4 Fail-Safe Steps For A Flawless Base

We all know that I love talking about all things base, from foundations to primers to powders and brushes. I love it all and I think it's one of the most interesting things to write about when it comes to beauty. So today I wanted to share some of the less obvious things that I find make a huge difference to how my base turns out and I know when I make the extra effort that I'll have a pretty flawless base.

PREP

Having a good steady skincare routine can already be time-consuming, especially in the morning when you might be in a rush. But taking the time to properly wash your face with a washcloth or a flannel is one of the most simple steps that I find can make a huge difference. As well as allowing the rest of your products to sink in properly [if I'm in a rush I will do this before I eat my breakfast and allow everything to absorb]. So in combination with a good skincare routine, I also like to keep on top of exfoliation. Chemically this is something that I do on a daily basis but a physical scrub is something I typically do a couple of times a week. I always notice a huge difference with how my base sits on the skin if I'm slacking with scrubbing. And gently exfoliating and getting rid of any dead skin cells that might be sitting around not only helps with how the products sit but how they wear too.

MOISTURE

I can think of so many reasons why people skip moisturiser, especially if their skin is a little more oily but giving your skin the moisture that needs is so important. And you don't have to overload yourself and become a slippy greasy mess but keeping things hydrated is key for a smooth base application. Even if a base offers hydrating properties and primers can also promise similar benefits nothing will ever beat a good moisturiser. And it's not only great for base prep but keeping your skin properly hydrated throughout the day obviously does wonders for your skin long term.

APPLICATION

The way that you apply your base is very much a personal preference and it's a matter of trial and error to find what works for you. Some prefer to use their fingers, the classic brush option or something like the beauty blender. Personally, I like to go for a domed dense brush that can not only buff whatever base I'm using into the skin wonderfully but can mesh around the contours of the face with ease. I used to use my fingers for years but I found this not only incredibly messy but my base would never last when I used this method so a brush has always been what's worked well for me. Which leads me seamlessly onto my next point...

CLEAN BRUSHES

I think we can all come to some sort of agreement that there is no better feeling that applying your products with clean brushes. But then we all know that washing your brushes is a laborious task that is so easily pushed to the side in favour for pretty much anything else on your to-do list. But having clean brushes to apply your base makes a huge difference as so often when you've used a brush for a few days I find that it becomes a little smeary and not so flawless. Doing a deep clean of your brush regularly makes the cleaning process a lot quicker because the product isn't so deep rooted and built up. I think we all know how difficult getting foundation out of a brush that hasn't been cleaned in 3 weeks is. I find that every 3/4 days is a good routine for me as it means that my brushes aren't getting clogged and gross and it's also a good routine to eliminate getting any breakouts from dirty brushes either. If you don't have the time to dedicate to doing a deep clean investing in an on spot cleanser might be a great option.