10 quick tips for mastering flawless foundation

Ever wondered why some peoples skin looks soo darn perfect but no matter how hard you try yours never seems to have that same flawless finish, even though you’ve invested in a foundation that promised to deliver beautifully photo filtered skin? The thing is its not just about your foundation choice, it’s also about how you prep your skin, as well as apply your makeup too!

Keep reading as we reveal our top 10 tips for achieving that flawless makeup base every time – your secret weapon for a smooth, radiant complexion.

Invest in quality

When it comes to foundation, quality matters. Its best to save your pennies and splurge on a reputable brand. High-quality foundations tend to have better coverage, longevity, and are less likely to clog pores and cause blemish breakouts!

Choose the right type

From mineral to traditional formulations, matte foundation to tinted moisturiser, oil-free to liquid, powder to stick and more, there is a foundation out there for every skin type and need, but with so many options on the market, it’s not always easy knowing which is likely the best for you! Understanding your skin and its needs will help dictate what foundation type you should go for. Oily skin? Your best to choose a matte foundation, skin feeling a little dehydrated and dry? Give a tinted moisturiser or BB Cream a go. And just to complicate matters there are traditional and mineral formulations too! For more information on choosing the right makeup base for your skin click here.

Select the right shade

You’ve heard about this new foundation you really want to buy, but you’ve noticed there are numerous shades to pick from which definitely feels like a very daunting task! First things first, you want to choose a foundation shade that has the same undertones as your skin. Either ‘cool’ or ‘warm’. If you have a warm complexion go with a shade that has yellow undertones, if your complexion is on the cool side, a foundation with a pink undertone will be best (to tell which undertones your skin has, look at your veins on the back of your arms. People with blue or purplish-looking veins usually have cooler undertones. If your veins, on the other hand, look a greenish colour, then you have warm undertones.

Next select a couple of shades that you think are a close match to your skin colour. Forget testing them on your arm and test directly on the face instead, swiping the shades side-by-side down your cheek towards your jawline. The shade that seemingly disappears is the one you want!

Prep your skin

Now you’ve chosen your foundation and shade, it’s time to get applying, but before you do it’s VERY important to remember that correct skincare preparation is key when it comes to mastering flawless foundation, why? Because it allows the product you’re applying to sit perfectly on your skin!

So first things first, you need to cleanse, tone and moisturise your face to ensure it is both hydrated and smooth. These steps not only help makeup application but also promotes healthy skin in the long run.

It’s time to prime

Even though you might well have followed a rigorous skincare routine, your complexion can sometimes still be a little uneven, so a makeup primer is a must! A makeup primer provides the perfect base for seamless foundation application free of any patches! This is because a primers main job is to fill the open pores of your skin and smooth it in preparation for your foundation, it will also help your makeup to last longer!

Choose a primer that addresses your specific skin concerns, whether it’s hydration, mattifying, or colour-correcting. Our top picks include;

For dry to sensitive skin

If your skin is a little dry, opt for a multi-functional face primer that will keep makeup in place, while hydrating, firming and plumping the skin with a gentle blend of nourishing botanical oils. Try the ELES Retexturizing Face Primer. Not only does this soothing, lightweight serum feel like actual silk on your skin, it basically helps protect, condition, smooth and blur out skin imperfections too! Want to look like a filtered goodness, and have makeup last the distance, try this!

For combination to oily skin

If your skin tends to be on the oilier side, we recommend opting for the ELES Pore Perfecting Face Primer. Not only does it keep makeup in place it also combats shine, absorbs excess oil and also reduces the appearance of pores to keep your foundation looking smooth and flawless! Genius!

Using the correct makeup tools are important too

Your fingers are great, but investing in the right makeup tools can take your foundation game to the next level. This is because the key to a truly flawless base is mastering the art of blending. Foundation that isn’t blended well can look heavy and imperfect.

Get yourself armed with a few good brushes and a Beauty Blender, they will help you achieve that much more desired airbrushed effect. Plus a beauty blender will enable you to reach every contour of your face. Try; ELES Pro-Blender Sponge

Build up gradually

Less is always more when it comes to foundation. Start with a small amount and build it up gradually to avoid a cakey appearance. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s challenging to take off excess product once it’s applied.

Conceal with care

While foundation does a great job of evening out your skin tone, it might not cover all imperfections entirely. Use a creamy, pigmented concealer to spot-treat blemishes, dark circles, and redness. Gently blend the concealer with a brush or beauty blender for a seamless finish.

Set, set, set

Now it’s time to lock your masterpiece in place with a light dusting of translucent powder. This step helps control excess oil and keeps your foundation from budging throughout the day. Remember, moderation is key to avoiding a flat and powdery look.