The foundation is the essential step of a perfect makeup. However, it is not so simple to know how to apply it for a discreet and successful result. To master the art of applying the foundation and understand all the secrets, we interviewed Julien Michelet, color specialist Clinique France.

What are the steps to properly apply your foundation?

Julien Michelet:

1. Clean, smooth (exfoliated) skin and moisturized skin is essential for makeup to be well done!

2. A light foundation can be used in areas that tend to be poorly maintained during the day.

3. Apply a thin layer of foundation to the entire face by placing the material in the center: on the forehead, nose and chin. It is then stretched completely - without putting back - to the outside of the face and neck.

4. We tap a corrector where we feel the need: dark circles, tasks, buttons ...

5. Powder while tapping to avoid moving the foundation.

Which foundation applicator to favor?

Everything is possible ! The brush is the most economical and the most natural, for a fresh complexion that does not seem to be makeup. The sponge is fast and effective, but it wastes a lot of product (you have to have a substantial foundation budget!) And it is not at all hygienic. As for the finger, it is comfortable and can really "feel" the material to the application. On the other hand, it is necessary to fade much more than with a brush.

What are the 3 foundation mistakes to avoid?

We do not choose a dark foundation because we want to look good. It makes orange or brown! It is better to look good with transparent materials such as sun powders, a tanned effect gel or powder illuminators ... If the foundation does not look good, it is too rosy, not too bright ! It is therefore important to differentiate between the tone (light or dark) and the sub-tone (pink, yellow, orange).

We avoid putting a lot of material on the entire face just to cover one or two buttons. The result will be thick and unflattering, while it suffices to thicken the material on the area concerned, while leaving a healthy skin under a thin layer of foundation.

We do not stop at the jaw! Even if the foundation has the right shade, just a blow of hot or cold so that it oxidizes and changes a little color, so do not blur in the neck. We are not stalling!