Make Up Practical Week 2- Applying a Base

For many, applying a base is the first step of any make up application.  Before starting, make sure the face is moisturised, you may also want to prime the face, although instead of this, you may also want to add the primer to the foundation. 

1. Colour match your model, use a spatula to place the product onto the back of the hand or onto a palette.  Apply a little bit of product onto the face each time you mix colours to guarantee your foundation is the right colour before applying to the entire face.  If your model has a very pale complexion, you could think about mixing in a little bit of white foundation to create a paler colour.  If the foundation is too thick, you could add some primer or moisturiser to thin it out.
2. Either using a foundation brush or a buffing brush, really work the foundation into the skin, in our practicals we're told to ensure that the foundation is taken all the way up to the hairline and down the neck.  To work around the eyes, nose and mouth, taking a smaller brush is recommended.
3. The next step is to conceal under the eyes and any blemishes, again with concealer, you could mix colours to create a perfect shade.  However, only ever go 2 shades lighter than the original skin tone.  We were taught in class that it is best to conceal using a small fluffy or flat brush with rounded edges.
4. The last step of applying a base is powdering, which stops any make up creasing.  By using a transparent powder, no extra colour is added, but the skin is mattified.  A small puff is used to apply powder, you use this by gently pressing this onto the face. 

Key Things to Remember:

• Greased based foundation are best for mature skin and oil free for acne prone skin.
• Use a matte primer for men's skin, as they often get oily around the t-zone.
• Pink tones get rid of blue tones.
• Peachy/Yellow tones get rid of purple tones.
• Green tones get rid of redness.
• If you add grease/cream products to the face, ALWAYS apply before powdering.