Happy Autumn friends! With the change of weather, it may be time to switch up the way you apply your makeup. I have been doing my makeup pretty much the same way throughout the summer months. I’ve prepped my skin with serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunblock, and then have used a small synthetic brush to buff my foundation into the skin. But lately I have noticed that my makeup looks dry, and appears to be sitting on top of my skin, rather than blending in seamlessly. My foundation looks like it is peeling off in patches. I tried using a heavier moisturizer, switching from liquid to cream foundation, and experimenting with different makeup brushes, but my skin didn’t look any better. Finally, I just started using my fingers and a damp sponge to apply my foundation.
Most makeup tutorials on YouTube use the “buffing” technique, where liquid foundation is applied with a large brush and manipulated into the skin. This technique works well on youthful, smooth, and normal to oily skin. But it can backfire on skin that has texture. I define texture as skin that feels dry and rough. Large pores, acne, and wrinkles are also forms of textured skin. Mature skin tends to have the most texture, because as the skin ages, it produces less collagen, a connective tissue protein that gives the skin elasticity. Mature skin also produces less hyaluronic acid, a sugar found naturally in our skin which holds water, and makes the skin appear hydrated and plump.
Sun damage obviously plays a role in the appearance of brown spots, fine lines, and dry, flaking skin. Besides wearing sunscreen and avoiding the sun, some of these issues can be treated by a dermatologist.
Dermatologists may recommend the use of retinoids, a form of vitamin A to help treat wrinkles, large pores, acne and skin discoloration. Retinoids work by stimulating the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin. But an unpleasant side effect of using them aggressively, is that they can cause the skin to become dry and peel. Using a makeup brush to buff the foundation into the skin can make the peeling look worse.
To remedy my own skin issues, I have cut down on how frequently I use my retinoid cream (twice weekly as opposed to 4 times a week. I have also stopped using my foundation brush and am using clean fingers to apply my makeup.
For some more tips on how to achieve a natural-looking glow with foundation, keep reading.
Moisturize your skin when it is still slightly damp, and give your skin a few minutes to absorb the products.
Instead of using a brush to apply your foundation, pour a few drops onto clean fingers. If you are working with a cream-based foundation, scoop out a small amount with a clean spatula, and apply to your clean fingers.
Gently rub your fingers together to warm up the foundation and then tap them over your skin in the areas where you want the most coverage. Use whatever makeup is left on your fingers to blend with the areas of your face which need less coverage.
To make your foundation look more like skin, use a damp beauty blender or sponge to press (not rub) the foundation into the skin. Note: use a fresh sponge each time you do your makeup, or wash your beauty blender after each application.
Foundation brush from Elf Cosmetics
For a natural looking flush, dab some cream blush on your cheekbones while the foundation is still moist.
Roll your damp sponge into a very small amount of loose translucent powder and press only where you need it to take down unwanted shine.
Consider switching to a richer moisturizer, once the heat and humidity are gone.
As always, thank you for reading. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments below!
My favorite latex-free sponges from Alcone
Gentle retinol cream from Drunk Elephant