What to Use Before Foundation Makeup: A Complete Guide

November 30, 2024 Admin

What to use before foundation makeup No doubt, the foundation can be the very first thing that people think of related to a perfect makeup look. But before you put that foundation on, you need to consider what you’re putting on first—after all, the thing you’re putting on top of is just as crucial to coverage that stays in place smoothly all day. Whether it be with skincare products, primers, powders, or anything in between, the proper prep steps will go a long way. In this ultimate guide, we will talk about the must-have products and steps you must keep in mind while applying makeup base before foundation to achieve a fresh, flawless, and glowing base that lasts you through the day.

Why Prepping Your Skin is Crucial

Before diving into what products you need to use, first understand that prepping your skin is one of the most essential steps before applying any makeup. Foundation makeup what to use You may think that a full coverage foundation is for balancing skin and concealing, but without a little skin prep and priming it won’t go on as well nor will it last as long. The perfect skin prep will provide you with a blank canvas to apply your foundation, and your foundation will glide on like butter. It also gives your makeup a dew-like appearance, almost like you are glowing.

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin

Before applying any makeup on your skin, the very first and essential step is to clean your skin. Having clean skin will remove the dirt, oil, and impurities that only make your makeup fail to stick and last longer.

Why it’s important: Cleansing is essential because it clears away the oils plus dirt, which can otherwise clog your pores or lead to your makeup breaking up or sliding off during the day.

How to do it: A mild facial cleanser according to your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin). Keep away from any cleanser that is harsh enough to strip your skin of its natural oils, because not only does that leave your skin tight it can also have your makeup turning out cakey.

Step 2: Apply a Toner (Optional but Recommended)

You might want to use a toner after cleansing. Using toners helps to restore your skin’s pH levels and offers your skin a boost of moisture, making it feel soft and fresh.

Why it’s important: Toners help to eliminate any residual bits of cleanser and also work to polish skin and create an even surface for makeup.

How to do it: On a cotton pad, apply toner and gently glide onto the skin, steering clear of the eye area. If you have sensitive skin, look for calming ingredients such as chamomile) or hydrating toners that contain hyaluronic acid.

Step 3: Hydrate with a Moisturizer

Even if you have oily skin, you should never skip hydrating your skin before foundation application. A good moisturizer retains moisture in the skin and keeps your skin smooth, soft, and makeup-ready.

Why it’s important: Hydration provides the plump canvas on which the foundation is laid. When your base is hydrated, it gives no chance to the foundation to cling to the dry patches or the dry skin, thus giving an uneven and achy makeup.

How to do it: Depending on your skin type, pick a moisturizer. If you have oily skin, use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Pick a thicker, more emollient formula that helps hydrate even further for dry skin. Make sure to wait a couple of minutes for your moisturizer to absorb completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Use a Primer

This is where the magic part happens. Primer is essential in every makeup game. Besides giving a smooth texture, it also extends foundation wear on your face.

Why it’s important: Primers help fill in your skin and make it a good base for your foundation. Some may also come with additional benefits, like pore minimization, oil control, or luminosity.

How to do it: How to Apply Apply a bit of primer all over your face (or more specifically as with your T-zone or areas where your pores are visible). Allow a few seconds of drying of the primer and then apply your foundation.

There are different types of primers to consider:

Pore-Minimizing Primer: If you have large pores or oily skin, this lightweight primer is best. It makes skin soft and smooth and leaves a matte finish.

Hydrating Primer: Ideal for dry skin, hydrating primers add moisture and make sure your foundation won’t attach itself to dry patches.

Illuminating Primer: Ideal for both dull skin and a dewy makeup look to give your skin a natural glow.

Mattifying Primer: Provides oil control for oily skin types and humid weather.

Step 5: Apply a Makeup Setting Spray (Optional)

A few people enjoy spraying a setting shower before establishment as part of their arrangement schedule. This step is especially beneficial for an added dose of moisture or if you want another barrier to keep your foundation in place.

Why it’s important: Setting sprays can help to hydrate and prepare skin for makeup with a radiant, dewy glow.

How to do it: Shake setting spray and spray at least one to two feet away from your face. Wait a couple of seconds to let it dry before you proceed to the foundation.

Step 6: Color Corrector (If Needed)

Color correctors are great if you suffer from dark circles, redness, discoloration, etc. They neutralize these areas before you put on your foundation.

Why it’s important: Color correction evens out your skin tone and minimizes the amount of foundation needed to reach full coverage.

How to do it: Roll on the color corrector right on unwanted spots before the foundation. These are some basic color correction tips:

Peach/Orange: Excellent for dark circles and also blue-toned discoloration

Green: Loss in redness and blemishes

Purple: Brightens eggshell, sallow yellow undertones.

Yellow: Neutralizes purple or blue tones.

Blend the corrector well before applying the foundation on top.

Step 7: Choose the Right Foundation Formula

If you have prepared your skin, you are ready to apply the foundation. Your skin type, your preferences, and what face you’re trying to create should determine what kind of foundation you buy.

Why it’s important: Going for the right foundation formula will work with the texture of your skin and also support makeup longevity.

How to do it: Select a foundation depending on your skin condition:

Liquid Foundations: Leave a wide variety of finishes from matte to dewy and tend to work for all skin types.
Powder Foundations: Suitable for oily skin because they absorb oil and leave a matte look.

Stick Foundations: If someone has dry skin, the foundation stick is very good, it offers a thick coverage and creamy finish.

BB Cream or Tinted Moisturizer: Ideal for a more natural and light coverage.

Step 8: Concealer (Post-Foundation)

Technically, concealer goes after the foundation but I’m going to include it here because it can be used to cover sections if the dark spots (or blemishes) are still visible even after your foundation. Applying this over your foundation helps with fuller coverage and blending.

Why it’s important: Concealer will be your last resort for added coverage where it counts, so your makeup is seamless.

How to do it: Dab concealer on areas that need more coverage, such as dark circles, blemishes, or redness.

Conclusion: Perfecting Your Base

what to use before foundation makeup Having a perfect base is not confined to just using a foundation. The correct cleansing, moisturizing, priming, and color-correcting lays down a smooth, even palette upon which to paint that foundation. The correct products can make all the difference in how your makeup applies and wears over the day — set those right products in the right order.