When it comes to the world of makeup, there is no one-size-fits-all kind of product, and choosing a liquid foundation is no different. The one good thing about liquid foundation is that it can work on all skin types. However, you will still need to spend a little time researching to find a shade that best matches your skin tone. From lightweight to full coverage and from matte to dewy, there are a ton of options you can choose from to get the finish you’re after.
What I love about using liquid foundation is that it can help to conceal surface imperfections like dark circles and dark spots. It provides my skin with a flawless-looking base for the rest of my makeup application. However, the key to getting all of these benefits is learning how to apply liquid foundation. Let’s take a closer look at exactly how to do it.
How To Find The Best Liquid Foundation Finish For Your Skin Type
Before choosing a liquid foundation in the shade that best suits your skin tone, you must decide on what finish you’re interested in using. If that sounds a little confusing to you, here is an example to make things simpler.
If you are looking for heavier coverage, you will need a liquid or cream formula that offers full coverage. If, however, you prefer to have a more natural look and feel, it will be better to opt for a lightweight or weightless liquid foundation formula instead.
If you like your skin to have a radiant-looking glow, you should choose a dewy-finish foundation. On the other hand, if excess shine is a concern for you, the more prudent option will be to try a matte formula.
What To Avoid When Picking A Liquid Foundation
You need to take into account what your complexion’s particular needs are when choosing the best liquid foundation for your skin type.
As an example, if you have a tendency for oily skin, it will probably be a good idea to stay away from any foundation that claims they have a dewy finish. The reason for that is that it could likely make your oily skin look even shinier, which I’d guess is the exact opposite of what you want. Likewise, if you have dry skin, you should probably consider steering clear of matte formulas, because they won’t do anything to help you look more radiant.
The Matte Liquid Foundation I Use
My choice for a matte finish is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation (available on Amazon). It offers long-lasting medium coverage with a demi-matte finish. The foundation has an air-light texture and is oil-free.
The Dewy Liquid Foundation I Use
My choice for a dewy finish is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Foundation (available on Amazon). It offers long-lasting medium coverage with a radiant finish and air-light texture. This foundation is also great for wearing outdoors because it is formulated with SPF 15.
How To Apply Liquid Foundation
There are many ways to apply a liquid foundation: anything from your hands to a stippling brush can all potentially work. If you are not sure which one is the best option for you, here you can learn the different methods to apply liquid foundation. Have some fun experimenting with them all to discover the best one to create your most flawless complexion ever.
How To Apply Liquid Foundation With Your Hands
Before you start, be sure to wash your hands in order to make sure that you’re not covering your face with bacteria or germs while applying foundation.
Rub the foundation between your palms in order to emulsify it then press it onto your skin. By using this technique, you can get a natural, second-skin appearance.
How To Apply Liquid Foundation With Your Fingers
Just like before, make sure your hands are clean before you try this technique.
Squeeze some foundation onto your wrist and then use your fingers to warm it up. Apply the liquid foundation onto your face using circular motions. Make sure to blend and distribute evenly as you go.
How To Apply Liquid Foundation With A Tapered Foundation Brush
The easiest way to get an idea of how to use a tapered foundation brush is to think of it as a way to “paint” the liquid foundation onto your face.
The way you use a tapered foundation brush is to make sure you apply the foundation in short, downward, and outward strokes. Finish by blending any lines or creases that may have formed while using your tapered foundation brush.
How To Apply Liquid Foundation With A Stippling Brush
If you want sheerer coverage with an airbrushed finish, this brush can help you achieve that. The different length bristles on a stippling brush are what allow you to blend and press the foundation all over your face in light, circular motions.
How To Apply Liquid Foundation With A Rounded Foundation Brush
The rounded foundation brush is the traditional foundation brush we usually first reach for when learning to apply foundation using a brush. When using a traditional rounded foundation brush, blend the liquid foundation onto your face as you apply it by alternating between swirling and stroking motions.
How To Apply Liquid Foundation With A Makeup Blender
This is the industry favorite when it comes to makeup artists doing makeovers as it can give you a natural finish but it also lets you build up coverage to cover imperfections (such as beard shadow).
I use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender (available on Amazon) and squeeze a small amount of foundation onto the pointed tip of the makeup blender. I then use the rounded edge to dab and roll the foundation onto my skin.
How To Perfect A Liquid Foundation Makeup Look
Here is how to add liquid foundation to your existing makeup routine to create a gorgeous look.
Step 1: Prime Your Face
Even if you practice and become an expert at applying your liquid foundation with the perfect techniques, it will likely not last if you don’t prepare your skin beforehand.
If you really want your foundation looks to be flawless and to last, make sure you start your makeup routine off with face primer. Choose your primer depending on if you want a matte or glowing visage.
When I use a matte finish liquid foundation, I will reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Primer (available on Amazon). Alternatively, when I am using a dewy finish liquid foundation I find that the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Makeup Primer (available on Amazon) works best for me.
Blend a dab of primer into your face and wait for it to dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Color Correct
For this next step, take a look at your face and see if you notice any dark circles, redness, dullness, or sallowness. The good news is that there is a color corrector for each of these. To conceal each of these complexion concerns, reach for the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon (available on Amazon) in the shade of your choice before picking up a classic concealer. For instance, peach shades can help balance out dark circles, green works to camouflage redness, and yellow combats sallowness and dullness.
After applying my color corrector, I use my L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Concealer Blender (available on Amazon) to blend it in. Don’t worry if the color is still noticeable once you have blended it, as you’ll be covering it up with multiple other products. You just don’t want any harsh lines at the edges.
Step 3: Apply Liquid Foundation
Use whichever liquid foundation application method from the list above that works best for you – or try out a new one to expand your makeup skills and do that during this step.
Step 4: Conceal
If I have any complexion concerns that still shine through my foundation, I do a touch-up with my L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Multi-Use Concealer (available on Amazon). I especially love applying this creamy concealer under my eyes for an instant brightening effect. Just remember to blend it in after applying it so that your skin continues to look even and natural like it did after applying your liquid foundation.
Step 5: Contour
I use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Foundation Shaping Stick (available on Amazon) that’s 2-3 shades darker than my natural skin tone. Use the shaping stick to trace into the hollows of your cheeks, down the edges of the bridge of your nose, and around the outer edges of your forehead. Blend everything in. I use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Contour Blender (available on Amazon) for this.
Step 6: Highlight
Even though your liquid foundation is the star of the look you are creating, adding a little bit of pop with your highlighter won’t hurt anyone.
To get the look, I glide the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Highlighter Shaping Stick (available on Amazon) across my cheekbone, the tip of my nose, and the inner corners of my eyes to complete my look – especially when my goal is to try and turn heads when I enter a room.
Step 7: Set Your Look
Now that you have expertly applied your foundation and other face makeup, you need to give it a bit of extra staying power with a quick dusting setting powder. I use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder (available on Amazon). This helps keep oil at bay while ensuring your foundation doesn’t smear.
With that done, you can complete your look with your eye makeup and lips.
How To Remove Liquid Foundation At The End Of The Day
Girl, you’ve done a great job and you know that you’re looking good. Let’s not ruin all of your hard work and ruin your complexion by falling asleep in your makeup. I know that it sounds like a seemingly harmless thing to do. The problem is that it can actually lead to a whole slew of complexion concerns, including irritation, dullness, and even breakouts.
Because I know that is the last thing you want, I recommend that commit to an expert cleansing routine. Think of it as a first pre-step to having perfect makeup next time because you are investing the time to keep your skin healthy.
Once you have finished flaunting your perfect foundation and have taken all the selfies you want, be sure to remove your makeup before heading to bed.
The most effective method for me is using micellar water and a couple of cotton pads. I only use the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types (available on Amazon).
If I am traveling and on an overnight flight I will carry a pack of makeup wipes in my hand luggage so that I can remove my makeup before catching some sleep on the flight.
After removing my makeup I will always use a nourishing night cream to keep my skin looking young.
You can learn more about the importance of removing your makeup in the article that I wrote for you on Pink Femme called Why Sleeping with Makeup on Is a Mistake. Give that a read once you have finished here.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme? You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles.
When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.