Hi, it’s Bo again, here with the conclusion of my journey to foundation illumination. My guide was Sara Biria, Sephora Pro Beauty Team member. We had chosen two different kinds to test out: Laura Mercier Oil-Free Liquid Foundation for the right side of my face and Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 for the left.
But before we applied the foundation, there was yet another unforeseen step: PRIMER! Primer can be used for reasons ranging from color-correcting complexion (for instance, green primer can be used to correct redness) to simply preparing skin for makeup. Again, we picked a different primer for each side of my face: Smashbox Photo Finish on the right and Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer on the left. Sara applied the primer, starting from the center of my face and working out.
At last, we were ready for the foundation! We began with the Laura Mercier formula. According to Sara, proper application of liquid foundation is key. She said, “I see women who buy really nice and expensive foundation, but since they don’t apply it correctly, it doesn’t look right.” She stressed the importance of using a foundation brush, not a sponge or fingers. “You shouldn’t put it directly on fingers and apply because it could easily become blotchy.”
Sara loves the Sephora Brand Professionnel Platinum Stippling Brush #44. She used it to apply the Laura Mercier formula, beginning again at the center of my face and working out. “Think of your face as a canvas,” she said, as she artfully wielded the brush back and forth. “Build the coverage slowly.”
(Runway secret from Sara: After applying liquid foundation, use a tissue to pat off any extra.)
For the bareMinerals, Sara used a brush specifically designed for the minerals. As all you mineral lovers already know, you swirl the brush in the makeup and tap off the excess before applying.
Last step: Sara sealed the foundation on both sides with a translucent powder by taking a brush and pushing the powder into the skin, not just brushing back and forth. "This way, the powder will work into the foundation and last longer,” she said.
Finally, finished! And the results? My skin’s color was unusually uniform, and the foundation on both sides definitely felt lighter than I had anticipated, especially with the bareMinerals. Even later, after running errands, eating dinner, and an unscheduled nap, I went to the mirror to inspect the results. My skin still looked professionally done, and my complexion appeared smooth and clear.
But I have to be honest: My feelings about foundation remain unresolved. Although the coverage felt almost weightless on both sides, I was still conscious of it throughout the day. On the other hand, I’m sure I would adapt quickly, and I would definitely like to check out other types of foundation. Plus, I keep thinking about what Sara told me: “Complexion is key to feeling beautiful. When your skin is glowing, your beauty shines through it.”
So, here’s a question for all you foundation devotees: What are your tried-and-true foundation and techniques?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Beauty Newbie: A Learner's Guide To Foundation, Part II
-Bo Young Lee
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5 comments:
I wouldn't consider myself a devotee, because I've only recently started wearing it, and I only wear it for evening, going out etc. I do not wear it on a daily basis. But I use a foundation brush, and only put foundation on the parts of my face that need the coverage, like red patches, etc. Then I am just careful to blend it out really well.
I don't like foundation and the heavy feeling I used to get from liquid so I started using MAC and Max Factor stick foundation with a foundation brush. It doesn't feel as heavy and I feel more in control of the product.
I just discovered Make Up For Ever's HD foundation and powder and really like it. I too loathe the feeling of it on my skin and hate any greasiness. This stuff doesn't look makeup-y on and lasts the entire day without me having to re-powder.Love!
Ugh. Still looking for "my" foundation. Currently working on a bottle of MAC Studio Fix Liquid, but I've since discovered that MAC doesn't agree with my sensitive skin. Sigh. Tried bareMinerals, but it leaves my face looking shinily (is that a word?) chalky. So, yeah. Still searching.
Something I started doing recently, though, which I really have grown to love: applying liquid foundation with a kabuki brush. I used to use a stippling brush (MAC 187), but it would just take FOREVER to blend. With the kabuki brush-- just oh my gosh! I was done in less than 2 minutes, and the coverage was fabulous! I also didn't have to use as much product as I did when using the 187.
But, on days I don't feel like wearing foundation but still want something to even out my complexion, tinted moisturizers are great. Or, just mix a little foundation with your moisturizer.
Thanks, everyone! It’s good to learn that most people seem to use a brush to apply foundation. I guess I should invest in one (provided that I decide on a foundation!). My mother, who has wanted me to wear foundation for years, doesn’t use one. Even though she probably will be loath to change up her routine, maybe I can give her one for Christmas!
Jkim, you reminded me of another tip that Sara gave: You can use a drop from a full-coverage liquid foundation and mix it with your moisturizer to create a tinted moisturizer.
Keep the helpful comments coming!
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