Prepare Your Skin

Preparing your skin before applying foundation is the key to achieving your desired result. "Taking care of your skin is very important in achieving a flawless finish," Tran says, emphasizing the importance of having a consistent skincare routine, even when you're going makeup-free. "It doesn't matter how [many] blurring primers or powders you use. If your skin has an uneven texture from not exfoliating or moisturizing enough, no product will sit on your face well."

She recommends moisturizing your face prior to applying foundation. I use Solawave Radiant Renewal 4-in-1 Skincare Wand (red light can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots) before applying Augustinus Bader The Cream for deep moisture.

Choose the Right Foundation for You

A critical step when applying foundation is identifying which formula works for you. Some prefer sheer, buildable coverage, while others gravitate towards powder or full-coverage matte formulas. Determining your skin type, as well as the level of coverage you want to achieve will help you choose a formula that best suits your needs. If you have dry skin, you may prefer a hydrating liquid formulation. But, if you have oily skin, you may be seeking a formula with a mattifying effect. We recommend experimenting with different formulas and picking out samples at your local department store or beauty retailer so that you can try and see how each wears on your skin before you buy.

"Since I like my foundation to have natural coverage with a glowy finish, I use Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear in the shade B20," says Tran. "The formula goes on light and can be built up if you want additional coverage."

Apply and Blend Using the Proper Tools

Once you've settled on a foundation, this is when you may decide which tools to use in order to help you apply the product. "Knowing the texture (liquid, cream, powder) of your foundation and the finish and coverage (sheer or full) will help you select the best tool that suits your application needs," Tran says. Gee agrees, "You always want to think about the type of brush you use when applying different formulas of foundation."

• Liquid foundations. Tran likes to apply liquid foundation "using an angled flathead brush that is dense but not too compact" for gentle stippling and buffing. Gee also recommends using a foundation brush to apply liquid formulas. Her go-to is Gee Beauty Base Brush. Pro tip: If your foundation is thick and difficult to blend, Tran recommends using a Beautyblender sponge as it may absorb some of the product while you dab it onto the skin. "A damp Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge may help thin it out to look more even," she says.
• Cream foundations. For thicker, cream formulas, Gee likes to use an angled brush like Gee Beauty Multi Skin Brush.
• Powder foundations. "For powders, you can use a brush for more sheer application and a sponge for more coverage," Tran says.

"I use Artis Elite Collection Oval 7 Brush to apply my foundation, which helps seamlessly blend the foundation onto my skin, says Tran. "I lightly buff the foundation until it's fully blended." She recommends using circular motions to ensure an even and natural finish.

The Result

Once you've blended your foundation, you may apply the rest of your makeup. "I usually follow with some concealer under my eyes and Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush in Deep Apricot on my cheeks for a pop of color. This helps me achieve my desired fresh and natural look," says Tran.