The Basics Of Make Up Application

A lot of people ask me how I get my make up to look rather flawless on my skin. Not only does it matter what products you use but it also matters on your techniques and how you apply your make up.

PRODUCTS
You need to make sure you are using the correct products for your skin type. For example, if you are using an oil based foundation and you have naturally oily skin, then you are only going to clog your pores, increase the chances of pimples and blemishes and just have a constant shine to your skin. You also need to make sure that you use a primer and a powder that you feel is best suited to you. Primer works by minimising visible pores giving your skin a more flawless look. Loose or compact powder set your foundation making it longer lasting and have a matte, flawless finish.

PRODUCTS I USE
I use 4 products to make my foundation look really good, I have a combination skin type, so I use an oil free foundation to stop extra resedue.

I start with applying primer, in my case the MUA Pro-Base Primer, this is my all time favorite primer. I apply this with my hands to my T-Zone and under my eyes and round my mouth. I only apply it where I have more visible pores or I have most imperfections. On top of that I apply a thin layer
of my Collection Lasting perfection foundation. I apply this with two different brushes which will be detailed below. 

On top of the foundation, I use the MUA Hide & Conceal concealer, this concealer is thin but covers everything and isn't sticky or oily. I apply this under my eyes, to my brow bone, round my nostrils and at the each corners of my mouth, I then blend that is with a stippling brush. To set my foundation I use the MUA Pressed Powder in shade 3, I apply this with a typical powder brush. The powder sets my foundation and then it lasts longer and has a more matte effect.

On top of my foundation I contour with a darker cream foundation and then I apply bronzer over the top. 

TECHNIQUE

The technique you use to apply your make up has a large part to play in the role of getting your foundation to look great! 

Applying make up with your hands can stop your foundation looking matte and can strip some of the coverage. Applying make up with your hands transfers extra unwanted grease from your hands to your face, this can cause extra shine. Because your hands are rough, your foundation with stick to them more than they will to your face decreasing the coverage. 

Using a brush to apply your foundation, helps give the best coverage and helps your foundation have a more flawless finish. A stippling brush is best for this.

MY TECHNIQUES
I use a number of different ways to apply my make up.
PRIMER- To apply mu primer, I wash my hands in anti bacterial soap then i apply a small amount (pea size) to the back of my hand and use my index finger and middle finger on my other hand to apply it to my T Zone, chin, upper lip and a a bit under my eyes.
FOUNDATION- To apply mu foundation I use a total of three different brushes. I pump one squirt of my Collection Lasting Perfection foundation onto a clean plastic pallet. I then use the general flat foundation brush to spot it round my face, focusing under my eyes. I apply 3 lines of foundation to my forehead, going from my centre brow area, a small amount down the centre of my nose and I then make two triangles on either side of my cheeks just underneath where I would contour. I then use a stippling brush to blend the foundation in, starting from my eyes and making my way round my face. Once my foundation is all blended in, I go in with a small concealer brush to gently push the foundation onto my eyelids and further up to my lower lash line.
CONCEALER- My concealer is a solid form, rather than a liquid, simply because I feel this gives a better coverage, even though I ALWAYS have the mishaps of them snapping! I apply the stick, straight to where I want it, in my case, under my eyes, on my brow bone (natural highlight) round my nasal area and at either corners of my mouth. After applying this, I go in with my concealer brush and with a patting motion, I blend it in. Yes, I put my conceal on AFTER my foundation, because I feel that when I put my concealer on first, my foundation takes it off.
POWDER- I have recently been loving the MUA pressed powder, it gives the perfect matte finish and also adds a bit of colour, without looking unnatural. To apply my powder, I just use a normal fluffy powder brush and again, I start on my eyes and apply this in circular motions all round my face.

So that is how I get my perfect foundation, I have trialed and errored a lot of foundations and powders to find ones perfect for me. But be sure to know your skin type, so that you can select products perfect for you.

I have a combination skin type, so for me it mainly is just my personal preference and what I think is right for my skin.

MUA Pro Base Primer- £4.00
MUA Concealer Stick- £1.00
MUA Pressed Powder- £1.00
Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation- £5.99 (superdrug price)

Find out your skin type here!
To see my MUA product reviews click me!
Click here to see my Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation review!

Hope you enjoyed this little, tutorial type post. :)