What’s the secret to applying makeup?

Every woman longs for flawless skin, and makeup can make that dream come true. However, you need to choose the right shade of makeup, know how to apply it, and also remember a few basic rules. Anyone who wants skin without unattractive color patches and visible lines of demarcation can’t do without a bit of theory.

Skin prep

Before you start applying makeup itself, it’s essential to prep your skin for makeup. Cleanse it, use a moisturizer (and possibly a serum), and apply a base, the so-called primer. The main tasks of primer include evening out the skin and mattifying it. Last but not least, primer helps ensure your makeup stays looking beautiful for as long as possible.

Proper makeup application

Don’t apply makeup only to your face, but also to your neck, and try to make sure transitions aren’t visible. When applying, work from the center of the face (forehead, nose, chin) outward. You need to work the makeup into the skin—press or pat it in. Spreading it isn’t suitable; you unnecessarily wipe off and ruin the base. What should you apply makeup with? You can use special brushes, a sponge, and in a pinch even your fingers.

Applying makeup with brushes takes a bit of practice. For a natural look, a stipple brush is suitable; for higher coverage, a foundation brush that allows you to layer makeup. Fans of powder foundations should reach for a kabuki brush with dense bristles.

A sponge (also known as a beauty blender) is probably the fastest way to apply makeup. Before use, it needs to be dampened so it softens and absorbs water rather than makeup. Then press the makeup into the skin with the sponge.

Applying makeup with your fingers should be more of an emergency option. It tends to tempt you not to press the makeup into the skin, but rather to spread it. And that isn’t suitable.

Tip for you: Finish with powder to set your makeup and mattify the skin. Then pack the powder in your purse too, and when your face starts to get shiny, powder it again.