7 Tips to Keep Your Foundation from Smudging

Foundations do not have to be expensive to be effective. A cheap foundation can look amazing if you apply it well, while a premium foundation will smudge or cake if you apply too much. We ask professional makeup artists for the best way to apply foundation so it looks natural and lasts longer in the tropics.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 1: You drag your foundation brush across your face.

Dragging your brush across your face causes streaks, especially if you’re using a very creamy formula. Instead, pat or stipple it. Start at the part of the face that requires the most coverage, so that gets the most product and then move outwards.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 2: You’re using way too much product.

The best way is to apply foundation in thin layers and build coverage. There are two ways to do this.

If you’re using a brush:

Brushes do not absorb as much product as sponges.

Wipe the brush on your wrist before pressing it on your face. This way it will not drip with foundation. After applying foundation, take a dry sponge and press it across your face to remove excess foundation.

If you’re using a sponge:

Wet the sponge and squeeze out excess water. Pat in the foundation, starting from where you need the most and then blending out. Use the clean part of the sponge to blot off excess product.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 3: Your face is too dry or too damp.

A trick is to apply a light serum or cream, wait about 30 seconds to a minute, and then take a piece of facial tissue and press it against your face. That takes off any extra moisture that will make foundation streak.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 4: You’re asking foundation to do the job of a primer or concealer

The main job of foundation is to even out skin discoloration. It should not take on the job of say a primer by just adding more layers of foundation. Foundation is for skin tone. Primers, color correctors and concealers are for hiding  skin problems. (For more information on the colour correcting properties of primers, click here.)

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 5: You’re heavy-handed with the powder brush

Avoid swirling your powder across your face in small circles. You are disturbing your foundation and concealer and muddying your blush or contouring.

The best way to apply foundation powder is with gentle pats. That way you set the makeup without messing up all your hard work.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 6: You applied too much powder.

One way to fix this is to get a clean fluffy brush (or a fan brush) and very lightly flick it all over your face. That removes the excess powder that can cause makeup to cake or look very dry and fake.

FOUNDATION MISTAKE # 7: You’re applying foundation with dirty brushes and sponges.

When your brushes are coated with dried up foundation, they can’t deposit product very well.

Use brush cleaners that come in a spray bottle. They will not get the brushes clean well but it is fast and less hassle. However, a thorough cleaning of brushes one a week is still needed.