The Foundation Application Technique To Achieve Fuller Coverage
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Depending on your skin type, the season, and the particular type of makeup look you are trying to create, you may prefer a lighter, medium, or fuller-coverage foundation look. In the warmer months, a lighter coverage look is often popular, as the heat and humidity can make skin want to breathe better. In the colder months, however, a more full coverage look is often popular (via Telegraph).
Further, if you are trying to cover up redness, blemishes, or scars, a full-coverage look can help achieve a more even-looking complexion. The first step to getting an even, full-coverage foundation application is to cleanse your face properly (and exfoliating weekly is also a good idea to ensure a smoother canvas for your makeup). After cleansing, apply a moisturizer, which will help prep your skin for a smooth application (via Marie Claire). If you'd like to use a primer, which is optional and not necessarily required to get a full-coverage look, you would apply it after your moisturizer. Then, let it dry.
Next comes applying your foundation itself. Some makeup professionals suggest using your fingers, some a brush, others a makeup sponge. But there is one surefire way application trick to help you get a full coverage look that doesn't look caky or overdone.
The stippling or tapping technique
In order to achieve a full coverage foundation look, rather than spreading the makeup across your face in a sweeping motion with a brush, your fingers, or a sponge, try using a stippling or tapping motion (via Huda Beauty). In order to do this, you can use either a makeup sponge or foundation brush that is meant for building coverage. Simply apply the product to the sponge or brush, and rather than dragging it across the skin, tap and dab it onto your face instead.
You can give extra attention to areas where you want more coverage (like a blemish or a red patch), and a little less where you need less coverage. This technique not only helps you to build coverage in an intentional way, but it also helps to prevent unintended lines that can be drawn by sweeping the makeup over your face. By using this method, you have more precise control over how much foundation is applied where, and it also allows you to blend seamlessly.
You can also spray just a little setting spray onto the brush or sponge that you're using in addition to the foundation to help set the look in place (or use the spray directly on your face afterwards. Of course, it's also important that you are using the right foundation to get the full coverage look you're going for.
This year's best full coverage foundations
Choosing the right foundation for a full coverage makeup look can feel daunting with the countless options on the market. Fortunately, some of the biggest names in makeup have published their lists of the best full coverage foundations for 2023.
According to Sephora, some of your best bets include Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation, Estee Lauder's Double Wear Steay-in-Place Foundation, Too Faced Born This Way Natural Finish Longwear Liquid Foundation, and Fenty Beauty's Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation. Meanwhile, Byrdie echoes the sentiment on Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation and Estee Lauder's Double Wear Steay-in-Place Foundation, but they also recommend NYX Total Control Pro Drop Foundation, Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation, and Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation.
With a good foundation meant for full-coverage looks and this technique, you should be able to get a more even, fuller-coverage foundation application.