How to apply foundation and Contour Cream
How to apply foundation and Contour Cream
How to Apply Foundation:
Cleansing and Moisturizing: Always start with clean, well-moisturized skin. Use a gentle face wash, then apply your favorite moisturizer. Hydrated skin helps foundation glide on smoothly and prevents caking or flaking. Primer: (Optional but recommended) Apply a thin layer of primer suitable for your skin type. Primer preps the skin, fills in pores and fine lines, and helps makeup last longer.
Makeup Sponge (like the Beauty Blender): When used damp (wet and squeezed out), it provides natural, perfectly blended coverage (an airbrushed finish). Foundation Brush: There are various types; a flat brush gives higher coverage, while a dense, rounded (Kabuki) or oval brush is excellent for blending with circular or stippling motions. Fingers: Fingers can be used to warm the product and blend it very naturally, especially with lightweight foundations or BB/CC creams.
Start with a Small Amount: Place a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand (to warm it slightly) or dot small amounts directly onto your face (forehead, cheeks, nose, chin). It's easier to add more if needed than to remove excess. Distribute from the Center Outwards: Begin applying and blending the foundation from the center of your face (around the nose and cheeks) outwards towards the hairline and jawline. These areas usually require the most coverage. Blend, Blend, Blend: This is the most crucial step. Use your chosen tool (a damp sponge with dabbing motions, a brush with circular or light sweeping motions, or your fingers with patting motions) to blend the foundation well into your skin until any harsh lines disappear and you achieve even coverage. Don't Forget the Neck and Jawline: To ensure there's no obvious color difference between your face and neck (the "mask effect"), blend the foundation well down past the jawline and slightly onto your neck. Build Coverage (If Necessary): If you need extra coverage in specific areas, apply another thin layer and blend it in the same way. Avoid applying one thick layer all at once.
If you have oily skin or want extra longevity, use a loose or pressed setting powder, especially on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin).
Cream Contour: Comes in stick, palette, or liquid form. They provide a more natural look and blend easily with cream foundation. Ideal for normal to dry skin. Powder Contour: Easier to control for beginners and suitable for combination to oily skin as they help absorb oil. Usually applied over foundation after it has been set with powder. Choosing the Color: The most important rule is to choose a contour shade with a greyish or cool undertone (cool-toned) that is only one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Avoid orange or very warm tones (those are for bronzer). The goal is to mimic a natural shadow, not add warmth.
Under the Cheekbones: To define and lift the cheeks. Start near the ear and angle towards the corner of the mouth, stopping roughly below the center of the eye. (Tip: Make a "fish face" or suck in your cheeks to find the natural hollow). On the Temples and Along the Hairline: To visually shorten a wide forehead and give the face a more oval shape. Along the Jawline: To define the jaw and conceal a double chin if present. On the Sides of the Nose: To slim the nose and make it appear smaller or straighter (apply two thin lines down the sides of the bridge).
Cream Contour: Application: Apply small dots or thin lines of the product directly onto the targeted areas using the stick, a small brush, or your finger. Start with a very small amount. Blending: Use a damp makeup sponge (preferably a clean side or the pointed tip) or a dense blending brush with dabbing or light circular motions to blend the contour. For cheeks: Blend the color slightly upwards (towards the cheekbone), not downwards. For forehead and jaw: Blend the color outwards towards the hairline or downwards towards the neck. For the nose: Blend the lines carefully using a small brush or your finger to maintain precision.
Powder Contour: Application: Use an angled contour brush or a smaller, precise brush. Dip the brush into the powder, tap off the excess, then gently apply the color to the targeted areas. Blending: Use the same brush or a clean, fluffy powder brush to blend the color with light outward and upward (for cheeks) motions until any harsh lines disappear and the shadow looks natural.
Extra Blending: Take a final look in good lighting. If you see any harsh lines, use your foundation sponge (which still has a little residue) to lightly dab over the edges for further blending. Setting Spray: Spritz your face with a setting spray to meld all the layers together, give your makeup long-lasting hold, and provide a natural finish.