4 steps for a flawless complexion
Creating complexion perfection is a must for every look
No matter which makeup look you choose, creating complexion perfection is the essential starting point
Every good makeup look starts with a flawless base. It smooths out the skin’s surface and evens out your skin tone, so that you’re left with the perfect canvas. Follow these four steps for a flawless foundation base every time.
#1 / Take time to prep
It may seem like an unnecessary step, but priming your skin is a must. Not only does it help your base last longer and help to even out your skin tone and texture, there are now formulas to also help treat your needs, from redness reduction to oil control to adding a luminous glow to dull skin. Make sure you apply to clean, moisturised skin and wait a few minutes for it to settle in.
Max Factor Facefinity All Day Primer with SPF20
Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer
Stila One Step Correct
#2 /Pick your foundation
These days, the 'no makeup' makeup look is one of the most sought-after results, and if that finish is right up your alley, you'll want to try a sheer formula. Why? Well, a sheer formula will give you just enough coverage to even out your skin tone, but will still allow freckles to show through, giving you that natural result. Apply the foundation from the centre of your face outwards, making sure to blend it in right up to your hairline and down your neck.
If you're looking for a bit more coverage, or want to tackle specific skin concerns at the same time, try a multi-tasking option with ingredients that can help pigmentation, dullness or fine lines.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15
Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15
Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation
#3 / Cover up
Use a concealer the same shade as your skin tone (and matching your foundation) to cover any imperfections and even out your complexion. If you really want to up the ante on your concealing, you can use a correcting concealer before your regular one to help counteract any redness, pigmentation, and dark circles. As a general rule of thumb: green concealers can help reduce redness, purple ones can help deal with a sallow (or yellow) complexion, peach can help brighten dark undereyes, and yellow can help hide any darkeness or bruising.
Clarins Instant Concealer
L'Oréal Paris Lumi Magique Concealer
Jane Iredale Circle/Delete Concealer
#4 / Last the distance
If oily skin is an issue for you - or if the Australian heat and humidity is undoing all of your hard work - make powder your best friend, as this will help set your makeup. Don't worry about a cakey finish, as the latest formulas are more refined than before and will leave you with a soft finish. If your T-zone is your big problem area, lightly dust your powder on your forehead, nose and cheeks.
Chanel Vitalumière Compact Douceur SPF 10
Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder
Alex is BEAUTYcrew’s Digital Content Director and has been since the site launched in 2016. She’s constantly on the search for the perfect shade of nude nail polish and lipstick for fair skin and battles with keeping her fragrances on rotation to under a dozen. You can find her words right here on BEAUTYcrew, and in previous issues of marie claire.
