Expert Tips on How to Apply Foundation

The notion of beauty in France encompasses subtlety, discretion and a more natural look. In contrast to heavy makeup application, French women embrace effortless looks. They remain casual, sophisticated and glamorous in a simplistic way.

The key to a flawless look includes finding the right makeup products, securing the perfect foundation shade and ensuring your application is smooth. This process can certainly be daunting, but our Lancome experts are here to help. Follow our step-by-step guide below to learn how to apply foundation like a true Parisian would.

When thinking like a French woman, always remember this: Less is more. Natural makeup looks are all about appearing as if you did not spend a full hour in front of your mirror that morning. Even if you had, you likely would not want to admit to it nor display it. The best way to apply foundation is to aim for a “barely there” look, applying your makeup so it is not clearly visible, but yes—it is still there. This type of application technique is both a skill and a mindset.

French women have a reputation for their abundance of knowledge around skincare. France is home to luscious skincare brands, so boasting healthy, glowing skin is a national pride. Beauty products are part of the country's heritage and looking composed has become an inherent part of wellbeing. This is truly what the French lifestyle is all about—enjoying the finer things in life, healthy diets and routines, and keeping well and happy.

Before understanding Lancome's best way to apply foundation, you will need to pick the right foundation for your skin type and skin tone. The Teint Idole Ultra Wear range boasts easy-to-wear, long-lasting foundations that adapt to the diversity of women’s moments in a day. From matte foundations to dewy foundations, you can achieve the perfect look.

The Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation has more than 45 colour tones to pick from, making it simple to find your perfect shade. These products are oil-free, matte liquid foundations that provide medium- to full-coverage for 24 hours. With great staying power, you can go about your day without needing to retouch on the go.

For those seeking how to apply foundation that offers light coverage, we recommend trying the Absolue Cushion Compact Foundation. This full-coverage liquid formula is so light that it can work as a buildable base or lighter BB cream. The foundation brightens the complexion and leaves you with flawless, velvety skin. It also comes in a sleek portable cushion case, allowing for precise application and longer hold.

Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra Compact Powder is another French favourite for instant, breathable coverage. This matte powder foundation contains 50% Perlite, an ingredient known for its high capacity of sebum retention—which provides you with a lightweight barrier against shine.

If you require touch-ups on the go and are looking for all-day comfort and colour, we recommend the Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick. This is a portable powder-cream foundation stick that not only contains SPF15, but also can be used as a foundation, concealer or custom contouring. Its silky texture glides over your skin smoothly for the most gorgeous natural, skin-like finish.

Prepare with the Basics

In order for you to know how to apply foundation flawlessly, you will need to understand the basics to everyday skincare and wellbeing. We encourage you to establish a regular skincare routine, opting for one brand to cleanse and moisturise daily. Always remember, beauty comes from within too, so adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle is important. You should try to cut down on refined sugars and saturated fats, opting for a diet high in antioxidants (found in fresh fruit and vegetables) and Omega 3 (found in fish). Sleeping for a minimum of 8 hours is also vital to note. Rested skin looks more vibrant, youthful and brighter.

The best way to apply foundation is to firstly begin the process with a primer, which will help provide a smoother skin surface to work with. Lancôme’s La Base Pro Face Makeup Primer refines the skin’s texture and diffuses light, visibly reducing imperfections and creating a beautiful base. Primer should always come first, but do you apply concealer before or after foundation? We are here to confirm that concealer should be applied to the skin before moving to foundation.

As we mentioned previously, less is more when it comes to foundation application, so the best way to apply foundation is by layering.

Are you using a cushion foundation? If so, the foundation is released in just the right amount, so you do not have to worry about regulating the product. You can also build your coverage level thanks to the applicator.

For liquid foundation, apply a drop onto your sponge or fingertips, or onto the back of your hand to be blotted with a brush, and apply to your skin in tapping motions. You will want to avoid sweeping movements, as the foundation will not blend well. The key is to use patting movements and absorb the foundation into the skin.

If you are using powder foundation, tap a dry or damp sponge into the powder, gently tapping off any excess product. Blot the areas of your face that tend to become shiny first, then continue across your cheeks, jaw and neck for a seamless finish.

Regarding how to apply stick foundation, you can tap the foundation onto your skin for desired coverage, then blend using a brush, sponge or your fingers.

Whichever makeup tools you plan to use, whether it is a sponge, brush or fingers, do make sure the foundation is thoroughly and naturally blended into your skin.

The classic error of stopping at the jawline when applying foundation is very much avoidable. By giving attention to the neck zone and blending those additional areas, you will have an all-over, even finish.

Whilst learning how to apply foundation, look to the professional makeup artists. They have a number of tricks up their sleeves to hold your makeup and set your look into place. We recommend applying a light dusting of setting powder over a thin tissue pressed to your face. This will let an inkling of powder through for the most natural of looks. Are you seeking a long-lasting fixation? You can try Lancôme's Fix It Forget It Spray for a makeup-setting mist that holds for 24 hours.

Complete the neutral French look with Lancôme’s classic L'Absolu Rouge range of lipsticks and lip balms. With 44 shades and 3 finishes—matte, sheer and crème—you are certain to find your perfect match.

Now that we have provided a step-by-step guide to a gorgeous foundation application, you can begin to find the products that pair best with your daily lifestyle. Visit our recommendations on The Best Lancôme Liquid Foundation for Day to Night!