Tips To Make Your Foundation Look Natural

We all know how unattractive mismatched foundation looks. Well, cakey, chalky-looking foundation looks worse. The thing is, foundation is a very tricky product to work with, and getting it to look like you're not wearing anything is a feat shrouded in mystery. To help simplify this process, here's a complete breakdown of the techniques that'll help you get the best natural looking foundation, every single time.

But before we get started, the foundation that you pick also plays a large role. The more features it has like being lightweight, blendable or hydrating, the easier it will be for you to apply it. We'd suggest going for the Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Foundation. It has shades for every undertone whether you have warm or cool tones. If that wasn't enough, it has a built-in primer which means it will stay all day long. Also loaded with SPF 20, it promises a natural finish, which means you are halfway there with your goal for a no-makeup look.

A perfect base starts with smooth skin. If the surface of your skin is smooth and even, then your foundation will automatically glide on like butter and at the same time, look natural.

It is, therefore, important to include exfoliation in your regular skincare routine. Exfoliate twice a week using the St. Ives Energizing Coconut & Coffee Scrub to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a healthy glow. This paraben-free scrub also makes sure to unclog pores which mean fewer chances of a breakout.

But, exfoliation is not enough. If you naturally have dry skin, then it is going to make foundation application uneven and flaky. Therefore, always smooth your skin out by cleansing it, and then slathering on moisturiser while your skin is still damp. Allow the moisturiser to absorb before you start working on your natural looking foundation process.

Now, this is where the skincare steps end and we start with makeup. Just because you have applied moisturiser, does not mean you can skip applying primer. They are both very different products and serve different purposes and are equally important. Choose asilicone-based primer such as the Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer to help you give your skin a smooth and poreless finish. This primer has a waterproof formula, so making it through a humid day is not going to be a problem.

This is one of the most important steps to achieving a natural, flawless application. After hunting for a while, if you still haven't found your perfect match, get two foundation shades, one lighter and one darker. Blend the two together to get a closer match for your skin tone.

Cream and powder foundations can make your makeup look cakey a few hours into the application. If you want to avoid the cakey look, then it's best you play safe with a liquid foundation. You can also try a liquid foundation like the Lakme Absolute Argan Oil Serum Foundation With SPF 45, it blends easily into the skin and helps you achieve a dewy, radiant look. Since it has argan oil, it also makes sure that your skin is hydrated throughout the day.

After applying your foundation, always test it in good, natural lighting to assess just how your foundation looks on your face. The best way to do this is to go to your window and check as this will give the most accurate impression of how your makeup actually looks in daylight. Avoid checking your makeup under yellow or fluorescent lights.

Using just a makeup brush or a sponge will not give you the desired results. Invest in both a stippling brush as well as a makeup sponge for a skin-like finish. For fast, streak-free coverage, apply your foundation using your fingers, especially if you are using a liquid formula. But ensure that you don't pile on product. Always start by dotting foundation on the areas where you need more coverage, like on the T-zone or cheeks, and then spread whatever's left over the rest of your face with a brush in an outward motion.

You may think foundation is something you use all over the face, but this isn't always true. For instance, if you have trouble-free skin, you need a lot less foundation than someone with acne or pigmentation. Choose the amount required depending on your skin type and start from the centre of the face, blending it outward, towards the cheeks, hairline and jawline. Next, conceal any trouble areas such as blackheads and acne.

This will ensure you get the coverage you need while applying as little foundation as possible. Once done, lightly blot out the excess foundation. This lifts any left-over product that may remain on your face while keeping the rest of your foundation intact. Blotting is important to ensure the excess is taken off so your face doesn't develop a 'cakey' look.

For a really airbrushed, natural looking foundation, a beauty sponge is your go-to product. Once you have applied and spread out the foundation, tap with a damp makeup sponge all over your face to even it out. This process helps to blur harsh lines and picks up excess product so your foundation won't look cakey.

But the 'tapping' or in the beauty lingo, blending with a sponge or a brush is also an art. If there's one makeup tip you should follow all the time, it has to be to blend, blend, blend your foundation to perfection. Blending prevents your foundation from looking cakey and gives you a dewy finish. The right way to blend is in outward motions while following the natural lines of your face so as to create a softer, more natural effect.

Remember your foundation isn't meant to cover up your acne, blemishes or other skin concerns, that's the job of your concealer. Your foundation is only supposed to even out your skin tone. To cover all the acne scars, dark circles, etc. apply a thin layer of the Lakme Absolute White Intense Liquid Concealer and blend it into your skin for a natural finish.

The best way to apply foundation is to first spread with a makeup brush and then blend it all in with a sponge. Also, always start from the centre of your face and blend outwards, because the centre is where most of us need maximum coverage.

There is nothing wrong with applying foundation under your eyes, but this is mostly unnecessary. Instead, apply foundation to the rest of your face and stick to applying concealer only to your under-eye area.

There you go, 10 simple application tips to get the best natural looking foundation. Look like the goddess you are and say goodbye to cakey foundation or a streaky finish.