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This is a question I’m asked a lot when out and about on makeovers and something I’ve briefly written about in the past. However, I’ve found that a lot of people don’t realise that skin preparation is absolutely crucial to providing a perfect base for your foundation to ensure it lasts throughout the day. Below, I’ve added my top four steps to helping your foundation last the day (and sometimes even beyond!)
Step 1: Skincare matters
No matter whether you have oily, dry or perfectly clear skin, skincare is so important and will dictate how your skin will look in years to come. It’s a really good idea to see a dermatologist or skincare adviser who can help you work out your skin type and advise you on the best products to use to work in harmony with your skin and keep it looking its best. A good skincare routine to follow twice daily (on a morning and in the evening) is to cleanse, tone and moisturise. The exact products will depend upon your skin type and skincare really is a minefield, so it’s best to seek the opinion of a professional who can guide you and introduce you to other products like serums and deep cleaning systems.
Step 2: Prepare your base
So, you’ve already cleansed, toned and moisturised, so your prep is done, right? Nope! The next step that I like to take on my clients is to prepare their skin for foundation with a primer. A priming product is usually used to create a silky soft base for the foundation to sit on and helps to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles by gently cushioning them and filling in the space so that the foundation can sit neatly on top. Primers also help foundation to last much longer as they give the foundation a smooth, clear base to sit upon. I like the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer.
Step 3: Foundation
If you have oily skin like me, it’s not a great idea to grab a foundation with a dewy finish as it won’t last the day and will make the skin look even shinier throughout the day. Instead, choose a foundation with a more matte finish that will set on the skin creating a strong base. Estee Lauder’s Double Wear is fabulous for this along with MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid. If you have very dry skin, it makes sense to use a creamier foundation that will help to hydrate your skin while you wear it such as Laura Mercier’s Creme Smooth Foundation.
Step 4: Powder
Adding a little loose powder to set the skin along the T-Zone works a treat for helping foundation to last longer. I prefer to add a little powder over my whole face concentrating on the forehead, down the bridge of my nose, and my chin and cheeks. This helps to lock the foundation in place and absorb any excess oil that might be threatening your flawless base. My favourite powder to use on my clients and on set is MAC’s Prep + Prime Translucent Finishing Powder.
© This post is copyright of Rachael Divers 2015.
