5 Steps to Perfect Skin With Foundation

Ever find yourself wondering if celebrities are born with that supernatural complexion? Flawless-looking skin is the envy of many. The truth is, the right foundation, applied like a pro, can help you nail this season’s hottest “No Makeup” makeup look. Keep reading below to find out how us mere mortals can achieve that same effortless look of perfect skin with foundation.

What is Considered “Perfect” Skin?

image of a woman sat in between two statue busts of a grecian style

If you ask 100 different people what perfect skin is to them, you will likely get 100 different answers. The idea of perfect skin has been around for centuries and was even sought after in ancient times. In Roman times women used chalk on their faces to appear as pale as possible, while in other cultures the epitome of beauty included a sun-kissed glow. 

Beauty standards change as you travel the globe, and continue to change over time. What is considered perfect skin in one part of the world could be considered unattractive in another country. 

For example, Korean women are admired for their beautiful skin and often have become the standard in perfect complexions. So much so that the infamous 10-step Korean skincare routine was developed in hopes of helping women achieve that perfect complexion. They are known for their pale and flawless look with no imperfections in sight. 

Around the world, perfect skin has long been seen as a sign of social standing and wealth, as well as beauty and good health. To take a look at how diverse beauty really can be, check out this article from Clever, which highlights some amazingly beautiful differences embraced around the world.

But, like all things beauty related, there are a lot of myths out there. Perfect skin being one of them! Although it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game, even the pros advise that the most famous of faces are using some great tricks to fake a perfect skin look. Read on to find out how you can too!

Can Foundation Be Good For Your Skin?

a skincare serum being used

Even dermatologists agree that a good foundation can become part of a great skincare routine. Foundation can benefit your skin by providing protection against environmental elements, as some provide sunscreen from harmful UV rays, and can also contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides. These skin superheroes can help to brighten and improve texture while providing coverage.

The beauty market has evolved so much that matching your skin type to a foundation’s ingredients can help to minimize fine lines, plump skin, or even zap zits in their tracks. Talk about multi-tasking!

 Let’s first talk about ingredients. Hyaluronic acid and seed oils (avocado, sesame, jojoba, etc.) are all going to moisturize and benefit those with dry skin, while those formulas that include absorbent powders such as silica, cornstarch, or talc are going to help absorb excess oil. Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide will help with acne-prone skin, and for those who love a good selfie, high-definition or HD formulas can help with camera flash.

How Can I Get Perfect Skin With Foundation?

woman applying foundation using a stick foundation

Step 1: Exfoliate

I know, I know — we’re talking about foundation. But dermatologists and makeup pros agree that exfoliation is the first step in both healthy and beautiful skin. Whether you’re using a face brush or a hydroxy acid-based product, exfoliating will help to create a smooth base for your foundation application.

Step 2: Moisturize annnnd Wait

Apply your favorite moisturizer or serum for your unique skin type, and wait! Make-up artists agree that proper moisturization plumps the skin and prepares it for foundation application-but the key is to wait at least 5 minutes after applying to allow the moisture to sink in, and not sit on top of the skin. Remember, patience is a virtue!

Step 3: Prime Baby Prime!

Primer is the miracle worker of the foundation game. Primer can hide acne, help to fill in lines and wrinkles, reduce redness and even minimize pores. Applying a good primer will ensure you’re working with the smoothest canvas possible for a perfect skin look.

Step 4: Less Is More

Beginning in the center of your face, apply a small amount of foundation with your favorite beauty tool (mine is a beauty blender) and start blending outward. Building coverage slowly is the key to obtaining your desired look and not appearing unnatural or cakey.

Step 5: Blend, Blend, Blend

Blend the foundation outward toward your hairline and jawline to diffuse the color naturally. Experts recommend using beauty blenders in a tapping motion and avoiding dragging or swiping motions that will leave noticeable lines. When in doubt, blend some more! If you want a great tutorial on how to get perfect foundation, watch @milly_chan apply her foundation using these same steps, with a twist of her own by mixing a setting spray directly into her foundation. We love innovation!

What Foundation Should I Use for Perfect Skin?

Below, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite foundations to help you achieve that perfect skin look.

1. Clinique Redness Solutions

Clinique Redness Solutions

This liquid foundation that includes both SPF and probiotics is a game changer for anyone suffering from redness. The creamy formula is hydrating and the probiotics soothe and help to naturally bring down redness and inflammation.

For more redness-specific foundations, click here!

2. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick

Clean, vegan, hydrating, and with SPF protection, this foundation is great for any type of skin! Boasting ingredients like red algae and squalene this foundation will help with moisture loss and provide a beautiful natural look with buildable color.

3. Bobbi Brown Skin Longwear Weightless Foundation

Bobbi Brown Skin Longwear Weightless Foundation

Bobbi Brown did it again. For those looking for a great lightweight yet long-lasting foundation, look no further. This formula also has color-correcting components that will give a real skin look with light reflecting pigments.

4. NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

This foundation hybrid instantly helps to blur and smooth skin while providing skincare benefits over time. 

5. Dermablend Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation Drops

Dermablend Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation Drops

Remember our blend, blend, blend conversation above? This formula requires only a few drops of its highly pigmented formula to provide great buildable coverage with a weightless feel.

How Do I Make My Foundation Stay?

Different time zones represented by four clocks; one from london, one from new york, one from tokyo, and one from moscow

Great question, we would love to answer (don’t you just love Elyse Myers?!) The tried and true method for making that perfect foundation stay in place is by applying a setting spray or powder once your application is complete. 

But remember, locking in your look is after base application (foundation and concealer) but before eyeliner and mascara! In deciding which is best, think about your overall skin type; spray is best for those seeking hydration, and powder is best for those prone to shine.

For a step-by-step, we have a whole guide on making sure your foundation sticks!

What Should I Use Other Than Foundation to Get Perfect Skin?

Not a fan of traditional foundations? No problem! Use the same tips above but opt for a BB or CC cream for a lighter and more subtle look with an easier application. Apply just as you would a moisturizer or serum; using fingertips, gently work in circles from the inside of the face outward. Blend toward the hairline and jawline, and skip the setting powder or spray.

Imperfection is Beautiful Too!

neon sign saying "good vibes only"

Remember, perfect skin is a myth, and beauty standards will continue to change long into the future. Embracing your uniqueness and imperfections will instantly make you feel lighter and brighter and confidence is the best look! Give some of the tips above a try and embrace those things that you can’t change. Good Vibes Only!