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No matter how old you get, clear skin can seem like an unattainable goal. Whatever stands in your way, whether acne scars or sun spots, few things are more frustrating than trying and failing to hide them with certain makeup products. Some products claim to help acne-prone or aging skin, but are they actually all they’re cracked up to be? The next time you break out before a big date night or need to hide that gnarly sunburn from vacation last week, don’t panic. Check out these tips for correctly applying foundation to fake clear skin.
First, if you haven’t done so already, pick out a foundation that matches your skin’s needs. Every complexion is different, so find one that’s right for you. If you have oily skin, makeup artist Daniel Chinchilla recommends using oil-free or matte products and staying away from products for dry skin. On the other hand, if you’re skin has seen less moisture than a California drought, you definitely want foundations packed with moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin, you also want to steer clear of products that might make you break out, so opt for hypoallergenic foundation brands.
After you’ve gotten that out of the way, now comes the hard part: correctly applying said foundation without making it look caked on and/or melting off as the day drudges on. You want to prep your skin with primer to ensure that your foundation stays on longer and has a flawless finish. It gives you that extra layer or coverage for hiding unwanted blemishes and pesky pores. The same rules apply for primer products—find one that matches your skin’s unique needs so that it stays on and helps moisturize, if needed. I suffer from perpetually dry skin on my face, so I recommend the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. It gives my moisture-deprived skin a helping hand and goes on extremely light. There’s also an oil-free version for those of you with the opposite problem. Whichever product you choose, use your fingers to rub it all over your face and let it sit for a few minutes so it can soak into your skin.
Even with only primer on, you’re already well on your way to faking clear skin! If you have specific blemishes or spots you want to hide, now’s the time to grab a dash of concealer. However, only apply concealer before your foundation if you’re covering specific spots. If you use concealer for contouring or hiding under eye circles, wait until after you’ve applied foundation. This actually helps you use less concealer. Certain shades of concealer also mask specific skin problems. A green-tinted version works wonders on covering pimples, but go for a yellow-y shade for under eye marks. Once you’ve covered any spots on your face, let the concealer sit for a few minutes. Then, gently dab it with a damp beauty blender. Make sure you don’t wipe, or else you run the risk of removing the concealer completely.
Next, arm yourself with your go-to foundation of choice and get ready to go to town on your face. Make sure you have a clean brush, and start applying in the middle of your face. Use round motions with the brush to spread the foundation deeply into your skin. Finally, grab your beauty blender again to dab it out and spread the foundation evenly. If you want an even higher guarantee that your makeup will stay put, invest in a setting spray or translucent powder for the finishing touch. If you bought a powder, use a small brush to gently sprinkle the product on your face. If you’d rather go the setting spray route, just give your face a quick spritz and you’re good to go! No one will ever know you had a breakout in the first place.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
