I wear foundation, but I was unaware that I was making foundation mistakes every day! The tricks my mother taught me when I was young seem to be considered old wives' tales. I was surprised to find a lot of beauty tips that I swore by were not only disproved, but were considered most common foundation mistakes! Check out the list below to make sure you aren’t committing any of these mistakes when applying your foundation!
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Successfully subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.
1. Don’t Use Powder Foundation
Don't fall victim to one of the most common foundation mistakes. Opt for liquid foundation instead. The powder foundation dries out your skin, plus sometimes it looks cakey. It also takes a lot of effort to get the smooth, right look and it may not last as long as you want. Also, don’t forget sometimes powder foundation settles into the creases and gives the appearance of deep wrinkles – a girl’s worst nightmare! If you use liquid foundation instead, your look will not only last longer, but your skin will look smooth and flawless!
2. Where to Test?
My mother always told me to test my foundation on the inside of my wrist to find the perfect color. Turns out that it’s a horrible idea! Greg Wencel, a Covergirl makeup artist, states to test your foundation on three areas of your face, not just the jaw line. He recommends you test the shade of your foundation underneath your eyes, around your nose (or on it) and along your jaw line. This way, you’ll be more positive that you’ve got the right shade! The perfect foundation shade should "disappear" into your skin. He also notes that if you’re unsure of the shade, always go darker – I was shocked by this fact too! Apparently, going darker covers more skin blemishes and imperfections compared to a lighter shade. Interesting, right?
3. Use a Primer
I’m a victim of this mistake too. I never use primer. I did know it existed, but, I didn’t see the use of it. Apparently it helps your foundation adhere better and go on smoother. Plus, it keeps the foundation from disappearing the longer you wear it. Sounds good to me!
4. Use a Foundation Brush
I didn’t know foundation brushes existed until recently! I always used my fingers or a sponge! Yet, I’ve recently started using brushes and love them. I do notice when using a foundation brush that I use less foundation, plus, they’re less messy than using a sponge or my fingers and I get a nice, even tone too. Go out and buy yourself a synthetic foundation brush; you won’t regret it!
"Enhancing your beauty doesn't always mean going for the glossy look. More ladies now see the allure of a shine-free finish. With the right tools and techniques, you can also achieve a flawless, subtle glow. Learn how to master this trend by following these incredible matte makeup tutorials. Enhance your natural complexion without the unnecessary flash."
5. Don’t Apply Foundation All over Your Face
You don’t need to use it all over your face. Foundation is only really meant for the areas of your face that need a bit touching up, like redness. You’re wasting a lot of foundation (and money) if you cover your whole face with foundation when it isn’t needed!
Gallery Spotlight
Save and share the images that inspire you. Tag @allwomenstalk to get featured.
Save
6. Don’t Use Concealer under Foundation
What’s the point of that? I’d recommend using one or the other, but if you must, use concealer on top of you foundation for extra coverage, such as covering up a blemish, like a pimple. Make sure to blend it well by using a similar brush you used for your foundation.
7. Don’t Set Your Foundation with a Tinted Powder of Any Kind
If you use tinted powder after your foundation, your foundation may get cakey and no woman wants that. It’s hard to fix and doesn’t look very attractive! Instead, opt for a translucent powder. It’ll stop the cake-like texture and works for every, single skin tone.
Okay, ladies, so now that you have the scoop, ‘fess up -- have you ever made any of these foundation mistakes?
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Successfully subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.
Comments
Courtney: Everyone their own techniques and different skin types. This does make a good guideline to follow though, especially for those who might not have had much experience with foundations yet
Sandra: Am I the only one who's heard of the rule of only using an amount of concealer the size of a pea on your whole face?
Victoria: Spot on about the other part though, I just have a different skin type
Yi: I'll start with the brush.
Anna: I love powder foundation! It makes my face look flawless and it doesn't look cakey at all! It's the put minerals 4in 1! It's amazing!
Charlotte: Good to know I'm not alone ;)
Lida: The don't use concealer under your foundation could work for some people but I use colored ones to even out my skin tone so if I would put that over my concealer my skin would have some really pretty green,blue,pink and yellow parts....
:
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Don't Miss the Latest Version
Get the latest stories, save favorites, and share with friends — all in one place.
New Earn badges & level up while you read
Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.
Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.
- 🔥Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
- 🏅Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
- ⚡️Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.
It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge