Proper Foundation Application

Do you ever see a woman with her foundation caked on and wonder, "What was she thinking?" I see it just about every day - they've slapped on their foundation thickly and it looks heavy and unnatural, not an attractive look. There are a few simple techniques that can make your skin look completely flawless and natural, and help save you a few bucks in the long run, too. Investing in a good foundation brush is a terrific idea. It needs to be a synthetic bristle brush so you can wash it out easily and your makeup won't stain it or stay gooped up in it. The one below looks similar how most liquid foundation brushes come, and most cosmetics lines carry a brush similar to this.

The foundation brush allows you to apply the smallest amount of foundation necessary, keeping you from having it looking cakey. Using a sponge just absorbs the makeup, so you're just throwing it away basically! Foundation brushes can be pricey, but they can last for years if you take good care of them (I'll give you cleaning tips, too).

When you use the brush, you want to just put a little bit of foundation on the back of your hand first. Dab the brush in the makeup, getting a small amount on one side of the brush. You want to start in the center of the face and work your way out, with light brush strokes. Don't hold the brush like a pencil, hold it closer to the end of the handle with a loose grip. Work your way out from the center of your face to the edge, using the clean side of the brush to blend and soften any brushstroke lines. That's really and truly all there is to it, it's unbelievably simple.

Brushes like this can harbor bacteria, so you'll want to clean them regularly. On a daily basis, I like to spray mine and wipe them off with Clinique's Makeup Brush Cleanser ($13). Once a week, I like to use regular dish detergent (it cuts grease) and wash them thoroughly with water. You'll need to lay the brush on its side hanging off the edge of a counter so the air can reach both sides of the bristles to dry it completely overnight.

I'll work on getting a video of this up to show you how simple it is!