The key to achieving a flawless base in winter

During summer, the quest for a flawless base is often challenged by sweat, sunscreen and other factors, all resulting in unwanted shine or your foundation barely lasting halfway through the day. In winter, achieving a flawless base is equally as difficult but for completely different reasons, such as the struggle to cover dry, flaky or uneven skin. We spoke to one of Estée Lauder’s Global Pro Makeup Artists, Bobby Wang who shared the skin care steps he swears by before applying foundation to get a perfect winter base.  

Wang explains the importance of preparing the skin prior to applying foundation: “I always use proper skin care routine steps to enhance skin texture.” Wang’s first step is to use lotion – he recommends Estée Lauder’s Micro Essence, or Advanced Night Repair Serum, before using a moisturiser followed by a sunscreen (we recommend Sukin Rosehip Hydrating Day Cream and Mecca Cosmetica Invisible Superspray SPF50+)

The key, Wang says, is to give each skin care formula at least 10 seconds to set into your skin, before continuing to the next step or applying the next product. “When your skin is really tired it’s difficult to absorb the skin care, so you have to massage it into your skin,” Wang advises.  

As for applying skin care formulas, Wang’s top tip is to warm it up with your hands. “So normally, I just warm it up with my palm, so you can feel it’s a little bit warm,” he says. Then he presses the formulas on the skin, which helps the skin to absorb it. If you’re worried about oiliness, Wang says this is the ideal technique for you as the warming and pressing application means the formulas sink in and don’t stay on the surface, which can cause a shiny finish.

When applying foundation, Wang highly recommends a brush for an even finish. If you prefer a sheer finish, he suggests wiping the foundation with the brush, and if you prefer a higher level of coverage to use a pressing technique. “Just use a brush as you would your fingers. So soak or press [for a] different finish.”

The biggest recommendation Wang has for creating a flawless foundation look is to skip powder. “You can set with powder on the T-zone if you have combination or oily skin, but just a minimal amount,” he explains. “But if your skin is fine, skip the powder. What I do is use a face base – the Estée Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist.” This is to set your makeup throughout the day, as well as give your skin the natural glow that is so hard to come by in winter.

For more top tips, see the 14 things we learnt from Victor Henao, Kendall Jenner’s makeup artist and Estée Lauder’s Global Director of Makeup Design.

Image credit: Getty