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Exactly How You Should Be Applying Your Foundation

The pros have revealed their top tips

Fingers, brushes, spongesโ€ฆ

When it comes to applying the latest bases, the experts like to mix it up.

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Brushes

โ€œI prefer to use brushes when applying foundation to achieve that beautiful Giorgio Armani complexion,โ€ says Grant Power, national face designer at Giorgio Armani Cosmetics. โ€œI use the [Giorgio Armani Cosmetics] Maestro Blender Brush #4. Itโ€™s made with synthetic bristles and the slightly pointed shape ensures even application for that flawless skin.โ€

Try: Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Maestro Blender Brush #4, Chanel Pinceau Teint 2-in-1 Foundation Brush

Fingers & brushes 

โ€œMy go-to method is to apply foundation with a foundation brush then pat the foundation with my fingers to make it become one with the skin,โ€ says Liz Kelsh, make-up expert and ambassador for Max Factor. โ€œI also use a fibre-optic brush to give the skin a final buff, especially around the jawline and into the hairline.โ€

Sponges

โ€œMost cushion foundations are best applied with a sponge,โ€ says Kelsh.

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Electronics

New gen electronic buffers will polish foundation into skin for 60 seconds. The result is a complexion that looks as if itโ€™s been touched up by the airbrush wand.

Try: Clarisonic Mia Fit Pink Cleansing Device and Sonic Foundation Makeup Brush

โ€œSometimes women apply the same foundation in their 40s as they did in their 20s and wonder why itโ€™s not performing. If your foundation is getting too shiny or evaporating off your skin, it may be time to look for a new formulation.โ€ โ€“ Liz Kelsh, make-up expert and ambassador for Max Factor

The new weightless

Gone are the days of slathering on the slap. The new breed of foundations are featherweight and effectively mimic real skin. โ€œWomen do not want to feel like they are wearing a heavy mask on their face,โ€ says Power. โ€œThey want it to radiate and glow.โ€

Try: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Everyday Bouncy Makeup, Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Face Fabric, Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

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Do this: Look for formulations that allow you to build up the coverage to deliver your desired finish, while still keeping skin looking real. โ€œI tend to go for buildable foundations,โ€ says Kelsh. โ€œThat way I can control the amount of cover and add a little more where needed.โ€ 

Partner up

Foundations have come a long way, but to keep skin looking fresh youโ€™ll need to team them with primer and powder. Hereโ€™s why:

Primer magic: Air conditioning and warm weather can cause shine and your foundation to do a disappearing act by lunchtime. โ€œIf you are prone to oiliness, find a product that helps to regulate the skin,โ€ suggests Power.

Try: Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Armani Prima Day-Long Skin Perfector Trouble Zones

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Powder power: Powder is your secret weapon when it comes to banishing shine. Dust it on in the morning then keep a compact on stand-by for touch-ups. โ€œWhen applying the pressed powder, press it into the foundation with the applicator. This way it wonโ€™t upset your foundation,โ€ says Kelsh.

Try: Bourjois Air Mat Powder, By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder  

This article originally appeared in the March, 2018 issue of marie claire.

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