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How to Apply Foundation for a Flawless Finish

How to Apply Foundation for a Flawless Finish
No7 Beauty
Writer and expert3 years ago
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The art to a flawless-looking make-up finish is understanding how to apply foundation evenly and smoothly, hiding your imperfections while celebrating the uniqueness of your skin.  

The secret to getting it right lies in correctly prepping the skin and finding the foundation application tool that best complements your skin type and desired finish. 

Step 1: Cleanse without drying out the skin 

To get the most out of foundation, it’s important to start with the best canvas. Cleansers help to dissolve impurities and minimize the appearance of pores, creating a smooth base over which to apply foundation.  

Try No7 Restore and Renew Cleansing Lotion. Supercharged with antioxidants and natural AHAs, it helps to gently exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of pores, creating a clean, smooth base. 

Step 2: Hydrate with serum and moisturizer 

While foundation can enhance the skin’s best qualities, it can also emphasize concerns like dry skin, fine lines or blemishes. Keeping skin hydrated will ensure a more comfortable fit for your foundation. 

Serums and moisturizers help to hydrate and plump the skin, preventing make-up from settling into fines lines or caking on the face. Find the best serum and moisturizer for your skin below: 

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Step 3: Prep with primer  

Primer gives foundation its staying power. Not only does it help to smooth the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores, but it forms a barrier over the skin to prevent foundation from slipping. 

Step 4: Apply the foundation 

How to apply foundation with a brush  

Perfect for medium coverage, makeup brushes distribute foundation evenly for a natural-looking finish. The No7 Foundation Brush is ideal for both powder and liquid foundation. 

  1. Dispense a pump of foundation onto a palette or the back of the hands  
  2. Use a flat brush to smooth the foundation over the skin, working from the larger areas (cheeks, forehead and neck) towards the smaller areas (nose, chin and lips) 
  3. Blend into the skin with a blender brush 

How to apply foundation with a sponge  

Ideal for liquid foundation, makeup sponges provide a high-coverage finish that lasts all day. 

  1. Dispense one pump of liquid foundation onto a palette or the back of the hands 
  2. Dampen the makeup sponge, then dip the pointed end into the foundation 
  3. Dab the sponge across the face, working from the neck, forehead and cheeks inwards towards the chin and nose 
  4. Use the wider end of the sponge to blend foundation  

How to apply liquid foundation with fingers  

Fingers are best for light coverage, helping to warm the foundation and blend it seamlessly into the skin. 

  1. Wash the hands 
  2. Place a small amount of foundation on a palette or the back of the hand 
  3. Using the index finger, dot the foundation on the nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks 
  4. Use circular patting motions to blend foundation  

Step 5: Set the foundation 

To help keep the foundation in place for longer, sweep a light layer of setting powder onto the skin using a powder brush. Focus on the areas most prone to oiliness and shine, including the forehead, nose and chin.  

No7 Lift & Luminate Powder is the perfect finishing powder. Available in a wide range of shades, it’s designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly smoother-looking skin.  

Now that you know how to apply foundation, it’s time to find your perfect shade. 

 

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No7 Beauty
Writer and expert
View No7 Beauty's profile
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