Foundation
Conceal blemishes, smooth your complexion and create a flawless face.
Should I wear a primer underneath my makeup?
Primer can be a controversial topic, and even professionals are divided. Well-known makeup artists hail its effectiveness in creating a smoother surface for makeup, evening out skin texture and providing longer-lasting wear. Others insist that primer serves only a minimal purpose for the general population. Jamie Greenberg, a makeup artist who often works with the actress Rashida Jones, suggests thinking of primer as a problem solver. "If you find yourself having trouble keeping your makeup in place, and you've already tried different foundation formulas, you might want to try a primer," she says. "It will make your makeup last longer, so if you have a special meeting or aren't able to touch up during the day, it helps."Generally, Ms. Greenberg finds that a good primer can get you "four hours where your makeup will look top-notch." Apply it all over with a flat foundation brush. It adds a few minutes to your morning makeup routine, but it can save you time on touchups.
How do I determine which foundation is best for me?
Skin type plays a key role, but Ms. Greenberg would argue that most people already know their skin type. The issue, she says, is more nuanced. "You have to think, ‘Is your foundation compatible with your moisturizer?' As you know, water and oil don't mix, so if you're using, say, an oil-based moisturizer and water-based foundation, you might have an unwanted pilling effect." This remains true throughout the seasons, she points out, so you may want to pair a water-based foundation with a water-based moisturizer during the summer but switch to oil-based products in the winter.
Are there tricks to blending foundation?
When it comes to makeup tools, Ms. Greenberg says a damp sponge by beautyblender wins hands down. You add foundation to the moist sponge and use stippling motions to apply it to the face. "It really helps set the foundation into the skin," Ms. Greenberg says. "You get coverage but without looking like you have a pound of product on your face."
Why do some base products look more natural than others?
Whether or not a base looks natural hinges on texture and consistency. Generally, matte or thicker foundations will have a more artificial-looking finish. Natural skin tends to reflect a bit of light. Ms. Greenberg also finds that color plays an outsize role. "The No. 1 issue I see is that the color is off," she says. She suggests that it might be worth it to buy two foundations, one light and one dark. Then practice mixing them and adjusting as needed. "Don't forget that skin color can change every day depending on the season or exposure to sun," she says. Another tip for a flawless finish: "It sounds crazy, but I have combination skin, and I'll often use two different foundations in the same shade," Ms. Greenberg says. "I'll use one that is more oil-absorbing for my T-zone and one that is dewier for the rest of my face."
What's the best way to apply concealer?
"For spots, I like ZO Skin Health's Offects Correct & Conceal, which has a salicylic acid to heal at the same time," Ms. Greenberg says, adding that concealers meant to cover blemishes need to be on the dry side to stay put. She likes to apply concealer with a Bobbi Brown Concealer Blending Brush. "When covering a zit, your product can get too concentrated and you end up with a ring around it," she says. "This brush buffs gently so you don't have any ‘seams.'" For undereyes, she recommends finding a concealer formula that also hydrates so it's less likely to accentuate fine lines. "Also, don't apply with a heavy hand," she cautions. "If you add too much product, it can be aging as it will settle in and bring out fine lines." Apply the concealer with your ring finger. Using the pad of the finger, gently tap it onto the affected area.
If I'm in a rush, what's the quickest way to enhance my complexion?
Given the choice of more sleep or a more complex morning beauty regimen, sleep generally wins out. In such a case, a concealer fix is ideal. Ms. Greenberg suggests tapping on concealer where needed and blending. Otherwise, she likes a tinted moisturizer, which is fairly goofproof. "You can get away with it not being perfect because it's sheerer," she says.
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