Foundation, as we know it, has been a woman’s way to cover up natural flaws, blemishes, and discolorations. However, many women make the very common mistake of applying or abusing the use of foundation. Granted, it is quite simple to misuse foundation, henceforth creating a very fake “clown- like” look. Few women desire a falsified look. As women, we universally yearn for that natural look that makes people question whether or not we even wear any make-up at all. Here are a few foundation flaws to avoid in order to create a more natural look from the start.

1. Remember these words of wisdom- Less is Best! It is true ladies, less is always best when it comes down to make-up. Only a light application is needed for most women. One coat of foundation will suffice. If you match your complexion perfectly, or as close to perfect as possible, you will be pleased with one light coat. Double coating foundation works against your look as it appears cakey and thick.

2. Blend it in. Have you ever been afraid to get too close to someone because you just know that they’re foundation will rub off on you?? The way to avoid this mishap is to blend in your foundation instead of sitting it on top of your skin. Foundation looks best when it is blended in with your skin lightly. Your skin should still be visible underneath the foundation. Use a sponge foundation applicator to blend in the make-up so that you create an even undetectable make-up appearance. Do not add more foundation to your sponge. Work with what you have on your sponge, which will create a smoother look. Once you start putting more foundation onto your sponge, the more you will find yourself packing it on. After blending, your skin should look radiant and clean, not as if your face needs a good cleaning.

3. Don’t neglect the jaw line and neck! Okay, let’s be honest, you know you’ve seen the two-toned ladies or now that you think about it, you may be guilty of being two toned yourself! These are the ladies whose faces are perfectly packed with foundation of one tone, and the neck is totally forgotten about with a tone of it’s own. So, after blending your face, apply foundation to your neck and blend well. Again, one coat will do for the neck. Apply the same amount to your neckline and jaw line so that your complexion does not appear uneven. Other often neglected areas to give special attention to are the hairlines, earlobes, and around the eyes.

4. Follow up with a light powder. This will polish up your look. If you use a powder, apply it with a kabuki brush. Mineral powders or translucent powders work well on top of foundations to take away the oily look and allow your foundation to stay in place.

5. Check your face in a natural light source. Sometimes the lighting in your bathroom can be deceiving. Once you’ve checked it out, go and fix any areas that need attention. This always does the trick.

6. Request help from a professional. Many women don’t have the skills that they need to find that perfect color for their complexion. If you’re not one of the lucky ones, just take a trip to the department store to a Lancome or Clinique counter or any brand of your choice and let one of the skilled ladies do the job for you. They are experts, and chances are you won’t be sorry for requesting help. Let them do a make over for you and even show you how to apply it.

These foundation tips will help to add beauty to your life in more ways than you’ll know. It is always fabulous when you begin with a beautifully made up complexion.