7 Mistakes You’re Making With Foundation That Ruin Your Looks

Have you ever watched a makeup tutorial on YouTube, did the exact step–by–step procedure, but obtained a different result? Maybe there’s something wrong with the most essential element in your makeup – the foundation.
Foundation is designed to be your second skin: it should give you a flawless and youthful glow. Buying the wrong one and applying it incorrectly gives you an opposing effect that isn’t pretty.
If you still can’t get the hang of it, here are 7 common mistakes when buying and applying foundation and how to solve them.
Mistake #1: Picking The Wrong Foundation For Your Skin Type
For newbies, applying foundation can be a little tricky to pull off. But what makes it more challenging is finding the right foundation for you.
It’s not a “one kind fits all” product. That said, it’s important to determine your skin type (dry, oily, combination, aging, and sensitive skin) and choose the right foundation that works for your needs.

  • Dry skin: Choose a sheer, hydrating foundation. Go for a silky liquid foundation to get that lovely natural glow while keeping your face moisturized.
  • Oily/acne-prone skin:  Go for a noncomedogenic and oil-absorbing formula. Opt for matte and oil-free variants for a shine-free look. Go for a medium to full coverage foundation.
  • Combination skin: You’re lucky, for you can choose whether to be on the velvety side or on the matte side.
  • Aging skin: Ditch heavy products and cakey powder foundation, which can settle into fine lines and wrinkles and exaggerate the signs of aging. Instead, opt for a light coverage using a hydrating and satin-finish liquid foundation.
  • Sensitive skin: Stay away from heavy and overly fragranced products. Opt for products specially formulated for sensitive skin with gentler ingredients and lighter coverage, such as mineral-based formulas free of dyes, preservatives, and fragrances.

Mistake #2: Using The Wrong Shade
Choosing a foundation that’s too light, and you’ll look pale and sick; choosing a foundation that’s too dark, and it’ll look like a self-tanning blunder.
When buying foundation, don’t be shy to test the colors on your cheeks, nose, and jawline – not on your wrist or back of your hand. It’s also recommended to head out into the headlight to see how it really looks without the harsh lights of the department store.
You need to pick a shade that’s of the same color as your face. If the shade disappears into your skin, boom! You’ve found the right foundation for you!
Mistake #3: Skipping Primer
“Not to Prime is a Crime,” says the Australian makeup artist and businessman, Napoleon Perdis. According to Perdis, primer makes the foundation blend better into your skin. It may be tempting to skip primer when you’re in a hurry but it’s actually one of the keys to getting a smooth, even, poreless, and long-lasting finish for your makeup.
applying foundation
Mistake # 4: Overlooking Setting Spray And Powder
In addition to primer, setting your makeup after applying everything is another important step to maintaining your flawless finish all day long. The easiest and quickest ways to do this is by spritzing settIng spray on your primped face. If you have an oily skin, using a bit of setting powder also works to get that nice and flawless matte finish.
Mistake #5 Applying Too Much Foundation
Unless you want a cakey look, avoid layering foundation multiple times. Be strategic with your application. If you have something to hide, leave the job to the concealer.
Apply a thinner layer of makeup to areas where the skin is thin, like your forehead, nose bridge, and around your eyes. Apply a heavier layer on thicker areas, such as the cheeks, nostrils, chin, jaw, and upper lip.
Mistake #6: Gliding With Your Fingers
Makeup brushes are there for a reason. Using your fingers will create streaky, blotchy, and uneven coverage. Additionally, you may also transfer oil and dirt from your hands to your face.  Invest in a good foundation brush, a damp makeup sponge, or a beauty blender for applying your foundation.
Using a high-quality brush also allows you to apply efficiently, using less of your expensive foundation while having a smooth, even, and flawless result.  
Mistake #7: Forgetting To Blend Down Your Neck
Your foundation should act like your second skin, not your mask. That said, you shouldn’t forget that your neck needs to match with your face. Keep working with your brush right past your chin and jaw. Buff it in circular motions for a more natural-looking finish.