How to Apply Powder Foundation: Our Step-by-Step Guide

By Catherine Jordan

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Powder foundation is a staple in any makeup routine and the best friend of every skin type. In this article, I’m going to walk you through two of our favorite methods for applying powder foundation.

The first method that I will show you is how to apply for sheer coverage with a Powder Brush. This technique works well when you want your complexion to look nice and natural.

The second way that I like to apply my powder foundation is for full coverage with a sponge. This technique gives me more time in between touch-ups during the day because it covers everything from my pores and acne scars all the way down to the dark circles under my eyes.

Which one do you think would work better with your routine? Let’s find out in this step-by-step guide on how to apply powder foundation.

I’m also going to share our favorite tips with you and walk you through two different techniques for applying Foundation with a Powder Brush and Foundation with a Makeup Sponge.

Before You Apply: Prep Your Skin

Before you apply your powder foundation, make sure to take a few simple prep steps to get the most natural finish.

First, use a cleanser and toner to keep your skin at its cleanest. This helps you avoid any impurities from clogging your pores when you apply foundation.[1]

When applying your foundation, always start with a moisturizer to let it set as you apply serums if they are part of your skin-care routine.

If you have an oily complexion and tend to get shiny during the day, then priming with a primer or matte finishing powder can be helpful too.

To get the best possible look, it’s important to wait around a couple of minutes after applying your moisturizer. If you want to have more control over your foundation’s finish, try applying primer first.

Read More: DIY Guide on Applying Foundation on Dry Skin

Pick Your Product

Now that you’re ready to apply, it’s time to choose your powder foundation. Well, it completely depends on your skin type and your personal preference. For me, I use Lakme Powder Foundation.

I like the way that it diffuses light and gives my skin a better overall finish. It also comes in a range of shades so I never have to worry about finding one that matches my complexion. If you want more coverage, then this is the product for you.

If you want something that will give you a full coverage finish with a flawless look, then we recommend using a foundation brush and applying foundation with a makeup sponge.

First, we have a couple of preparation tips to make sure that your skin can handle what’s about to go on top.

1. To get lighter coverage

For getting lighter with a foundation brush, you need to make sure that the rest of your skin is clean.

2. To get buildable coverage

For getting buildable coverage you need to make sure that the rest of your skin is hydrated.

3. To minimize redness, blemishes, or an uneven skin tone

For minimizing redness, blemishes, or an uneven skin tone you need to make sure that the rest of your skin is calmed down.

4. To combat oily skin

But if you have oily skin, then we recommend using a water-based moisturizer and blending it in well before applying powder foundation to avoid oil buildup on top of your makeup.

Read More: A Guide to Choose Best Airbrush Foundation

How to Apply Powder Foundation with a Powder Brush

1. Press A Large, Dense Brush Into The Powder Foundation

Start with a little powder on the brush and add more as needed.

The key is to apply enough so that you achieve your desired coverage while still being able to blend it out afterward.

Blend the foundation into the skin from forehead, down around the hairline, across cheeks and jawline – anywhere you’re applying makeup today.

2. Pat The Brush Onto Your T-zone And Under Your Eyes

The T-zone is an area with a lot of oil or sweat glands, like the forehead and nose. Patting in that area ensures fuller coverage on these areas.

3. Swirl The Brush Onto Your Cheeks And Forehead

For the rest of your face, swirl a brush in small circular motions all over your face. This will give you a more natural, sheer coverage that’s perfect for everyday wear.

4. Pick Up More Foundation As You Need It

As you apply your makeup, it’s necessary to keep extra powder on hand. Brush off the excess from time to time by running a clean brush across your face or using a cloth to wipe away any spillage.

5. Blend The Foundation Down Your Neck

Visually divide your face by a horizontal line. Gently dust out the product as you go.

Sweep the brush down from your jawline to the middle of your neck, then fill in any areas that are bare with a foundation on the top half of your face.

Gently dust out the product as you go.

6. Set The Foundation With Finishing Powder For A Longer-lasting Stay

Finish your makeup by setting the foundation with a light dusting of powder.

You can use either translucent or tinted finishing powders to achieve different effects, which work great for oily skin types.

Powder foundations are fantastic when you need to control shine and keep your face looking fresh all day long.

Read More: A Guide to Choose Best Airbrush Makeup Kit

How to Apply Powder Foundation with a Makeup Sponge

1. Find The Right Color For Your Skin Tone

A popular way to test for a foundation match is by dipping the end of a cotton swab in the makeup and then drawing the tip along your jaw. If you are able check out this article on how to apply powder foundation.

2. Choose Your Powder Foundation Based On The Coverage You Want

A mineral or lightweight foundation is for light to medium coverage. If you would like additional coverage, go for pressed powder, which goes on darker than lighter weight foundations.

You can also apply a mineral foundation or powder to greasy areas before washing your face.

3. Pat On The Concentrated Foundation To Cover Any Spots Or Blemishes

After applying your powder foundation, if there are any patchy parts or blemishes that haven’t covered well, grab a small concealer brush and dip it into the powdered makeup.

To apply powder foundation, dab the brush against problematic areas and pat it into your skin. This will help to cover any flaws that you may have missed with thin strokes of color.

To prevent liquid concealer from removing powder foundation coverage, put it on after applying the powder.

4. Avoid Using Your Fingers For Powder Foundation

While dry powders might be okay to apply with your hands, the liquid foundation should always use either a brush or a sponge for thorough distribution.

Always put on a powder foundation with a dense makeup brush or a sponge for the best coverage.

Applying makeup with your fingers can introduce bacteria and germs to the sensitive area around your eyes, so it’s best to use a clean, preferably disposable brush.

Conclusion

In this article, I covered a Step-by-Step guide for applying powder foundation, especially helpful when you do not have time to visit your local beauty parlor.

You just have to follow the simple instructions that were provided in this article on how to apply powder foundation using a makeup sponge and you can get a beautiful foundation finish right at your home.

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