Avoid these 7 mistakes.
By Lara Ramos and Marissa DeSantis, TeenVogue
Finding the best foundation can be tough, to say the least. Whether you're channeling one of your favorite models with a barely-there look or going for a full-on Instagram MUA face, foundation should really be the base of your beauty handiwork. But this very important product, which is seemingly simple to master (just apply, blend, and go—right?) really can be a tricky little devil! With so many available options in formula, shade, and method of application it's a wonder that any of us have perfected the art.
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Even if you think of yourself as a complexion pro, read up to make sure you're avoiding these seven common beauty blunders. (And then find out how to fix 'em!)
You're not testing properly for a shade match.
"The most common mistake girls make is not testing foundation in natural light and swatching it on your wrist, hand, or arm before buying," says Kim Soane, Bobbi Brown's director of global artistry. "Always test for your shade on the side of your face, between the nose and the side of the cheek, since the face is so rarely the same color as the rest of your body. Test three samples that range from lighter to darker and the correct one will disappear into your skin."
While this might mean spending a little extra time finding your foundation, celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli assures there's a match for you. "I think many mass brands have been expanding their shade range, and have become more consumer savvy," he says. "L'Oréal's True Match line of foundations [has] very light colors to very deep colors. Also, Maybelline's FIT Me collection really offers a wide range of shades from pale to deep -- in both the matte and poreless and dewy options.
You're using the wrong formula for your skin type.
"Formulas play a key role when it comes to choosing the right type of foundation," says Sephora pro Erik Soto. "If you have dry skin, a more radiant finish will keep you hydrated all day long, whereas a semi-matte finish, which can be achieved with Marc Jacobs Marvelous Mousse, is ideal for combination skin. And if you're oily, matte products will ensure shine-free wear." If you don't follow these guidelines, your complexion won't look its best. For example, choosing a creamy foundation on oily skin may deliver clogged pores or acne. On the flip side, matte formulations can make dry patches on the skin appear more prominent. Thankfully, there's actually technology specifically designed for problem skin! Try Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup.
You're not switching up your shade seasonally to match your skin tone.
Once you settle on the perfect foundation, it can be hard to let it go. But in all likelihood, your face doesn't stay the exact same color throughout the seasons. (No matter how religious you are with SPF!) Summer sun tends to warm up our complexions while winter's gloomy weather leaves us with a touch of pallor. Our best advice? Stick to the fairer shade, but mix it with equal parts liquid luminizer that contains golden tones. Try Chantecaille's Liquid Lumière in Luster.
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You're using the wrong tool (or your fingers!) to apply.
"I use a synthetic foundation brush and finish off by setting it with a damp BeautyBlender sponge," says Neil . "This combination ensures even coverage and an airbrushed finish. Your fingers can retain bacteria, dirt, and oils, which you don't want to spread all over your face, especially if you have acne," he explains. "Using a foundation brush will help properly distribute your product and will leave your complexion flawless." To prevent acne or oils from spreading, make sure to clean your brushes every two weeks. Try Japonesque's Solid Brush Cleanser.
You're too liberal with your powder.
Gone are the days of setting your foundation with a tinted powder. It's no secret that this process tends to look heavy and cakey, but how's a girl supposed to keep her hard work looking fresh throughout the day (and the evening)? Thankfully, the beauty shelves now offer a variety of translucent powders that undetectably set completed makeup. On top of locking down your look, these powders are perfect for beating shine. We love Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder. But Neil notes that not every skin type requires a powder. "If your skin is on the oily side, I recommend using a mattifying setting spray, waiting for it to set, then touching up with translucent powder when needed," he says. "If you're on the normal to dry side, I would either leave the skin as is, or just [use] a finishing mist. Sometimes, less is more."
You're doing too much.
The perfect foundation covers all of your flaws without looking like makeup. You'll know that the formula and shade are perfect for you when it absolutely disappears onto your skin. But how can you predict a product's finish? We recommend testing foundations on the back of your hand or your wrist. You can tell a lot by how something sits on your skin after it's been applied; anything that looks or feels heavy is only going to look and feel worse on your face. Go lighter on your foundation formula and follow up with concealer only where you need it. The finished look will be fresh and natural. To find out our all-time favorites, visit our ultimate foundation guide.
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You're stopping at the jawline.
You're probably not into the look of having a visible foundation line at the jaw. Properly blending is the key to a natural foundation look, and you should always ensure that you concentrate your foundation in the center of your face, blending outward, and then sweep the excess product down the jaw and neckline. Use a fluffy, rounded foundation brush like Sephora #55 to buff product right into the skin.
