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How to prep skin so makeup looks like skin
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Reading time: 3 minutes
Foundation looks heavy for two reasons: too much product, or dry skin underneath. Both are easy to fix, and the fix starts before any makeup goes on.
Prep in three steps
- Hydrate. Three to four drops of Hyaluronic Water Serum on damp skin.
- Moisturize. A pea-sized amount of Daily Gel Cream, or Barrier Cream on dry patches.
- Protect. Two finger lengths of Daily Sheer Fluid SPF 50, then wait one minute before foundation.
Skipping that one-minute wait is the most common reason foundation pills or slides off by midday. The sunscreen needs time to set into a film.
Cover less, in fewer places
Most faces need coverage in three spots: around the nose, on the chin and over any patches of redness. Start there with a small dot, blend outward with fingertips or a damp sponge, and stop when the edge disappears. Leave the forehead and outer cheeks almost bare.
| All-over coverage | Targeted coverage |
|---|---|
| Flattens the contours of the face | Keeps the highs and lows |
| Hides freckles and texture | Lets freckles and texture show |
| Settles into fine lines by afternoon | Moves with your expression |
| Uses two to three pumps | Uses about half a pump |
On days when you want even less, Tinted Mineral SPF 30 gives a sheer tint and sun protection in one step.
Test a shade on the jawline
The back of the hand is a different color from the face, so it is a poor place to test. Swatch two or three shades along the jawline and look at them by a window. The right one disappears between face and neck without leaving a line.
| Undertone | How it usually shows |
|---|---|
| Warm | Golden or peachy hints, veins look green |
| Cool | Pink or rosy hints, veins look blue |
| Neutral | A mix of both |
| Olive | A soft green or grey cast |
Check the undertone as carefully as the depth. A shade that is right in depth but wrong in undertone reads as grey or orange in daylight.
Frequently asked questions
Fingers, brush or sponge?
Fingers warm the formula and give the most natural finish. A brush gives more control, and a damp sponge sheers it out.
Why does foundation settle into fine lines?
Usually dry skin underneath, or too much product. Hydrate first, use less and keep powder light around the eyes.
Can I skip foundation?
Yes. Moisturized skin with sunscreen on top is a complete look.
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