Something about makeup application that I've been noticing a lot recently (and I'm not sure if this was intentional or not), is extremely mattified, cakey, leathery-looking skin that people sport post-foundation. As I just mentioned, I'm not sure if this is was intentional, but I wanted to share some tips on foundation application, and how to maintain your skin's glow (or to fake it!) after applying your foundation.


The key to keeping that glow is to use cream products, and to powder as little as possible. Here's what I recommend:


Start with only a pea-sized amount of foundation. I know that this may seem counter-intuitive for those of us (yes, us!) who have less-than-perfect skin and want to cover up all our flaws, but really, the purpose of applying foundation is solely for evening out your skin tone. The cover-up should be done later. So only a tiny amount, people!



Next, you want to mix a highlighting cream in with your foundation. I am using the St Tropez Skin Illuminator in Violet here purely for illustrative purposes - you can use any cream highlighter you like. This thins out the foundation a little and helps your skin shine through. The illuminating particles in the highlighter also helps to reflect the light and create a nice glow.


To prevent caking and to ensure an even, full coverage, use foundation brush that has densely-packed bristles, and buff your foundation in in circular motions. This will help ensure that your foundation is properly buffed into your skin. The density of the brush's bristles will give you better coverage.



Next, spot-conceal in the areas that need more coverage. I am using the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Ivory. I also love the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-2 (not pictured). I have a spot-concealing video how-to here, if you would like to see how to do it.


Next, apply a cream blush. This one by Watercolour Cream Blush by Daniel Sandler is beautiful and lasts an extremely long time without moving or fading, which is perfect for this look. The video linked above will show you how to conceal acne scars on your cheeks using a cream blush. Daniel Sandler is a little difficult to get around these parts, but with the help of feelunique.com, you can access Daniel Sandler products, as well as a host of other UK based brands not readily available here in Australia.

Don't powder the skin if you can help it. Instead, use products like primers (to help your makeup stick to your skin and not melt off your face), and makeup setting sprays (to set your makeup without having to use powder). If you feel you really need the powder, only apply it to your T-zone.


Finally, set your makeup with a setting spray. This Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer Mist is my favourite, because it not only sets your makeup, but also adds a beautiful, natural glow to the skin without utilising shimmer particles, which means that it looks much more natural during the day, and under direct sunlight.

I hope you liked this post! x