To apply foundation naturally, start with clean, moisturized skin, use a primer, then apply a small amount of light-coverage foundation in the center of your face and blend outward with a damp sponge or brush, focusing on dabbing motions to build coverage only where needed and setting lightly with powder for a seamless, skin-like finish. Less is more, and layering concealer on specific spots is better than piling on foundation everywhere, notes L'Oréal Paris Australia.
Here is what to keep in mind to create a natural and radiant makeup look.
How to get dewy, glowing skin with make-up
First and foremost, choose a highlighter that has more of a sheer finish, as opposed to a glittery, shimmery one. You'll need a lightweight formula that will blend seamlessly with your foundation to leave a natural, subtle glow.
To avoid drawing unwanted attention to the area, many makeup artists would recommend not applying too much, if any, foundation around the eye. Instead, they suggest using a hydrating, lightweight concealer that has been designed specifically for the under eye area.
8 Tips for Flawless Foundation
Think of primer as your pre-makeup filter. A blurring primer fills in enlarged pores, softens rough skin texture, and creates a more even canvas. It also helps your foundation sit on top of the skin instead of sinking into lines or textured areas. Look for formulas that smooth without the heavy, silicone-y feel.
You can use a makeup sponge to apply powder makeup. However, it's best to use makeup brushes for powder makeup applications, particularly if you don't want a cakey finish.
Our Top Foundation Brushes
Use a damp makeup sponge
For most makeup applications, you should use a wet makeup sponge — especially when applying liquid foundation. This will prevent your sponge from absorbing too much makeup, resulting in a more flawless finish.
“Using makeup brushes is more hygienic than using sponges or fingers,” Dresher says. “You're able to clean [brushes] often and they provide the precision needed for most looks.”
Right before applying foundation, it's important to cleanse your skin to help prevent clogged pores and remove any dirt that may be dulling your natural radiance. Next, use a liquid exfoliator, such as Clarifying Lotion, to sweep away any dry, dead skin cells that may cause foundation to settle or look flaky.
Using a brush, sponge, or your fingers, apply foundation in thin, even layers, starting from the center of your face and blending outward. Build coverage only where needed, and always blend carefully at the edges like your jawline, ears, and hairline to avoid any obvious lines.
Natural Look Foundation
The "3-1-1 Rule" for makeup (and liquids) in carry-on bags means containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fitting into 1 clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, with 1 bag allowed per passenger, ensuring security can easily see and access it during screening. This applies to liquid makeup (foundation, mascara, lip gloss) and other gels, creams, and aerosols, while solid cosmetics like powders or lipsticks in stick form are generally exempt.
How To Apply Foundation Correctly
Gen Z makeup blends natural, fresh-faced aesthetics (like the "Clean Girl" look with skin tints, gloss, and cream blush) with bold, experimental trends (like graphic liner, bright colors, and glitter), driven by authenticity, self-expression, TikTok trends, and sustainability, often featuring glowy finishes, defined brows, and less heavy coverage than millennial makeup. It emphasizes enhancing features naturally but also pushes boundaries, incorporating elements like faux freckles, inner corner highlights, and multi-use products.
A foundation brush offers more buildable, full coverage and precision, making it great for perfecting a flawless look, while a damp makeup sponge provides a sheer, natural, dewy finish by diffusing product into the skin but absorbs more makeup and can be less hygienic if not cleaned well. Choose a brush for control and intensity, or a sponge for a light, seamless, skin-like effect, often depending on your foundation type and desired finish.
Use a damp sponge: Using a damp sponge to apply foundation can help blend it into the skin for a more natural finish. Blend, blend, blend: The key to a natural look with foundation is blending. Make sure to blend your foundation into your hairline, jawline, and neck for a seamless finish.
Applying a serum before a foundation is a great way to hydrate the skin without leaving it feeling greasy.
Take a foundation, any foundation and apply it all over your face but make sure you don't add any foundation under the eye. Adding the shadow tells you how much light you need under your eyes. Press the contour in. Now you go in with the concealer.
Here's a quick overview of the correct makeup routine order you should follow:
If your aim is to even out your skin tone, you'll probably want to apply foundation before concealer. A major pro for applying foundation first is that you'll usually have to use less concealer to perfect your skin's complexion afterward.