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Your Base
A beautiful base is the difference between makeup that sits on top and makeup that looks like your skin. Primer, foundation, concealer and powder, in that order.
By the end of this part you'll be able to
- Prep and prime so your makeup lasts
- Choose a foundation finish and coverage that suits your skin
- Use concealer and colour correcting in the right places
- Set your base with powder without going cakey
The exact slides from your class. Scroll through anytime for a refresher.
Primer
The barrier between your skincare and your makeup.
Its job is to create a smooth base and correct underlying tone or texture concerns.
How to apply
Use less than a 5 cent piece, applied with a duo-fibre or flat spatula brush. Always start on the feature-focus area (the centre of your face) with a freshly loaded brush, then buff outward in round motions for one sheer layer.
Too much primer does the opposite of what you want and creates slippage. Tip: mix a little luminiser into your primer for an all-over glow.
Foundation
Even out your tone, then choose your finish.
Foundation evens skin tone and creates a specific finish. Match the finish to your skin type.
Finish by skin type
| Finish | Best for |
|---|---|
| Matte | Oily skin types |
| Semi-matte | Oily to normal skin |
| Satin | Normal to dry skin |
| Dewy | Dry skin |
Coverage, from lightest to fullest
| Type | Coverage & when |
|---|---|
| Tinted serum / BB cream | Skin tint, best for day wear |
| CC cream | Sheer, best for day wear |
| Liquid foundation | Medium and buildable, great for special occasions |
| Cream or stick foundation | Full coverage, best for long-wear special occasions |
How to apply
Use a 10 to 20 cent piece and a firm buffing or dome brush. Start on the feature-focus (centre) with a freshly loaded brush, buff in round motions for the first layer, then switch to a stamping motion to build coverage where you need it. Do not apply foundation to the eyelids or under-eye area, that's the concealer's job.
Concealer
A little, exactly where it's needed.
Multipurpose concealer covers the under-eye and blemishes; colour-correcting concealer neutralises pigmentation and scarring.
How to apply
Use a pea-size amount with a small flat spatula brush. Always apply after foundation so you don't use too much. Under the eyes, apply in a 'V' shape from the corner of the eye, anchoring at the nostril. For blemishes, keep concealer localised only to the spot you're covering. Blend with your ring finger or a small fluffy brush.
Opposite colours cancel each other out: green calms redness, peach and orange counter dark under-eyes and pigmentation, purple brightens sallow tones. A little goes a long way.
Powder
Set it, don't smother it.
Powder absorbs excess oil, mattifies and lets you touch up on the go.
How to apply
Use a pea-size amount with an angled cheek brush or any small powder brush. Load the brush and tap off, whatever is left on the brush is enough for your hot spots. The concave areas of the face (around the nose, chin, forehead) collect oil through the day, so focus there. If your skin is very oily, powder the hot spots again at the end or as needed.
Which powder?
| Type | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Loose translucent powder | Absorbs oil without changing your foundation, looks natural. Harder to carry for touch-ups |
| Pressed powder foundation | Easy to touch up on the go and works as a foundation alone. Can add coverage and look cakey if overdone |
Take it with you
Print these for your practice sessions.
- Beginner Makeup Workshop handout (printable)Your full workshop workbook with fill-in palette pagesAdd file URL
Base done? Time to add dimension.
Next up: contour, blush and highlight to bring your face to life.
Next: Contour, Blush & Glow