Concealer, Foundation, and more: Applying makeup correctly

You're going out and want to get a little more dressed up for the occasion than you do every day? Do those little pimples on your forehead annoy you and you're looking for ways to cover them up? We'll show you what you need and how to apply makeup correctly without worsening your skin's condition. Read on now!

How to apply makeup correctly: Preparing your face

Preparation is key – even when you want to apply makeup correctly. After all, your skin is the base for all the products you want to apply later. This ensures that your makeup lasts as long as possible and that your epidermis isn't irritated too much throughout the day. In our article on facial cleansing, we explain how important it is to take the time to wash your face twice daily. Once your skin is free of old makeup and other environmental influences, it's time to moisturize. Some cosmetics tend to dry out your epidermis. So, use a moisturizing lotion and let it absorb until no visible film remains. Don't forget the sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays.

How to apply makeup correctly: the base

Cream and SPF absorbed? Then it's time to start applying makeup correctly. Think of your face as a work of art. After all, you're working with different colors and trying to bring out your best features. Like any good artist, you should therefore prime your skin like a canvas so that everything sits exactly how you want it to.

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Primer: Do you really need it?

In recent years, more and more products have been added to the makeup routine. Among them is the primer. But what can it actually do? This first step promises to reduce skin redness, have a mattifying effect, and minimize pores and fine lines. Manufacturers often claim that it makes the actual makeup last longer. We recommend it especially if you want to neutralize your skin tone a bit so that the foundation appears as even as possible afterward. Here, you work with color theory. If you tend to have redness, a greenish primer is recommended. Pink brightens duller complexions, while yellow best neutralizes blue under-eye circles. There are several ways you can apply this type of makeup correctly. For example, use a wide brush and work it into the skin with gentle stroking motions. Or use your fingers. This gives you complete control and makes it possible to tap everything in gently. Ideally, use your ring fingers, as these apply the least pressure. Then let the primer absorb briefly before moving on to the next step.

Foundation: your second skin

Many people use "foundation" and "makeup" synonymously. But ultimately, foundation is just a subcategory and refers to the colored base to which you typically apply other products. How does it work? Here, too, you have various options: your fingers, brushes, or even damp sponges. If you want to apply "makeup" correctly, depending on the type of foundation, one option or another works better. These are the variations:​

Type	Features	How to apply
Liquid	from light to full coverage mattifying or luminous	apply product to the back of your hand first to control the amount damp sponge fingers brush
Mousse or Cream	light to full coverage can also be applied selectively	dry sponge
Stick	creamy rather medium to high coverage	damp sponge fingers
Powder	sometimes very high coverage light feeling on the skin mattifying	brush dry sponge fingers

No matter which method you use, you should always work your way from the center of your face outwards to the edges. To ensure you cover everything, work in circular motions. If you need more product in certain areas, gently tap it in. Don't forget to blend the foundation with your neck, otherwise, you'll end up with unsightly, harsh lines. Just be careful about potential stains on your clothes.

Concealer: retouching the last shadows

Do you tend to have stubborn dark circles and blemishes? Then concealer belongs in your routine. To help you apply this makeup correctly, we've given you some tips in our article on covering pimples on how to effectively hide those little nuisances. By the way, in the world of cosmetics, trends change constantly. That's why you'll also find instructions where you apply your concealer before foundation. Try both and decide what works for you! Concealer sticks usually have an applicator that makes it easy to apply the product to the skin. Start with a small amount and work from the inner corner of your eye outwards under your eyes, creating an inverted triangle shape. That is, from one corner over the upper edge of the cheek to the other. Since the skin, as described in our article on eye care, is particularly thin in this area, gently tap everything in with your ring finger.

Powder: for mattifying

Throughout the day, we definitely sweat now and then. To ensure your makeup application wasn't in vain, it's advisable to set your base with powder. This way, it won't smudge or settle into fine lines. Decide whether you want to mattify your entire face or just specific areas where you know foundation and concealer tend to wear off faster. When applying, you use either a compact or loose product. Both can be applied with a brush, sponge, or even a cotton pad. However, dab your applicator so that not too much powder gets on your face. Here, too, work with more tapping motions from the inside out. Another method is called “baking”. You use a lot more powder and don't blend it in at first. Instead, let it sit for about ten minutes. During this time, the cosmetic product settles evenly into the smallest fine lines. After it has absorbed, generously sweep a fluffy brush or sponge over your face to remove any excess product. This will give you a more flawless complexion and your makeup should withstand higher temperatures.

Contour your face

After the base, many contours are naturally softened. Therefore, now comes the step to bring some life back to your face. There are several ways to highlight your cheekbones or jawline. Let's start with incorporating natural shadows. For this, you use a contour stick, a corresponding palette, or perhaps even a bronzer. If you want to apply this type of makeup correctly, you use either a brush or a sponge. This allows everything to be distributed evenly. Take a little of your product of choice and apply it under your cheekbones with circular motions. Proceed similarly if you want to give your jaw or forehead, or hairline, a little more dimension. You can also make your nose appear narrower with it. How exactly you apply your contouring depends on your face shape. You can find a range of tutorials and graphics online for this, sometimes even on the back of your palette. To make your features stand out even more sharply, highlighter is a good option. It finds its place directly on the cheekbones, the tip of the nose, the upper lip, in the inner corners of the eyes, or even below the brows. Start with just a little and a small brush to maintain full control over the glow. Finally, give yourself a healthy complexion with blush on your cheeks, temples, and/or nose. Fingers, brushes, and sponges are all suitable here.

How to apply makeup correctly: eyes and mouth

Finally, we turn our attention to the eyes and lips. The former can be further emphasized by mascara, kohl, and eyeliner, for example. Eyeshadow can also optically enlarge or reduce them. The rule of thumb here is: light colors open, dark colors minimize. Here, too, use your fingers or a brush to apply your makeup correctly, especially when it comes to powdery products. Your eyebrows frame your face. That's why you can help them a little if they don't stand out naturally. There are pencils, gels, or even powders for this. You apply the latter with a brush, and for the first two options, the applicator that came with them is recommended. The same applies to your lips. Sticks either glide over the surface by themselves, or you can paint the product on precisely with a brush. You should only use your fingers if you want to blend matte variations. Otherwise, it might lead to a very messy situation. For gloss, we therefore also recommend using the applicator that comes with it.

How to apply makeup correctly: the finish

Now you know the basics of how to apply makeup correctly. If you want it to last a while, finish with fixing or setting spray. This binds your foundation, powder, blush, and everything else on top. But always remember that you should only wear makeup for yourself and no one else. Whether your skin is flawless or you're currently prone to blemishes: this is all normal, and no one should demand that you cover them up. Also, don't let anyone tell you your makeup is too strong or too noticeable. Use the products you like and let your creativity run wild. Whether subtle or colorful, with pimples or without – at the end of the day, you have to feel good about yourself! Further links: www.perfekt-schminken.de/10-wichtigste-schminkutensilien/ www.journelles.de/beauty-guide-make-up-anfaenger-produkte/ www.stilpalast.ch/.../die-richtige-beauty-reihenfolge-6614