How to Make Foundation Look Like Skin

Working in the Beauty industry for so long, I was able to try so many products and learn countless beauty tips. One of the things I think I am good at is creating a great complexion with foundation. Over the years my technique has evolved to make foundation look like skin.

How do you make foundation look like skin?

At one time, I liked a super matte, opaque finish. Now I embrace a more natural approach, and I love it when foundation looks more dewy and natural….like SKIN. Below are some of my favorite beauty items to complete a beautiful, natural finish. I found everything at Nordstrom. They carry iconic timeless beauty products like the ones I am sharing, and Nordstrom also stays on the lookout for breakout beauty products! Shoutout to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post! Everything is linked here and on Liketoknow.it.

How do you prep the skin for foundation?

Hydration. For foundation to go on smoothly, and to make foundation look like skin, you must prep. Hydrated, freshly moisturized skin is key. Skin can look cakey or tired if you skip this step. I like to start with products containing Hyaluronic Acid. One of my favorite products is the La Mer Treatment Lotion. It hydrates, plumps, smooths, feels like liquid energy, and makes products absorb better!

Next, add an oil. A little goes a long way, and the La Mer Renewal oil is special because it has anti inflammatory ingredients a soothing fermentation called Miracle Broth. It has two liquid phases. Shake it a bit, and you are ready to go!

Moisturizer. I don’t always feel like you need one if you are using hyaluronic acid, oil and sunscreen, but there are days when it is necessary. I use the La Mer original moisturizing cream as my eye cream because it healed up my eye eczema and when I need it, I use it all over.

Sunscreen. One of my favorite sunscreens is Supergoop Glow Screen. It never feels heavy and gives my skin a glow! SPF 40. Never start your day without sunscreen, people! This is a great prep for foundation.

What is the best primer, foundation and concealer?

Primer. “Not to prime is a crime”. I once heard a YouTuber say that, and I could not agree more. Primers create an ultra smooth base so that your skin looks even, smooth and holds the foundation longer. I am LOVING this Charlotte Tilbury HOLLYWOOD FLAWLESS FILTER highlighter and primer. It literally looks like you put a filter on your skin! You can use it alone, layer it under your foundation as a primer, mix it with foundation or tap it on as a highlighter. Absolutely genius!

Foundation. One of my all time favorite foundations is the Estee Lauder Double Wear. This has been one of the most loved foundations in the world- and for good reason. Listen, this stuff lasts ALL DAY. It covers well and makes skin look perfect. I always have it in my arsenal. Either wear it full coverage for special events, or add a little moisturizer or oil so the foundation looks like skin. LOOOVE THIS FOUNDATION! In the summer time, I switch it up to La Mer Fluid Foundation.

Concealer. I use concealer last because foundation covers what it can and concealer brightens and cover what it couldn’t. This way, you can use less foundation for a more natural look. Plus, if you use concealer first, the foundation just wipes away all of your hard work. My forever favorite is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. It is a powerhouse- lasts all day, and NEVER looks thick and cakey.

How do you make foundation and concealer last all day?

Powder. Set with powder. It doesn’t have to be a lot, or even all over. Set concealer immediately after applying to prevent creasing. A great tip is to have your powder brush loaded and ready with the powder before you apply concealer. When you are finished blending, immediately press powder into the concealer to set. This will stop creasing in its tracks and keep it from looking cakey. Then, use powder in the t zone only to absorb oils there without drying the whole face. I like the NARS translucent loose powder because it is so fine, and invisible.

How do you make your skin glow?

Blush/ Highlight/ Bronze. Finish the look with a dose of NARS blush on the apples of your cheeks, Anastasia glow kit highlighter on the cheek bones and bridge of the nose, and NARS bronzer. I like adding the bronzer last, to soften the blush and highlight so it looks like truly glowing skin and blends out without looking like a lot of makeup. For an added glow, tap a bit of the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter onto the cheekbones and nose at the end! You can see all of this step by step in my instagram stories!

Be sure to check out Nordstrom for all of these beauty favorites, and more! Thank you for stopping by. You can click on the above pics to shop or head over to my liketoknow.it and follow me there so you never miss a thing!

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