A perfect finish begins with great skin. Smooth and balanced skin is necessary to achieve even coverage. It is therefore important to take care of your complexion and use the right type of moisturizers to hydrate your skin so that your foundation goes on evenly.

Although foundation can be applied with clean fingertips, using a damp cosmetic sponge will provide more even coverage. You can lightly mist the sponge with water and squeeze it to distribute the moisture more evenly. Next, apply the foundation by dabbing it onto the center of the forehead, nose, and cheek areas, blending outward and downward, so that fine facial hairs lie flat.

If you have oily skin you will want a good skin-care routine that’s customized to your particular complexion. You may need to use an oil-free hydrating gel plus an oil-control lotion and oil mattifier. Use a very thin application of the oil-free mattifier before applying foundation. You can also carry Beauty Blotters Oil Absorbing Tissues throughout the day to maintain a fresh look.

One of the benefits of using a quality foundation is its buildable coverage. This can give you the flexibility to get the look you want, which is quite simple to achieve. Once you have applied your foundation, wait until it’s dry before applying another application, when needed. Last, set your foundation with loose or pressed powder to create longevity.

When a foundation is the right shade, it literally appears invisible on your skin – while at the same time it can dramatically improve your appearance. Let’s face it: the real reason women wear foundation is to achieve a flawless look. That’s why finding the perfect hue means using a color that is closest to your natural coloring. Today’s formulas come in a wide variety of shades and undertones that easily match up to all skin tones. It’s best to match foundation to your undertones, while using shades that flatter your skin, in order to look naturally beautiful.

The stripe test is the best way to determine the right shade. Apply a stripe of color on a clean area from the cheek to the jawline. If the foundation is blended well, you will be able to determine if the color is accurate once it dries. If the shade is too obvious, test a few others. When it blends seamlessly into the jawline, it’s a go.


Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.