How To Apply Foundation

Before you learn how to apply foundation correctly, it’s essential to understand what foundation is meant to do. Remember that its primary function is to even out the skin tone and create a sense of uniformity between the face, neck and body. It can also alter the finish of your skin. With the help of the foundation, you can make it luminous, velvety or matte.

Getting your foundation to look good isn’t rocket science by any means. But to nail your application, there are a handful of factors to consider and things to remember.

In this article, we will discover:

Choosing the right formula
The pre-foundation prep work
How to apply foundation flawlessly
How to apply powder foundation
How to apply foundation to mature skin
Can you mix foundation with moisturiser
How to apply Clarins Double Serum Foundation?
Foundation Routine FAQs

Choosing the right formula

Pick the texture that works for you

“When it comes to foundation, you need to consider so many different variables,” says Jason Roberts, Clarins Commercial Training Manager. Your skin type, coverage and finish preference are the main factors. There are so many foundation textures you can choose from, liquids, creams, powders and cushions, to name a few.

Powder foundations work best for people with oily skin types looking for shine control, cream formulas suit drier skin types, and liquids tend to work well for most skin types. It’s just a matter of which one you choose.

There are many foundation types, so when doing your research, check to see if the foundation offers the level of coverage you need (low, medium or high) as well as the finish you’re after (radiant, matte, dewy). If you’re unsure, your best bet is to pick something that sits in the middle. Roberts recommends the Everlasting Youth Fluid for beginners - “It’s medium coverage and has a satin finish – so it sits well in between.”

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, you should choose a foundation that contains hydrating ingredients as well. Discover the best foundation for dry skin through our blog.

Choosing the right shade

When choosing a foundation shade, try to get it to match an area of your face that doesn’t have any redness or hyperpigmentation. The jawline or the area behind the jaw (close to your ear) is the perfect spot for most people.

Test your foundation in natural light before you buy it, and let it settle for some time before deciding if it’s right for you. Some foundations can oxidise and change colour when they react to the chemistry of your skin.

Remember to reassess your foundation shade with seasonal changes. If your skin gets drastically oilier in the summer and drier in the winter, you may also have to choose a different formulation.

We have a guide here on How to choose foundation online.

You can also use our Foundation Finder to look for your match through some short quizzes.

The pre-foundation prep work

#1. Skincare before foundation

This prep work is crucial for you to get that flawless, clean and natural look. A cleansed and moisturised face is the key to a perfect complexion without cakey and clogged.

“Prepping the canvas is a fundamental step in foundation application,” says Roberts. Foundation isn’t going to replace your skincare, no matter how many skincare benefits it may offer. What you prepare your skin with depends on two factors: your skin type and finish preference. That’s because how you prep your skin influences the foundation’s longevity and finish.

“Following a good basic skincare routine (cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturising) will ensure the foundation looks its best,” Roberts points out. Also, hydrated skin is a must. “If it’s not adequately hydrated, your skin may just end up drinking the foundation up.” Plus, you’ll notice that products don’t glide on the skin smoothly and look patchy.

So, follow these steps:

Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser
Use a toner to rebalance the skin and preserve skin microbiota after washing. It will bring a thin layer of hydration to your face as well. If you have dry or very dry skin, then we recommend you use a treatment essence that revitalises, hydrates and moisturises the skin.
Then, use a serum or moisturiser for an extra smooth and hydrated canvas.

Our expert, Roberts, recommends Double Serum for hydration. Then, you can reach for a primer that suits your needs. The SOS Primers offer a range of benefits, choose the Redness primer for colour correction, the Imperfections primer works to even the skin tone and blur imperfections and the Luminosity primer is perfect for a radiant finish.

If you want to blur fine lines, wrinkles and pores, try the Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch – Roberts calls it “Photoshop in a jar.”

#2. Choose a tool

There are so many options to choose from, and no right or wrong ones. Different tools create different effects. And they also cater to different foundation formulations.

Foundation brush:

This is suitable for all types of foundation formulas, from liquid and cream to powder foundations. But, it is more recommended for a light and thin foundation.

Clarins has a Flat Foundation Brush, which is perfect for creating a smooth and luminous complexion, laying the pigment flat. When applying the foundation, use small circular motions to blend the product into the skin.

If you like a little more coverage, reach for a medium-sized flat brush with a rounded cat’s tongue tip. Try the Multi-Use Foundation Brush. With this, you can paint on your foundation like you were painting a picture. It helps you build the coverage to your desired level.

Sponge:

Sponge is also versatile and can be used for all foundation formulas. But it will work best for a thicker and high coverage foundation, which you want to build up the layers. It is also best for a foundation for flaky skin to press down the texture without lifting flakes. Remember, use a damp sponge to dilute the formula and help the foundation sink into the skin for a more perfect look. Here is one foundation application tip: Avoid dragging the sponge on your face to blend; use gentle tapping motions to stipple the products across the face.

Can I apply foundation with fingers?

Yes, you can apply foundation with fingers for a natural and dewy finish. The warmth of your hands melts the formulas and is especially suitable for light and liquid foundations like Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation SPF 15 or Tinted Oleo-Serum.

“All Clarins foundations can be applied using fingers,” says Roberts. “Some of the top make-up artists like to apply their foundation using fingers. It’s about personal preference.” You can apply and blend using the warmth of your fingertips, just like you would a face cream. Patting and dabbing motions will help you build coverage in specific areas.

Our innovative Guasha Foundation Brush

Whatever brush or application tool you choose, you must keep them clean and free of old makeup and bacteria.

How long should you wait to apply foundation after moisturiser?

After applying moisturiser, it’s generally recommended to wait a couple of minutes before applying primer or foundation. This allows the moisturiser to absorb into the skin, creating a smooth base for application. The wait time can vary depending on the specific moisturiser used, so it’s essential to observe how your skin feels before the next step in your makeup routine.

How long should you wait after primer to apply foundation?

After applying primer, wait for about 1 to 2 minutes before applying foundation. This allows the primer to set and create a smooth, even base for the foundation. However, wait time can vary depending on the specific primer and its formulation. Always follow the instructions on the product and pay attention to how your skin feels before the next step in your makeup routine.

How to apply foundation flawlessly

#1. Start in the centre

Begin applying the foundation in the middle section of the face: around the nose, chin and centre of the forehead. This is where most people have redness or unevenness in their skin tone. Next, blend outwards and thin out the coverage towards the periphery of the face. “We’ve all got tiny hairs on our cheeks and blending from the centre out and then down doesn’t go against the direction of hair growth,” says Roberts. This means a smoother, more even look.

#2. Apply it where you need it

For people looking for lighter coverage, remember that you don’t have to apply foundation all over the face if you don’t need or want it. Instead, apply sparingly only on the areas where you may have unevenness and let the rest of your skin remain foundation-free. When natural skin shows, it makes the makeup appear a lot more natural.

#3. Work in thin layers

It may be quicker to apply one thick layer and dash out the door, but it never looks natural. Plus, it will crease and slide around the face in no time. So instead, sandwich one thin layer over another. This takes some patience, but the results are worth it. Building coverage gradually gives you more control, so you apply only as much as you need. Of course, you always have concealer to cover any darker scars and spots.

#4. Blend, blend, blend

When you think you’ve blended enough, blend some more. This is vital to guarantee a seamless application. Blend along the periphery of the face and down the neck. You could also skim your face with a clean foundation brush at the end to take off any excess product.

#5. Set it

When you’re done, use a powder to set the foundation. This will keep creasing and excess shine at bay – especially important if you have oily skin.

Not a fan of powders? You could also use a setting spray, the Fix’ Make-Up Spray sets your foundation and leaves you with a dewy, fresh finish.

How to apply powder foundation

Prefer a powder formula?

Start with a clean, moisturised face and choose a powder foundation matching your skin tone.
Using a fluffy powder brush, tap off any excess powder. Begin at the centre of your face, buffing in circular motions.
Work outward for even coverage, paying attention to areas needing more attention. Layer for additional coverage as needed.
Blend well along your jawline and hairline to avoid tide lines.
Use a smaller blending brush for precise application around the eyes and nose.
For a seamless finish, set your makeup with a translucent powder or setting spray like Fix’ Make-Up Spray.

How to correctly apply foundation for mature skin to minimise fine lines and wrinkles?

There is a slightly different way to apply foundation to mature skin. Here are our top tips:

Start with a hydrating primer for a smooth base. Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch will fill in and smooth away the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.
Choose a lightweight, dewy foundation, like the Skin Illusion SPF 15, that won’t settle into fine lines.
Use a makeup sponge for an even application, focusing on areas needing coverage.
Set with a translucent powder sparingly, and finish with a hydrating protection mist for a youthful, radiant finish.

Next read: How To Choose A Foundation Shade Online

Can you mix foundation with moisturiser?

Absolutely, mixing skincare with moisturiser is a beneficial technique to make the skin moisturised all day. This technique also makes the foundation easier on the skin as it lightens the formula, making it especially suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

For this technique, choose a liquid or cream-based foundation. A powder foundation won't work here. For moisturiser, choose the one based on your skin type and conditions. If you have dry to dehydrated skin, then opt for hydrating moisturisers like Hydra-Essentiel [HA²] Rich Cream. If you have oily skin, then use a mattifying face cream to reduce shine. Tinted Moisturiser will be the perfect choice for those who want a naturally even complexion while enhancing the face for radiance and minimising pores.

Normally, mix moisturiser and foundation in a 1:1 ratio. If you want more coverage, increase the amount of foundation. If you want a sheerer look, then increase the amount of moisturiser.

What about mixing a foundation with serum? It works the same. We recommend you choose a hydrating serum or brightening serum for a radiant and glowy skin look.

On the easier path, you can choose a serum, skincare-infused foundation like our Double Serum Foundation. You can get coverage, colour, glow and skincare benefits all in this hero product.

Clarins has created its richest foundation to date, infusing the Double Serum Foundation with 9 plant extracts and 5 pure active molecules. The formula features Matrixyl 3000 for anti-ageing efficacy, alongside Turmeric, Squalane, and Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration and barrier support. This potent combination goes beyond surface-level coverage, with clinical results showing a 36% increase in skin firming and a 28% reduction in wrinkle visibility after 28 days of use on bare skin.

How to apply Clarins Double Serum Foundation?

It is very easy to apply Clarins Double Serum Foundation.

Step 1: Apply your skincare routine as normal

Step 2: Customise your coverage

The Double Serum Foundation is designed with a rotary dial pump, allowing you to control the exact amount of product dispensed.

A small drop is ideal for a natural, no-makeup look or for those with combination skin who want a sheer, breathable veil. A large drop is perfect for achieving medium-to-full coverage, concealing imperfections while maintaining that signature satin finish.

Step 3: Use your sponge or brush to apply the foundation. You can also use our new Gua Sha Inspired Foundation Brush, which offers a truly flawless, lifted effect for your face.

Packshot of the Gua Sha-Inspired Foundation Brush, designed for lift effect, to apply Double Serum Foundation for a flawless finish

Foundation routine FAQs

What is the best way to apply foundation?

The best way to apply foundation is generally to prep your skin carefully with toner, moisturiser and primer to make sure the skin is hydrated. The blending movement should start from the centre outward. The choice of tools like brush, sponge or fingers depends on the makeup look and foundation formula that you use.

Should I apply foundation using a wet or dry sponge?

The answer is: Damp sponge. The moisture in a damp sponge diffuses foundation for an airbrushed look rather than eats the product. The damp sponge also blurs imperfections and harsh lines, helping makeup glide over dry patches.

How do I boost the radiance of my foundation?

We often recommend that our customers add a drop of Double Serum to their liquid foundation every day to boost its effectiveness: packed with 20 plant extracts, this iconic serum targets all signs of ageing, evens skin tone, and revives skin's vitality. Now, with the release of Double Serum Foundation, achieving a radiant foundation is easier than ever.

A radiance booster, its non-greasy, silky, two-phase texture melts onto the skin, leaving it satiny-smooth and with an unparalleled glow. Combined with our foundation formula, it will dramatically increase its effectiveness, delivering an incredibly radiant makeup result that's simply perfect.

DOUBLE SERUM

How can I brighten my complexion and uncover my skin's vitality in a single step?

The result of 3 years of research by Clarins Laboratories, Everlasting Youth Fluid is your partner for a fresh, ultra-bright, youthful complexion. It’s a liquid foundation with a comfortable texture that brightens the complexion, blurs spots and erases imperfections, thanks to its unique combination of pigments, rosy pearls and soft-focus powders.

For a perfect complexion without foundation, don’t forget to properly remove your makeup and cleanse your skin every night without fail. If wearing foundation or SPF, we recommend double cleansing in the evening and starting with the Total Cleansing Oil, then following up with a cleanser that best suits your skin type, such as:

With time, its formula with chicory and red jania extracts enhances the skin's radiance while strengthening its firmness. A youth concentrate that combines the best of Clarins makeup and anti-wrinkle cream expertise.

Techniques to apply foundation quickly in the morning while still getting good coverage

Follow these steps to apply your foundation quickly in the morning in under 5 minutes:

Prep your skin quickly but properly: Instead of a toner, use an essence to bring a layer of hydration to your skin.
Then, apply a lightweight moisturiser or a tinted face SPF like MyClarins Re-Boost Tinted Hydra-Energising Tinted Cream or UV PLUS [5P] Anti-Pollution SPF 50 Rose.
Finally, apply your foundation with a damp sponge or dense foundation brush. You can use Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturiser SPF25 that glides on skin, providing 24 hours of hydration and skipping SPF.

Foundation brush vs. sponge: which is safer for reactive skin?

A damp beauty sponge is generally safer. Foundation brushes, if not cleaned daily, harbour bacteria that can trigger sensitive-skin acne. A damp sponge also "presses" the product on, which is much gentler than the friction of a brush.