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Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by poor—and self-inflicted—foundation application. Same! As its name implies, foundation serves as the base upon which the rest of your makeup is built. That is to say, if you’re not nailing your foundation step, the rest of your glam can be completely thrown off. When applied incorrectly, your skin can be left looking cakey, uneven and crumbly, with the foundation separating and settling into fine lines. When done right, M.A.C Cosmetics Canada regional education trainer and makeup artist Elizabeth Layton says foundation should look smooth and even, seamlessly melting into your skin, regardless of its coverage and finish. “A good application can be found in the right tools, like a M.A.C 170S Rounded Slant Brush or a M.A.C 159 Duo Fibre Brush to ensure that the product is streak-free and transitions smoothly into the hairline and jawline,” explains Layton. [instagram-oembed url=”https://www.instagram.com/p/DImfWFfu6SM/?igsh=bGZ3c3JyZGV3cHhz” /] What’s more, perfecting the foundation of the foundation is key. “Always begin with skin,” advises the pro. “Skin preparation that is tailored to your skin’s needs, whether you are dry or oily, dehydrated or sensitive, will mean that your foundation won’t have to do the heavy lifting and can deliver on its claims.” If you’ve fallen off your glam game, subpar application could be the culprit. Ahead, Layton unpacks the most common mistakes behind why your foundation looks patchy—and how to fix them.
Blind Buying
Impulse purchases at the beauty counter rarely end well. “As an MUA, I want my clients to love their foundation, and so often hear that they simply bought something on a whim without even trying it or shade matching.” If you’re racing through the process, odds are you’ll be back at the store returning it days later. Her fix? Take your time. “Even if you don’t have the time, ask to take a sample home to put it through its paces before you commit. And always be diligent in checking your shade match in varying light, natural and indoor, before you make a decision,” adds the makeup pro.
Rushing Your Routine
Look, good things take time. And the same goes for glam. If your foundation is turning patchy or pilling, you may be layering products too quickly. “Let each of your skincare and prep steps have a ‘moment’ on your skin before moving on to the next and it will help prevent pilling or patchiness,” says Layton. “If you must rush, have a bottle of M.A.C Fix+ at hand to smooth out any texture or patches as you go.” 
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Creatures of Habit
Found your holy grail foundation years ago? That’s great—until it stops working. “Rarely can the same foundation or skincare be used for the entirety of someone’s life. We change so much, and so does our environment. I recommend getting a new shade match with the season (summer and winter) and remaining critical of your foundation formula as your skin changes with age and lived experience,” Layton advises. “We want your skin to look its best, no matter what else is going on.”
Great Expectations
Many shoppers want a foundation that solves every skin concern and delivers an airbrushed finish—no prep required. But according to Layton, that’s wishful thinking. Sure, there are a ton of fantastic foundations at our fingertips, but there’s more to flawless makeup than a “one-and-done” product. Layton’s formula for a perfect face base? A solid skincare routine or primer to balance the skin followed by foundation to even out your complexion. Then, concealer to brighten and cover up any imperfections that still show after applying foundation. “At minimum, decide what your main priority is from your foundation. Is it coverage? Finish? Extra skincare benefits? And support it with the other product choices to customize.” Continue Reading
