Among makeup products, few things are as transformative as a good foundation; while a bold lipstick and volumizing mascara can be nice-to-haves, foundation makeup is, well, foundational to a next-level look. 

It’s the secret to creating a blank, even canvas for the rest of your makeup application; in doing so, foundation is able to smooth skin texture, even out skin tone, and conceal any features that you might not necessarily want on display, like an errant zit.

Done right, foundation can work wonders. (Actually, it can work wonders even if it’s not done right.) But using the right formula for your skin and applying it properly can give you skin that looks like the real thing — just more even and flawless. It can prevent any flakiness, pilling, or dry patches, too, as well as extend its lifespan over the course of the day. 

With that in mind, let’s get into how to make the most of this wonder product.

How to find the right foundation shade

There are two important parts of finding the best foundation for you: getting the shade right, and choosing the best formula for your skin. 

While finding the right shade can be tricky at best if you’re doing it IRL, that’s not the case these days. (Remember going to the beauty counter in a department store and swatching a ton of different shades?) To make it seamless *and* accurate, our easy, 3-minute NakedPoppy assessment includes a series of questions that can help determine the right shade for you — no sweat.

How to choose the best foundation formula

As with highlighter and bronzer, there are several different types of foundation makeup to choose from, including liquid, oil, and cream. 

The right one for you is a matter of personal preference, how many shades are available, and your genetic skin type — since, of all makeup products in your bag, foundation is the most likely to be the first layered onto skin (and therefore the closest to it). 

Again, our 3-minute NakedPoppy assessment does all that legwork for you. But if you’re interested, here’s a breakdown of the most common types.

Liquid Foundation

The most common type of foundation is liquid foundation — and, good news, it works for everyone. “I love liquid foundation for all skin types,” says makeup artist Misty Spinney. Vapour Soft Focus Foundation offers customizable coverage and comes in 19 shades to accommodate a wide range of skin tones.

How to apply it: Place a few drops of foundation on the back of your hand, then use your brush to apply the foundation evenly on the forehead, cheeks, and chin, blending it in with small, circular strokes. For a really seamless look, you can use your fingers, a makeup sponge, or even a crystal face roller to gently tap foundation into your skin. “This helps the natural oils in your skin blend with the makeup for a soft, flawless finish,” says Spinney.

Powder Foundation

Powder foundation is surprisingly versatile, with two primary uses: It can be layered over liquid foundation to set it — giving it added staying power — or worn on its own, where it can help even out skin tone while absorbing any oil.

Because of this, Spinney says, “someone with oily skin would opt for a powder.” Liquid foundation is still on the table, but a powder might be preferable if you tend to get oily by mid-morning. Try Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation (take your 3-min beauty assessment and log in to see how each shade rates for you), which offers coverage without feeling caked-on.

How to apply it: Using a dense makeup brush or a beauty sponge, apply the powder, making small circular motions all around your face and blending down onto your neck. 

“If you choose to use a sponge, use tapping motions to get a blended finish,” says Spinney.

Cream Foundation

While cream foundations are, like liquid formulas, a fairly universal option, they can be especially helpful for drier types. “Cream foundations can be best suitable for really dry skin, or for someone who is desiring a fuller coverage,” says Spinney. RMS Beauty’s “Un” Cover-Up Foundation delivers that full coverage and is infused with a blend of nourishing oils to soften and smooth skin.

How to apply it: Apply a small, pea-sized amount of product to the back of your hand. Using a brush or your finger, dot it onto each section of your face. Blend in with a makeup brush or sponge.

Tinted Moisturizer and Face Oils

“I’m obsessed with tinted face oils,” says Spinney. “They feel like skincare.” The concept of skincare with a tint, such as tinted moisturizer, was intended to do just that: impart benefits for skin while offering relatively lighter coverage than true foundations. But depending on your needs and preferences, they may be preferable — if, for instance, you want a little coverage to run weekend errands, or if you’re seeking sunscreen benefits built-in to the formula.

You’ll find a blend of avocado, rosehip seed, and jojoba oils in Kosas Tinted Face Oil, which leave skin with a radiant glow and light to medium coverage; drier skin types will benefit from extra moisture in their routine to avoid the patchiness that can occur with unprepped dry skin. Suntegrity’s 5-in-1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer, meanwhile, pairs a sheer tint with broad-spectrum SPF 30.

How to apply it: For face oil, shake the bottle, then apply a dime-sized amount of product onto the back of your hand. Dab a dot onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then lend it in with a makeup brush, sponge, or your fingers. For tinted moisturizer, follow the same steps for a liquid foundation.

How to apply foundation

Prep your skin

Start by sticking with the core three steps of a good skincare routine: Cleanse, moisturize, and protect. It’s best to apply foundation directly after you’ve applied skincare products, since the damper texture can make for a more natural-looking finish. 

You can tack on extra steps, too, depending on your skin’s needs. “If your skin is dry, use a hydrating serum for extra moisture,” says Spinney. “If you tend to have oily skin, aim to exfoliate first.”

Hold the concealer

Spinney recommends applying foundation before concealer. “Once you apply your foundation, you may not need as much concealer as you think,” she explains. Plus, some concealers, such as Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer and Daytime Eye Cream, contain lumizing pigments that can offer a subtle brightening effect post-foundation. That can be a game-changer when applied under the eyes.

Always use brushes

Makeup sponges come and go, but “I will always recommend makeup brushes,” says Spinney. Unlike fingers, which can pull skin and leave streaks, “makeup brushes are more gentle, help blend more thoroughly, and make your product go further,” she adds. While she’ll use a makeup sponge, she prefers it for additional blending — not as the primary application tool.

Don’t forget to blend

Ever heard of “ghost face”? It’s what happens when your face is a different color from the rest of your body. Avoid it by blending foundation into your face and then extending it below your jawline. “Often, our neck and décolletage are different shades than our face,” says Spinney. Including your neck makes for a more seamless transition and a natural-looking effect.

Considering foundation’s relative importance in the makeup arsenal, it’s surprisingly user-friendly and as close to foolproof as it gets. Still, whether you wear it alone for a touch of coverage or pulling out all the stops ahead of a big event, knowing the right way to use it can make this really good product work that much better.

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