Once you have zeroed in on the type of foundation suitable for your skin, it is necessary to understand how to apply it. Quite often, after applying the foundation while at home, we are not satisfied with the desired effect. However, when we do a trial session at the store, and the makeup artist/advisor helps us choose a foundation and applies it on our skin as a sample, we find the final result to be amazing. The main reason for this disappointment could be improper application.

First of all, your face should be clean and without any grease or uncleaned makeup. You should wash your face well and wipe it dry before beginning with your makeup routine. You can also follow this with another face cleanse using cleansing milk. After this, you will have to apply moisturizer and a primer to prepare the face for applying a foundation.

In the following, a brief description has been given on how to apply different types of foundation:

1. Powder foundation
You can simply pat on a powder foundation with a puff. If the foundation is a full coverage one, then you can apply it all over the face and press it onto the skin with a powder puff. However, if it is a tinted moisturizer or a sheer cover foundation powder, you should apply it with a brush.

2. Stick foundation
This is very easy to apply. The stick foundation can be carried in your handbag while on the move, without any extra makeup tools. It can be applied directly on your face or as a spot treatment whenever you require coverage. You can also use a flat foundation brush, a buffing brush, or a sponge to apply this foundation.

3. Full-coverage liquid foundation
A makeup sponge is best to apply a liquid foundation. Some makeup artists use a brush or their hands to apply it as well. However, this would need practice and skill.

4. Sheer liquid foundation
Due to its light texture, you can use your hands to apply this foundation for a weightless coverage.

5. Serum foundation
A buffing brush is ideal for applying this foundation.

Some makeup application brushes to suit different types of makeup include the following:

• Tapered foundation brush

This brush is used for applying the liquid foundation onto the face by using short downward and outward strokes. When applying the foundation, you can move the brush from the center towards the outward areas of the face. After this, you can blend down to the top of the neck as well. Once done, you can then simply pat, smoothen, and blend the foundation well to avoid lines.

• Stippling brush

Using this brush will give you a more sheer coverage than the otherwise painted look of a foundation brush. You can use a stippling motion to blend and press the foundation all over your face for a light and glowing finish. However, you should ensure to press the brush lightly over the face instead of sweeping it across the face.

• Beauty sponge

A beauty sponge helps to give a natural finish. You can wet the sponge and squeeze out excess water and gently press the foundation onto your skin with the damp sponge. You should ensure to use a tapping motion to blend the foundation effectively onto the skin.

• Rounded foundation brush

This brush is generally used to blend liquid foundation on the face. It has to be used in a swirling and stroking motion because of its thickness. You can use it in a circular motion to blend out the foundation seamlessly without any creases or lines.

However, some makeup artists swear by using fingers for blending the foundation on the skin. They say that no brush or sponge gives them the versatility of the bare hands. If you are using your hands when applying makeup, you can take the liquid or mousse foundation on your wrist and warm it up slightly with your fingers and then apply it to your face in a circular motion. However, ensure to blend it evenly all over the face.