How To Apply Makeup, Flawlessly

The Key Steps To Foundation, Concealer, And Powder

Learning how to apply makeup of this nature can be a bit tricky. Your goal is, of coarse,  a result that appears flawless, fresh, and natural looking.

Even minor mistakes along the way during this application can quickly develop into disaster with results that appear overdone and ready for the circus...(unfortunately, it doesn't take much).

So how do you achieve a flawless finish with base makeup?

The key to your success is getting familiar with the important details in each of the steps of how to apply makeup; for  foundation, concealer and powder.

Things like color choice,  sequence, application techniques, tools and even product formulations play a critical role in getting that beautiful finish.  We are not all makeup pros in the making but we can get pretty close with practice.

IMPORTANT:  Watch out for these saboteurs of a flawless look:

• color match off
• poorly blended, streaky
• excessive "pan-cakey"
• shiny
• skin irritation/ blemishes apparent
• dark circles

How To Apply Makeup #1: Getting it right... PRODUCT CHOICES

To begin with, figure out what product serves your desired finish and your skin type best.  Consider the options available to you.  The sheer volume of product choices can overwhelm you, so by pass the extraneous product options by establishing in your mind a few details about your own needs and your desired results.

There are lots of cosmetic companies producing these products, each with a variety of formulations i.e.. oil-free, water based, with sunscreen etc., and a variety of formats i.e.. liquid, compact, stick, and powder. Not to mention adding to the mix, things like tinted moisturizers and skin illuminators.

Brought to you by foundation makeup at Beso.com

How To Apply Makeup Step #2: Getting it right... COLOR MATCH

Natural light and your jaw line are the best test for color matching tones of foundation, concealer and powder. You can ask for the assistance of a *knowledgeable professional if you aren't confident in your assessment.

*MAC cosmetics counters are great when it comes to knowledgeable assistance, and offer a high quality product line up, to boot.

Brought to you by mac studio foundation makeup at Beso.com

How To Apply Makeup Step #3: Getting it right... SEQUENCE

Although there may be a variety of opinions among the pros on what makeup is applied first and what technique to be used in it's application, I think we can all agree that it depends on the on the occasion, individual skin needs, desired results and the formulations of products being used.

In other words, after considering the below general rule of thumb, your own needs will shape the choices you make and experience is truly the best teacher.

Generally speaking I think for *most individuals the most aesthetic way to go is this; foundation first, second concealer, and then powder to set the first two.

Once you have applied your foundation, you can then assess what, if any other coverage is necessary. Why?
#1 When you apply in this sequence you tend to use less makeup...and less is truly more (in most cases).
#2 You also avoid the annoyance of the foundation application wiping away the concealer.

SOMETIMES...

If you are using a cream cream blush or bronzer, or stain, then these would come before dusting with powder. Experimenting is best as some of these products still function well on top of powder.

*Professional applications follow the criteria that meet the needs of film and studio or set lighting.

Last word on how to apply makeup...
The flawless face was made famous by Laura Mercier, pro makeup artist extraordinaire, and cosmetics company founder. She has something called The Flawless Face Kit, if you really want to minimize the decision making on super customized product selections (and still get as close to a flawless finish as possible).

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