Foundation and Blush

Foundations and blushes are the base for your face makeup and if not done correctly, it can do that exact opposite of what you intended it for. Make sure to choose the right type of foundations and blushes and apply them correctly to bring out your positive features and hide the ones you don't want seen.

Using Cake Foundation

Cake foundations give a smooth, matte finish that prevents skin from looking shiny and oily. Some can be applied using a dry sponge instead of a damp one and many now contain powder particles, with the result that you only need to apply a face powder on top if you have very oily skin. It takes practice to learn how much foundation to use; if you have put too much on, sweep the sponge over the face again but do not reload it.

Sweep the sponge smoothly across the foundation, If you are using a cake foundation that needs to be applied with water, dampen a sponge and squeeze out the excess water. The more water you leave in the sponge, the lighter the effect of the foundation will be; the drier the sponge, the heavier it will be.

Using gentle, even strokes, cover the larger areas of your face first (cheeks, forehead, and T-zone), following their natural contours. Blend well under the jaw line and down onto the neck tO create a natural effect and avoid a demarcation line. Be careful not to apply too much around the hairline. Finally ,check to make sure the face is smoothly and evenly covered. Use a concealer on any i blemishes that still show through.

Liquid Foundation

Liquid foundation produces a more lightweight finish than the cake variety and tends to be easier to use on dry skin. However, some people find it harder to apply; the trick is not to overload the sponge, which creates a streaky, unnatural effect that will be difficult to correct. To finish,always brush over with a translucent powder. The powder, helps the foundation stay in place longer.

Pour a little foundation inside the lid of the bottle and dab with a sponge. Using gentle strokes, cover the larger areas of your face first (the cheeks, forehead, and T-zone), following, their natural contours. Blend well under the jaw line and onto the neck, as well as around the hairline.

Check for unevenness around the eyes and the sides of the nose. Lightly pat with the sponge any area that need a little more foundation but do not cover the whole face. If any marks or blemishes still show through, cover them up by brushing on a concealer, blending it well into the surrounding foundation.

Color Correcting

They may look like the last thing that you would want to put on your face, but liquid color correctors can hide a multitude of sins. They work by using opposing colors to counteract specific flaws in your complexion. For example, green will tone down redness; blue will make a flushed complexion look paler; white will help cover up dark under eye circles and improve dullness; and purple will give a yellowish complexion a healthier glow. Worn underneath foundation, they provide a good base for the rest of your makeup and help it stay fresh longer.

Pour a little color corrector onto sponge and spread a film of either all over the face, or just onto specific problem areas such as the cheeks. Check that the coverage is even and reapply the corrector where necessary. Apply liquid foundation as usual.

Applying Blush

A subtle sweep of blush will lift your cheekbones and enhance your face. It is applied after foundation, although if you have clear skin you could wear it on its own. Blush is one of the hardest cosmetics to apply and must be blended perfectly to ensure there are no harsh edges, using a good brush will make it easier. Choose the color carefully, the right shade will make you look healthy, while the wrong one will drain color from your face.

When applying blush, avoid overloading the brush. Excess blusher will give a harsh, clumsy effect. First, pick up some color on the brush and tap the brush gently to get rid of any excess. Using sweeping upward strokes directed toward the top of your ears, apply blush to the apples of the cheeks in a teardrop shape with the thinner part at the top and the wider part pointing toward your nose. Blend into your foundation and at the hairline, without brushing any color into the hair. If you think you have put on too much blusher, brush over with a little translucent powder to tone down the color. Once you have finished the rest of your makeup, check that you have applied enough blush and if necessary, add a little more.