L’oréal Paris makeup director Lisa Matson shares her expert tips on getting your best ever foundation
application.
How do I get a flawless look?
Start with a smooth base – moisturise and/or prime skin first.
Pick a foundation formula that spreads and blends easily.
Use a foundation brush to apply.
Start lightly and only add more to areas where extra coverage is needed.
Apply in broad downward strokes starting from the centre of the face, working outwards.
Blend, blend and blend!
Should I use a brush or my fingers? Why?
I’m a big advocate of the foundation brush. The bristles work beautifully with the natural grain of the skin ensuring an even application and, unlike fingers, once you’ve spread the foundation on with a brush it stays put.
What are the things women tend to get wrong?
The biggest mistake women tend to make is putting on too much foundation – it becomes harder to blend and can distort the colour, making it muddier or darker in appearance. A lack of blending tends to be a common problem too. Heavy and light patches or lines around the jaw will make an attractive face look harsh.
Trying to apply foundation to skin that is dehydrated is also a common mistake women make. This will usually result in it looking tired and/or blotchy.
The flip side of this is women who over moisturise or who don’t allow enough time for their moisturiser to absorb (five minutes ideally) and then wonder why their foundation seems to slide off.
What are the issues for various skin types?
Oily skins usually have problems with keeping their foundation on. In some cases it can appear darker when it comes in contact with surface oil. A semi-matte fluid or soufflé foundation with longlasting properties is best. Stay away from thick or oil-based formulas as they can stimulate oil production.
Dry skins tend to look flat and blotchy with foundation on. It’s important to have a good skincare routine – exfoliating and using a rich moisturiser. A liquid, moisturerich foundation formulation is preferable – one with light reflective qualities. Matte or powdery products should be avoided.
Mature skins can look years older if the wrong foundation formula is applied. As you age, your skin
becomes drier,and perhaps lines, facial sag and sunspots are noticeable. Liquid or soufflé foundations
are best as they don’t accentuate lines and can be applied lightly – which looks much more flattering.
Which is the formula you use most often on photo shoots and why?
I prefer fluid/liquid foundations as they are easier to work with. You can apply it as finely or as heavily as you like, or you can mix it with moisturiser or a luminescent product to make it appear sheerer or shinier if so desired.
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