that when it comes to applying foundation, I always have our models use a foundation brush or egg-shaped sponge, because those are what I use on my clients. But when I apply my own, I always use my fingers. Probably partly because I clean brushes and sponges so often for my kit, that I don’t want to add another one, and partly because I love how my fingers warm up the foundation and I can really tap it in. And of course, it’s the fastest route. But using your fingers can go awry quickly if you don’t apply it in layers! I cannot stress this enough: apply only one pump, rub it between your fingers, tap it into skin, then go back and do only one more pump, rub it between your fingers and tap it into your skin. Stop and take a second to see if that’s enough of if there are a few areas that need a little more coverage then pump one more time, rub it in between your fingers and spot apply. That’s the only way to do it. If you pump three or more times and apply it that thickly, you’re left with a heavy and streaky application that will only end up all over your phone, even after you powder it. No bueno. Here’s how to get better results:

TOOLS:

• Your Favorite Foundation — Penelope is wearing my newest obsession, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Foundation ($$) that instantly perfects my clients’ skin, making me look like an even better makeup artist! She’s wearing shade 7 if that helps give you a gauge to find your shade. The other foundations that have made their way into my kit for years are this full-coverage foundation ($$) and this cushion compact ($). I personally use this one ($$$) because I like the way it smooths my fine lines.

STEPS:

1. Hold your fingers together tightly and use your other hand to pump only one time onto them as demonstrated above.
2. Rub your fingers together to thin it out.
3. I like to tap it as I rub it all over my face and neck. Try it and let me know if you like it too!
4. Really get into the hard-to-reach areas.
5. Repeat step one by pumping only one time into your fingers.
6. Repeat step 2 by rubbing your fingers together to thin it out.
7. Repeat steps 3 and 4 by tapping and rubbing it all over. If you need more coverage, you can add another layer.
8. Set with powder (not shown but this is my favorite powder right now ($$)).

If you’re a sponge or foundation-brush-kind-of gal, do this same golden rule by only applying one pump at a time so you only apply one layer at a time. It’s the only way to help it become one with your skin instead of mostly sitting on top of it.