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!
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!
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!
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?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I choose the right foundation shade?
- Test shades on your jawline to find a match that blends seamlessly with both your face and neck.
- Why does my foundation look cakey?
- Using too much product or not moisturizing properly before application can cause a cakey finish.
- How can I make my foundation last all day?
- Prime your skin, set with powder, and use a setting spray to help your foundation stay put.
- Should I apply foundation with a brush, sponge, or fingers?
- It depends on your preference, but a damp sponge usually offers a natural, even finish.
- Why does my foundation separate on my skin?
- This can happen if your skin is oily or if you’ve applied incompatible products underneath.
- Can I wear foundation if I have sensitive skin?
- Yes, opt for foundations labeled as non-comedogenic and fragrance-free to avoid irritation.
- How much foundation should I apply?
- Start with a small amount and build coverage gradually to avoid heaviness.
- Why does my foundation oxidize and turn orange?
- Oxidation occurs when foundation reacts with your skin’s oils; choosing an oil-free formula can help.
- Should I use foundation every day?
- It’s okay to wear foundation daily, but always remove it properly and keep your skin moisturized.
- How do I fix foundation that looks patchy?
- Blend using a damp beauty sponge and add a bit of moisturizer or primer to smooth out dry areas.