Answers to YOUR Foundation, Concealer, and Powder Questions Part 1

Because we’re ALL about the beauty here (I mean, beauty IS in the blog name…lol) and also because foundation is the well—foundation of a majority of your beauty looks, I thought it would be a great idea to do a big post answering your questions all about complexion makeup products. You guys submitted some really great questions to both my Facebook and Instagram! So much so that I had to break this into a two part post which of course had me all elated because I LOVE a good two-part post :)

So for part 1 I decided to bring in one of my favorite makeup pros Derek Selby who is the International Director of Artistry and Education at one of my FAVE complexion brands, Cover FX. I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with Derek in person on several occasions and if you came to my Cover FX event at Sephora last year, you also got to see him in action. Since Derek knows so much about makeup artistry, I felt he was perfect to tag team with on this post (not to mention that Derek/Danielle Danielle/Derek have that little alliteration thing going on…lol).

So without further adieu, here’s the answers to YOUR complexion questions!

What’s your take on applying liquid foundation with a wet sponge/brush?

Derek:

Using a wet sponge or brush will dilute the product and this is fine. I prefer to apply a lighter amount of product with longer strokes for a sheer/natural result.

Danielle:

I’m in LOVE with the beautyblender and the way the wonder makeup sponge works is to dampen it with water, squeeze the excess out, and then use it to blend your makeup. Just like Derek says it dilutes the product giving you a lighter application (always better to add a layer than to put too much on at once) and I LOVE the seamless finish it gives me. Of course you don’t have to do this method every time as applying with a foundation brush and making sure you blend into the hairline also helps get you a seamless application.

Best tool to apply foundation: brush or sponge?

Derek:

It’s a matter of choice. It depends on the result you are looking for. I use brushes, sponges, and my fingers. My preferred method is to apply with a brush, blend out, and then use my fingers (usually around the eyes to get a natural skin-like look).

Danielle:

Yep—definitely a matter of choice. I used to only use a foundation brush but I’m always trying the newest and latest. Lately I’m all about the beautyblender but sometimes will use a foundation brush to get the product where I want it and then use the beautyblender to blend it out.

When is primer absolutely necessary? I skip it whenever possible.

Derek: I use primer on every single client! It smoothes the skin, moisturizes, and fills in fine lines and pores. It gives a smooth result and longer wear to the foundation. For really oily and dry or mature skin it is absolutely necessary. I would never not use it!

Danielle: If I need to make sure my makeup is on all day, I definitely use a primer. If I’m just running out for a few hours, I skip the step to cut time from my primping routine. If you find your makeup stays on well all day and you don’t have texture issues such as lines and pores, I think you can skip it BUT try it (Sephora is great about giving makeup samples to try before you buy) to see if it improves your application.

Do you put primer on underneath your concealer?

Derek:

I use eye-primer under concealer around the eyes and Cover FX Blemish Treatment Primer under Cover FX Blemish Treatment Concealer on any breakout.

Danielle:

Yes, but I apply whatever primer I use on my face under my eye area although I think I need to try more primers specifically for the under eye area. Sounds like a blog post is coming…lol.

Do you think people with oily skin can wear creme foundation?

Derek:

YES! Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation is oil-free! Use Cover FX Mattifying Primer underneath and Cover FX Matte Setting Powder to set and you will have a matte cream foundation! Looks amazing!

Danielle:

Ohhh yeah! And that’s why Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation is one of my favorites. It’s oil-free and you can vary your coverage—you can thin it out with a beautyblender or foundation brush or add layers if you need more coverage. It’s also versatile and works in almost all climates—it worked well for me in the Caribbean and HIGH humid Miami as well as in the four seasons I can get in the same week in NYC…lol.

What are the pros & cons of liquid vs powder foundations

Derek:

Liquid is great for drier or mature skin. Powder is better for oily or combination skin. Powder is also portable so it’s easier for touch-ups.

Danielle:

I have oily skin and actually wear all types of foundation formulas but for me it depends on the season. I live in NYC so I get the full gamut of weather conditions throughout the year. In the summer/late spring/early fall I tend to go for powders more although light liquids and Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation also work for me in the summer. In the winter especially when it gets really cold and dry here, I tend to go for a cream or liquid.

Is it always best to use setting powder on top of foundation?

Derek:

Depends on the formula. Some formulas are self-setting and don’t need a setting powder. Cover Fx cream and liquid both need to be set to prevent transfer.

Danielle:

Ditto what Derek said…lol

Preventing the mask look: is that because of wrong shade or just the brand?

Derek:

The best way to get a natural look is for your foundation to blend from your jawline to your neck. You want a consistent shade from face to neck. The product you use can also contribute to this. Look for talc-free formulas that don’t look chalky on the skin. All Cover FX foundations are talc free.

Danielle:

Ditto what Derek said about some of the mask look being attributed to application and formula, but since so much of our culture today is based on picture sharing social networks like Instagram, when taking pics you want to make sure you take them in natural daylight whenever possible. You’ll get the best pics that way. Cell phone camera flashes can be SO harsh. SO very harsh…lol. If you want to take pics at night, make sure your moisturizer and foundation don’t contain SPF which can tend to look chalky once the flash hits it. But you are only allowed to skip SPF when it’s nighttime—you know, because the sun isn’t out…lol. During the day you want to make sure you have it on and reapply when outdoors for prolonged periods of time. Read more about Suncare.

That’s part 1! Stay tuned for part 2 :)

Disclosure: This post was created in sponsorship with Cover FX through their blogger ambassador program.