Radiate Confidence: 7 Secrets for a Smooth Makeup Look

The number one enemy to a smooth makeup look is the cakey-looking skin.

The key reason for applying foundation is to remove skin imperfections.

Yet, when wrongly applied, makeup creates more issues than smoothing, such as emphasizing skin problems or creating patchy complexions.

In this article, I’ll share seven secret tips for achieving smooth makeup every time.

1. Exfoliate (Gently!)

Uneven makeup patches and flaky skin texture happen – regardless of your makeup brand – whenever you apply without exfoliating first.

The skin grips foundation right after the dermis is freshly exfoliated.

Chemical exfoliators are preferred over manual ones, thanks to their gentler approach. [1]

2. Apply Primer

Using a primer gives you a smooth canvas to work with.

Primers, especially those with SPF, act as barriers between makeup and skin, freeing the skin from clogs and black spots. [2]

Primers have other vital jobs, including:

• smoothing out fine lines
• soothing dry patches
• evening out skin tone
• minimizing pores
• controlling shine

3. Moisturize Pre-Foundation

Depending on the skin type, serums, and moisturizers are critical to creating the perfect foundation ground.

Those with oily skin types who want to wear liquid foundations should avoid moisturizers and apply hydrating serum instead.

hydrating serums with Hyaluronic Acid are great for hydrating and re-plumping skin without leaving greasy residues. [3]

4. Apply the Right Foundation

Everyone’s skin is different, and so there are several foundation types.

Yet, choosing the proper foundation is not rocket science.

For textured skin complexions or blemishes, choose matte foundations and avoid luminous products.

That’s because you don’t want to bring unnecessary attention to your skin texture, precisely what a shiny, shimmering, or glowing foundation does.

Powder Foundations with a matte powder formula are great for textured skin.

If you have dry skin, foundations with heavy textures can add to the tightness and discomfort accompanying your skin type.

For dry skin, choose a lightweight liquid foundation that evens the tone and hydrates the skin.

Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation from Wander Beauty’s face makeup collection does the task perfectly.

5. Lightweight Foundation + Heavy Concealer

Never coat your face in a high-coverage foundation, and instead, use a smart combo of lightweight foundation plus heavy concealer.

This way, you’ll create a natural look while covering up pigmented scars, breakouts, and age spots.

Try Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup or e.l.f. Acne Fighting Foundation.

6. Finish With Light Powder and Setting Spray

This part is optional, but you can use a light touch of powder on shiny areas of the face to give your makeup a smooth, natural look.

It’s an excellent trick for combination skins where a bit of powder on the T-zone reduces the shiny, oily look.

Wander Beauty’s Wanderlust Powder Foundation is the perfect choice: a lightweight powder foundation that provides buildable coverage and blends with your makeup to smooth, blur, and even skin tone without settling into fine lines and wrinkles.

However, if your skin is dry, too much powder can highlight fine lines around the eye area, so be careful.

7. Apply Makeup Properly

Yes, the best way to apply makeup comes down to personal preference.

Yet, instead of adding layers after layers of powder in hopes of airbrushing away your imperfections, the key to smooth makeup lies in using the right tools.

Makeup sponges are ideal for applying makeup, as they soak up the excess product that would otherwise emphasize imperfections.

Bibliography

[1] Khamala, M., (2021). Chemical exfoliation vs physical exfoliation for the face: Pros & Cons, safety & more. Derm Collective.

[2] Gotz, V. et al., (2015). Facial primer provides immediate and long-term improvements in mild-to-moderate facial hyperpigmentation and fine lines associated with photoaging. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, p. 471.

[3] Draelos, Z. D., Diaz, I., Namkoong, J., Wu, J., & Boyd, T. (2021). Efficacy evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum in facial Photoaging. Dermatology and Therapy, 11(4), 1385-1394.