10 Simple Tips to Make Your Foundation Last Longer

Foundation is the base of skin makeup after which you can apply loads of blushers, bronzers, and illuminators. Hence, if the foundation doesn't stay long throughout the day, the rest of the makeup goes for a toss and all your efforts shall go in vain. Though the application of foundation looks super easy, it isn't. I still remembered how I wasted 3-4 foundations from high-end brands as I faced some problems or the other every time I applied it. Then I slowly took the baby steps for the application and methods to make it last longer, especially when I have a whole day ordeal ahead of me. Foundation gives you a flawless skin and evens out the blemishes. So, it is very important to make the foundation last all day long. This is quite a challenge when you live in a tropical country where the sweating creates a lot of troubles. So, here are a few tips that will help your foundation last longer irrespective of the weather conditions.

1. Wash Your Face

Foundation works best when the skin is clean and oil-free. It is extremely important to start with a clean, exfoliated and dirt free canvas. It is advisable to go through the cleansing method before the application so that the foundation can be absorbed and blended properly to last longer on the skin. Exfoliate the dry flakes and dead cells off your skin and pat dry with a dry tissue.

2. Use A Toner Or Icecubes

The pores need to be taken care off prior to the application of the product. Use an effective toner that works great for you or a cotton pad dipped in rose water to close the pores. My personal favorite is the ice cubes which works wonderfully well with my oil based skin. Not only will this give you a cooling sensation but also helps you absorb the foundation very easily. Rub the ice cubes for 4-5 minutes and pat dry the skin.

3. Moisturize

Moisturizing the skin is the secret behind the flawless blending of your foundation. If the skin is dry, the foundation will not only look cakey but wears off too easily when the skin starts excreting oil. Choose a moisturizer as per the skin type to hydrate well but make sure you do not make it oily or greasy. In case you went overboard with the moisturizer, use a blotting paper to soak the excess and leave the skin for some time to absorb.

4. Apply Primer

This is a wonder product for the foundation. Primer basically helps you to close the open pores, controls oil, evens out the skin and helps the foundation to adhere longer than usual. Silicon based primers work the best to make the foundation blend out smoothly. With primer, you would notice that the foundation is actually looking like your natural skin.

5. Correct Formula Of Foundation

The market is flooded with every kind of foundation, from liquid to cream to stick to powder foundations. Once you have identified the correct formula that works best for your skin, I would say that half the battle is won. Oily skin works best with matte liquid foundations while dry skin works best with creamy foundations. Mineral foundations are great when you want something good for the sensitive skin. No matter what you choose, always go for the long lasting foundation which would give you an extra edge throughout the whole day.

6. Application Method

After choosing the correct formula, appropriate techniques will make sure your foundation perform at their absolute best. The best way to make the foundation last longer on your skin is to concentrate on the application method. Keep blending the foundation until it merges with the skin and doesn't look overboard or cakey. Apply a thin layer of foundation and blend it properly to get a light to medium coverage. Once you have blended the first layer, apply another layer to build the coverage and again blend it thoroughly. No matter how much time is required, keep blending until it looks flawlessly natural on the skin. If your foundation is not blended, it will hardly last for few hours no matter what.

7. Application Tools

As blending is the key to the long lasting formula of the foundation, tools for application plays a vital role in achieving that part. Although many people simply use their fingers to blend them, sometimes it gives you an incomplete coverage as the foundation doesn't spread properly. Sponges, flat foundation brushes or flat top kabuki brushes are the wonder tools when it comes to foundations. Not only will they make the application easier but also ensures that the foundation is evenly spread and blended well. When you are layering the foundation on the skin, I would advise to dampen the sponge or a flat foundation brush to even the process even simpler.

8. Loose/Compact Powder

Once the foundation is blended and well settled on your skin, use a powder brush or powder puff to set the foundation with a translucent or illuminating powder to achieve the flawless, matte look for the whole day. For the people with oily skin, this is the most important step as it minimizes the shine by absorbing the oil and also sets the foundation to keep it in place the whole day. Make sure you apply only a single layer of powder and do not forget to dust off the extras with a clean powder brush.

9. Makeup Fixing Spray

This is a trick I learned from one of my friend who is a makeup artist. The fixing spray helps to keep the foundation in place without getting blotchy, cakey or sweaty. It is basically a layer that protects your whole makeup. It prevents the creasing of foundation and helps to save the pain of periodic re-touches. Once you have applied the spray to set the foundation, avoid touching the face too much.

10. Blotting Papers

Blotting papers are wonderful when you want to absorb the extra oil from the skin which is a natural phenomenon. Instead of using a handkerchief or tissues, always use blotting papers to absorb the oil. When you keep the oil and shine at bay, your foundation stays in place throughout the whole day.

These are the methods to follow religiously if you want to make the foundation last longer. Do let us know what is your secret of long lasting foundation in the comments below.

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Contributed By: Salomi Das