As everyone can see…I have been doing nothing but eating and drinking makeup these past few weeks.
I have been poring all over the internet looking for the best way to apply foundation to give that flawless finish we ALL want.
There are:
Of course…your fingers.
Makeup sponges
Foundation brushes
Beauty Blender type things which have their own following
What do you use? Do you have a no-fail method to give yourself that dewy, fresh look?
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
fingers
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
It all depend on your skin-type and the foundation you pair it with. If you have dry skin, using a lighter foundation is KEY so it doesn’t sit in flakies. Of course, no matte foundations either or it’ll just make you look dead.
That being said, I find that applying moisturizer is KEY, even if you have oily skin. Mine is combo so I swear by Oilatum (have to order it from the UK b/c it’s not available here), and then applying foundation w/ a brush or fingers. If it’s a thick or full-coverage foundation brushes like Sigma F80 or F82, ELF’s Flat Top Powder brush or even flat brushes like MAC 190 help. The buffing style brushes really work the foundation into the skin so it gives a very natural finish. Since my skin can get flakes, I dont want micro-exfoliation so I prefer to pat it on using my fingers, but then again I use a sheer foundation (whenever I do use it) like MAC Face & Body so those thicker foundation brushes would eat up a lot of product. I also plan on giving the Beauty Blender a try since I know it’s perfect for combo skin.
Concealing is key and that comes after. Anything you conceal, you should set w/ a velour puff and loose powder and pat it into place. The rest you can dust on powder using a brush.
For dewyness, I either mix in some illuminator like MAC’s Vanilla pigment/liquid highligher orrrr add in a highlight where I want. I’m obsessed w/ highlighter so it all depends on the mood I’m in, LOL. I like Vanilla pigment for a loose highlighting powder (I use a fan brush). Amber Diamond by Dior/MAC’s Gana blush/NARS Albatross/MAC Ricepaper eyeshadow for pressed powder highlighter (use MAC 109). For liquid I SWEAR by Rouge Bunny Rouge’s Sea of Illuminators. I got samples of all 4 in jars via someone in the UK and these were very generous samples so they’ll easily last me months but as soon as I run out of the one named Sea of Clouds, I am placing an order. It is GORGEOUS! It’s not practical for your kit but for personal use, it’s an so luxe and gorgeous. 
Also, if you dont like finishing w/ loose powder, I really love MAC’s Mineralized Skinfinish Natural. It has a satin/skin-like finish so it doesn’t matte-ify your face yet still keeps the oils at bay.
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
M has said it all.
If you are thinking for your brides, then most MUAs stick to one foundation and know what works best to apply that foundation.
I use MAC full coverage foundation which is a thick and creamy (solid) so I apply it with a flat synthetic foundation brush. I MUST make sure my skin is well moisturised beforehand though. I used the same application method for my wedding but just layered it up and did my whole face and neck.
As someone with oily skin, I personally don't like MSF. I got rid of the one that matched my skin. I just have a darker one for bringing some colour to my cheeks (with the 187) or contouring with a powder brush.
There was a MUA who did US TV shows and stuff for print too, on mac_cosmetics back when it used to be good that helped me out a lot with my wedding makeup. Since I didn't really have access to pro brands to get matches (I'd be buying blind off the internet) she suggested stuff that I could buy in person. She told me to get MAC select sheer pressed as a finishing powder, a few shades lighter than my foundation. That's what I did and I haven't looked back. It gives an even, matte without looking dry finish.
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
what brush u guys use for powder foundation?
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
Applying liquid foundation with a stippling brush. It makes such a difference!
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
what brush u guys use for powder foundation?
It varies, but I prefer fluffy brushes when working w/ loose powder or velour puffs. For compacts (like MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Naturals) I like stiffer brushes like the ELF flat top or 109.
Applying liquid foundation with a stippling brush. It makes such a difference!
You know, I never got the hang of this. I like my foundation really worked in and this just feels like it sits on top. I have tried it w/ both thicker and lighter foundations. I prefer buffing brushes to stippling ones. I leave my stippling brushes for pigmented blushes and bronzer.
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
I don’t even know if I stipple my foundation the “proper” way,lol. I do lightly stipple on my foundation at first but I don’t stop there, then I properly blend it out by using circular motions, going horizantally, vertically lol and pretty much anything to blend it out and work it into my skin.. kind of like her >>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB8nV453mTc
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
It varies, but I prefer fluffy brushes when working w/ loose powder or velour puffs. For compacts (like MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Naturals) I like stiffer brushes like the ELF flat top or 109.
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hey thanks . i was using a fluffy brush but u know i wouldnt move it in circular motions like notanothergirl said, hence it was just sitting on my skin.
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
A well exfoliated and moisturized face. If your face is exfoliated, there won't be any dead skin for the foundation to settle around! I use a MAC foundation brush and a loose powder to 'set-it' I then go over with a smaller concealer brush around the nose and under-eye area.
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
^You conceal after powdering? How come?
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
Does anyone else find this port rather technical?? or am i the only make-up ignorant person here 
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
Yes, I conceal after powdering. This routine works really well for me and gives me a flawless application everytime. The area around your nose and mouth (under-eye area too!) are usually a few shades darker so after i've set all of my make-up I do go over and dab-on a little concealer to these area's.
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
Does anyone else find this port rather technical?? or am i the only make-up ignorant person here :)
Oh, nooo! Tell me what threw you off. I'll provide pictures if you want. Sorry about that! >.<
Yes, I conceal after powdering. This routine works really well for me and gives me a flawless application everytime. The area around your nose and mouth (under-eye area too!) are usually a few shades darker so after i've set all of my make-up I do go over and dab-on a little concealer to these area's.
Oh, that makes sense. I find that I'm a shade or two darker/redder around my nose/chin/mouth area. I think I'm going to give this a try and see.
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
I'm not really a foundation person, but when I'm in a hurry I just use my fingers? Is that really a good idea?
Re: Foundation Application - is there any one way to make it flawless?
^Perfectly fine.