4. Blend A Good Base

4. Blending A Good Base

A well-prepared skin is the basis for a great makeup job, and after skin prep (cleanse, tone, moisturise again!) it starts with getting the right shade of foundation.

When you're in the market for a new foundation, instead of testing them on the back of your hand, try colour-matching vertically on your jawline. A well matched foundation should blend easily into both face and neck. If you still feel a little pale, add a summery glow with bronzer. Don’t try and make yourself darker with your foundation, you'll only end up looking like you're wearing a mask.

To apply your foundation you can use whatever you prefer - fingers, sponge, or a brush. Just make sure your hands or tools are clean. Sponges and brushes harbour bacteria that can be spread around your skin every time you use them on your face, so make sure you clean them regularly. I clean my brushes after every time I've used them, but for your own brushes or sponges, once or twice a week should be fine, depending on how often you use them. 

Before applying your foundation you might want to start with a primer. This will help smooth out your skin and give a lovely surface for the foundation to cling to. Primers can be mattifying, line-reducing or skin plumping and will also help your makeup last longer.

To apply your foundation, start in the centre of your face and work outwards, blending the product onto your skin and leaving no harsh edges or uneven patches. Pay particular attention to your jawline, hairline, eyebrows and in front of the ears. You don't want unblended foundation stuck in any of these places!

If you're using a liquid or cream base and you're not going for a shiny or dewy look, remember to powder your face to ensure your foundation stays put. Powdering will set the liquid or cream, meaning it won't shift around on your skin, and means your makeup will stay looking fresh for longer.