Makeup base - what it is, what it is for and how to use it correctly. Makeup base - the secret to perfect skin Applying makeup base

Foundation for foundation is a basic product for smoothing out skin texture. When used skillfully, it emphasizes the individual features of the face, increases the durability of makeup, and eliminates oily shine. The foundation is recommended for use on any skin type, but each product has its own characteristics.

In our country, the technique of properly applying makeup is at the implementation stage. About 10 years ago, makeup foundation was called foundation. When a new product appeared in the world of cosmetics - base, women were perplexed as to why it was needed and what functions it performed. Many people still purposefully ignore the fashionable foundation, using a nourishing cream or moisturizer as a base.

Healthy, smooth facial skin is the key to perfect, beautiful makeup. But it is difficult to meet a girl with perfect epidermis. Red spots, acne marks, unevenness, depressions, small pimples, age spots and other minor defects require applying foundation in several layers to achieve the desired result. As a result, the face looks unnatural, the layer of cream is visible to the naked eye, and the skin simply suffocates under the cosmetic mask.

The makeup base easily copes with problems such as:

1. Irregularities in the upper layer of the epidermis;
2. Uneven tone;
3. Enlarged pores;
4. Spots of increased pigmentation;
5. Oily shine.

The base foundation for foundation prepares the face for makeup, protects against aggressive components, moisturizes, and eliminates flaking. Creates the perfect texture for long-lasting makeup.

Varieties of base

The product is available in several variations. When choosing, you should start from the problems and defects of your own skin.

Features of the color base:

• Green. Masks red color - broken capillaries, inflamed pimples, blemishes, insect bites, allergic rashes.
• Pink. Essential for pale skin. Adds freshness and health.
• Purple. Eliminates yellowness. Conceals age spots and freckles. Recommended for women who smoke.
• Yellow. Masks all blue imperfections. Circles under the eyes, bruises, scratches.
• White. Refreshes the face, adds health and youth.

Any foundation masks fine wrinkles and visually tightens the contour of the face. With a professional foundation you can disguise any defects. It can be liquid, cream, gel, dry.

How to choose a base for foundation

To choose an effective cosmetic product for your skin, you need to decide on the type. This is the first rule of a successful choice. The rest come from problems that need to be eliminated, the desired result.

1. To make your makeup look as natural as possible without feeling the effect of a mask, you must use the foundation and foundation of the same brand.
2. For dry, dehydrated skin, a cream base is more suitable. It will create a protective barrier and prevent peeling. The foundation will not collect into separate, clearly visible particles.
3. Do not use mattifying foundation on dry skin. This product is intended only for oily, combination skin types.
4. The composition plays an important role. It is necessary to give preference to products with a light texture, even if the base is creamy. Otherwise, using a low-quality, unsuitable product will cause clogged pores, inflammation of acne, and other undesirable effects.
5. A special foundation with a lightweight texture is used for the skin around the eyes.
6. Age recommendations are indicated on each product, you should pay attention to this.

Consistency tips:

The health of the skin, durability, and naturalness of makeup depend on the correct choice of base foundation.

Foundation for dry skin

Preference should be given to a cream base. The color is selected based on individual characteristics. Recommended:

1. Moisturizing;
2. Silicone;
3. Transparent;
4. Tonal;
5. Colored;
6. Evening for aging dry skin.

For daily use, transparent, moisturizing, tinted, and colored are more suitable. Silicone, shining one should be used in special cases. The components they contain can clog pores and cause inflammation.

Foundation for oily skin

A mattifying base is ideal. Can be used at any time of the year. However, it's worth taking a break. The consistency of the foundation is such that its particles penetrate deeply into the pores and are difficult to clean even with the most effective means. The color base should have a dense texture, since oily skin is often problematic. There is a need to mask acne and redness. It is not recommended to use a radiant foundation unless it has a mattifying effect. In combination with oily shine, faces
It will look very ineffective.

Foundation for combination skin

A mattifying cosmetic product is suitable. All recommendations regarding oily epidermis type refer to combination skin. If there are dry areas on the skin, you will have to combine several products with a moisturizing, mattifying effect.

Foundation for problem skin

Preference should be given to products with a dense structure and a tonal effect. To eliminate various defects, use a multi-colored base. It is not recommended to use silicone, shining ones. In general, for problem skin it is recommended to use a minimum of cosmetics, not to mask, but to treat problems.

Homemade base at home

For women and girls who are distrustful of cosmetics, you can prepare your own foundation. For perfect makeup, moisturizing, eliminating oily shine, evening out tone. More suitable for oily, combination skin.

Prepare 2 bases separately, then mix.

Mix thoroughly. After cooling, add a vitamin E capsule. You can store the product in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. According to women's reviews, it increases the durability of makeup. The face does not “float” even at the end of the day.

Foundation for foundation is as important a cosmetic product as other cosmetics. Without it, it is impossible to create perfect makeup, no matter how expensive the products are used.

Makeup foundation is still not as popular as foundation or powder. However, it is necessary to moisturize and mattify the skin, to even out the texture and give the correct shade, as well as for the durability of the foundation and its uniform application. This product has virtually no cons.

The main problem is choice. Ideally, you should test the product before purchasing: apply the tester along with the foundation to your face and walk around with it for an hour or two. When choosing a colored foundation, try to evaluate how it looks on the skin in natural light. Now with its help you can achieve a lot.

Brighten your complexion

Guerlain MeteoritesLight-Diffusing Perfecting Primer,RUB 4,399

To create a beautiful shimmering skin tone, a radiant makeup base is perfect. If you have a cool skin tone, you need to give preference to pinkish and pearlescent shades of the base, and if you have a warm skin tone, then a base of apricot and peach colors is suitable. This type of primer will make your skin look like porcelain.

Advice: Apply foundation around cheekbones, eyes and forehead.

Conceal redness and acne marks

Smashbox Photo Finish More than Primer Blemish Control, RUB 2,116

This base is often called corrective. The green base masks pimples, red spots and painful spots, the silicone in the composition helps to disguise enlarged pores and even small scars.

Advice: Apply primer directly to redness.

Create the effect of rested skin

CC cream Flormar CC CREAM CC01 purple, 699 rub.

A base in a purple or pink shade can greatly improve your complexion, especially if your skin usually has a yellowish undertone. This product can also hide healing bruises, for example, after plastic surgery.

Advice: Apply primer in a straight line from the forehead across the nose to the chin, add short strokes under the eyes and blend.

Conceal dark circles under the eyes

Clinique Superprimer Face Primer, RUB 2,599

A yellow or orange foundation works as a very strong concealer. Often, such products contain reflective particles to better disguise dark circles under the eyes. The skin around the eyes is visually evened out, fine wrinkles are filled in, and the foundation applies better. If you are dark-skinned, try using red.

Advice: The foundation is applied with light patting movements under the eyes.

Smooth the skin

e.l.f. Studio Hydrating,780 rub.

Many primers successfully combat flaking, soften and protect dry skin. The composition of such cosmetics usually includes hyaluronic acid, glycerin, natural oils, vitamins A and E, mineral salts, green tea or silk extract can be added. In most cases, moisturizing base is water-based. This foundation is suitable for covering fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes.

Advice: Apply to dry areas of skin and around the eyes.

Remove enlarged pores

Catrice Prime and Fine Smoothing Refiner, 529 rub.

Silicone makeup base allows you to smooth out all skin irregularities and fills in, creating the effect of a doll's face. Silicone based bases are multifunctional. They can be used separately, added to foundation or lipstick.

Advice: Apply all over the face or locally to problem areas.

Make the skin matte

NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer (AVP), 1,100 rub.

A primer with a mattifying effect is now one of the most popular - makeup without glitter is in fashion. These foundations are oil-free, perfectly prepare the skin for applying makeup, smooth the surface of the skin, and even out the color.

Advice: To avoid a mask effect, the base should be applied only to the forehead, nose and chin.

Extend the life of makeup

M.A.C.Prep+Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base, RUB 1,390

Eyeshadow primers help eye shadows not to crease, fall off or smear - your makeup will stay bright all day. The shadow base creates a mattifying effect, so it is perfect for those who own.

Advice: Apply evenly to eyelids before using eyeshadow.

Give your eyelashes fullness

Clinique Lash Building Primer, 1,950 rub.

A base for mascara allows you not only to increase their volume and length, but also ensures an even application of the finishing coat. There are transparent and white bases. In most cases, useful components are added to this product that improve the condition of the eyelashes.

Advice: The base is applied in a thin layer to the eyelashes, allowed to dry completely, and then mascara is applied.

Create volume on lips

Lip base from Sensai SPF 15,RUB 1,714

The lip makeup base evens out the skin, disguises fine wrinkles and ensures even application of lipstick. The base contains nutrients that moisturize and soften the skin. This product also improves the durability of makeup.

Advice: Apply to the entire surface of clean lips.

Many of us neglect makeup base. But in vain! Cosmetologists are shocked that women apply foundation and decorative cosmetics to unprepared skin. A great many articles have already been written on this topic. Should you trust fashion magazines? Let's ask an expert - cosmetologist Natalia Kovalenko.

Is makeup foundation really necessary?

Makeup base serves to even out the texture and color of the skin and prepare it for applying makeup. It is not a mandatory stage of makeup, but it helps the cosmetics blend better and apply well. The foundation should be applied on top of the day cream, but under the foundation.

Determining on your own which product is right for you is very difficult. There are two options to solve the problem. Firstly, you can choose the product yourself by trial and error. Secondly, you can contact a cosmetologist for advice.

Expert opinion:

A properly selected makeup base is the key to beauty and health. You need to start using these products when you start using cosmetics. If you have clear, young skin, you don’t need to put a ton of makeup on your face, just cleansing and moisturizing. Foundation is needed when you want to give your skin a youthful appearance, hide pores, wrinkles and other imperfections.

For professional makeup, makeup artists use special bases. By the way, they are now available to ordinary consumers. These are correctors that can be used both under foundation and on their own. They have different colors.

It is important to consider the suitability of the cosmetic product for your age and skin type. You can often hear different reviews about the same foundation. This does not speak about the quality of the product, but about the wrong selection.

In general, the basis of any makeup is skin that is well cleansed and moisturized with an appropriate cream. It is better not to skimp on cleansing, toning and moisturizing products - they support skin health. Remember, makeup base does not replace skin care products, but only helps your makeup look perfect throughout the day.

Those with oily skin especially need a makeup base. After washing your face and applying your day cream or gel, wait five seconds and apply the foundation all over your face with a dampened sponge or brush. If there are no problems with the skin, then the foundation can replace foundation.

Liquid or solid?

So, let's try to figure out how different types of bases differ in texture.

Ideal for young skin and skin without blemishes liquid transparent base, which is also called fluid. The product makes the skin matte, moisturizes, and evens out the complexion. But keep in mind: it contains few pigments, which means it will not hide skin imperfections.

It will help to “hide” shortcomings creamy warp. It contains a lot of powder and pigments, so you can disguise spots, veins, and freckles.

If you have oily and porous skin, take gel-like basis. It will not allow the foundation to clog the pores, and the skin will “breathe” freely. Solid The foundation is recommended for the most problematic skin. It lies on the skin in a dense layer, under which you can hide minor defects: scars and spots.

Shimmering the base contains optical pigments - shimmering and pearlescent particles that scatter light in different directions. Thanks to the optical effect, the skin looks radiant and youthful.

There is a special eye makeup base. It comes in the form of a pencil or semi-liquid cream. These products are applied under the shadows, in addition, they hide and lighten the circles under the eyes.

Expert opinion:

You should not use a mattifying face foundation on your eyelids so as not to dry out your delicate skin.

There are lip bases, which prevent the lipstick from spreading and help it last longer. There are foundations that help lips look fuller and contain SPF (sun protection factor) protection.

Eyelash Foundations also very useful. They cover the hair with a nourishing contour. The eyelash base is applied in a thin layer, after it dries, mascara is applied.

How to choose a foundation color?

The foundation should be close to the natural tone of the face - this is an axiom. You can check whether the makeup base matches your complexion in the following way: apply a little product to the back of your hand. You need to select the tone in daytime and evening lighting.

Using the foundation you can adjust your skin color. For example, redness from the face can be removed using a beige base. And a light pink foundation will perfectly cope with unhealthy pale skin.

Makeup bases are often not tonal or colorless, but in various shades: pink improves complexion, purple eliminates yellowness, yellow disguises bruises under the eyes, green visually eliminates redness and visible blood vessels, white will give the skin radiance and freshness.

Expert opinion:

I don't agree with the color selection recommendations. The color cannot be checked on the hand, since the skin of the hands is darker than the skin of the face. Select the product in daylight. Strokes of different shades should be applied to the convergence of the face and neck. Your color should blend completely into your skin. The base should be neither lighter nor darker, nor pinker nor yellower. For a high-quality result, it is better to apply several thin layers of cream than one thick one. Don't choose a dark, tan-like foundation. Don't try to add a pink tint to yellow skin using makeup foundation. Choose a foundation that suits your skin color.

How to apply makeup foundation?

If the skin is very dry and flaky, you must first lubricate it with a rich cream, after a few minutes apply a light moisturizer and only then start applying foundation.

The base should be applied very carefully. The product should not be rubbed in; it should be applied in a thin layer over the skin with light movements. It is best to apply it with your fingers or a sponge.

Expert opinion:

It is important to develop the habit of applying all care products and cosmetics along massage lines. This way the skin is subject to the least amount of stretching, which reduces the formation of wrinkles.

For those who are too lazy to apply cosmetics in layers, there are three-in-one products with moisturizing and tonal components, as well as SPF protection. They contain humectants and a small amount of pigments, spread easily over the skin and do not leave stains.

If you have oily skin, then it is enough to apply powder or foundation with a mattifying effect on top of the base. I recommend doing a cleansing mask before applying your weekend makeup. It will absorb excess sebum and cleanse the skin.

For oily skin with inflammation, there are correctors with antiseptics, which, in addition to masking, can have a healing effect.

To touch up your makeup during the day (if you have a mixed skin type), you can blot oily areas of the skin with a paper napkin, and then lightly dust problem areas with loose powder.

General advice for everyone: give preference to home care products from professional lines that are sold in salons and beauty salons. Do not self-select cosmetics or self-medicate your skin. It is better to contact cosmetologists who will help you correctly determine your skin type and select the appropriate care products and cosmetics.

Olga Artishevskaya

Dear readers, greetings to everyone! With you is Olga Ramazanova, a professional makeup artist and presenter of the beauty section. Today I want to reveal to you in detail a very interesting question - how to use a makeup base. This product appeared on the cosmetics market relatively recently, but has already rapidly gained its popularity. Let's talk about its benefits and learn how to use it correctly.

Why do you need a base?

Smooth and healthy skin is the key to quality makeup. How to even out the skin? Makeup base (also called base, primer or primer) will help with this. There are a huge variety of them and they differ in their functions, composition, consistency and color. This product is preferably used for those cases where the make-up must last a long time: wedding, evening, make-up for a photo shoot, etc. The lightest texture is suitable for daily use. If the face is young and there are no special imperfections on it, then you can do without a primer.

The base can perform the following functions:

• The main purpose is to level the terrain. It should fill small wrinkles and other irregularities. This will prepare your face for a light application of foundation and will look healthier.
• Facial care. Manufacturers, trying to present their product favorably, add moisturizing components, vitamins and other beneficial substances to the composition.
• Some foundations contain SPF filters. This will protect your face from the sun, even if your cream does not have this quality.
• Shining particles with a reflective effect are added to the primers. Thanks to him, the face will shine from the inside and will seem fresh.
• They also correct complexion and... Green color will remove redness, lilac fights yellowness and earthy undertones, blue will help cope with unnecessary orange tan.
• Mattifying base is suitable for oily skin. It will absorb sebum throughout the day and cosmetics will not run.

How to use the foundation?

Now I’ll tell you how best to apply this product. It is important to remember that no foundation can replace a moisturizing day cream. Everything needs to be applied in the following order:

1. Cleansing.
2. Day cream.
3. After the cream is completely absorbed, you can apply the primer.
4. The tone is also applied after some time.

The primer is spread most easily with clean fingers. Some makeup artists still use a sponge or a synthetic brush, which is then used to apply foundation. By following these simple rules, you can achieve an amazing effect! You will understand why this product is needed. The answer will be a perfectly even skin tone.

Types of face primers

Depending on the density of the composition, there are several types of leveling agents:

• Gel is most often used for oily skin with enlarged pores. It easily smoothes the surface of the dermis and does not create a mask effect.
• Cream contains pigments to change complexion. This has already been mentioned above.
• Solid – an assistant for problem skin with scars and acne.
• Liquid gives the lightest coverage and is perfect for every day.

There are also bases for lips, eyes and even eyelashes.

• To ensure that the lipstick lasts all evening and does not dry out the lips, makeup artists use a leveling agent. It usually contains a large amount of useful substances. It prevents lipstick or gloss from flowing into cracks and is more durable than balm.
• The base for the shadows is most often flesh-colored. It allows you to easily apply makeup and blend transitions well. The makeup will be brighter and the shadows will not roll in the folds.
• For more volume of eyelashes, use a mascara base. It should contain healthy oils that protect against the harmful effects of cosmetics. This product can be white or transparent. After the base has dried, apply one coat of mascara.

Let's summarize. High-quality makeup is almost impossible to achieve without using a primer. However, there is no urgent need to use it daily. Such a product should definitely be in any girl’s cosmetic bag to help her out at a special moment.

Foundation (not to be confused with foundation and makeup base) is a general name for any foundation, from cream powder to cushion. In everyday life, such products were most often called “foundation.” But recently, so many new formats and textures have appeared that the concept of “cream” has ceased to be universal. Therefore, the popular definition was born - “tonals”. Let's talk about them.

By “foundation” we mean any tinting agent: from cream powder to cushion. © iStock

The foundation is a mix of aqueous substance, fat, powder and colored pigments. This is a minimum set of ingredients that can give the skin a uniform color and cover imperfections. In the modern beauty world, the purpose of foundations goes beyond banal camouflage. New ingredients give them a variety of properties, not only of an optical nature.

Silicones and silicone oils give the texture lightness, provide an even, smooth coating and protection from external influences.

Reflective pigments new generation are responsible for “illuminating” the skin, refracting and scattering light in a certain way.

Vitamins and antioxidants protect against negative environmental influences and free radicals.

SPF filters protect against photoaging, while the level of sun protection reaches SPF 30 and even 50.

Minerals have a mattifying effect.

Moisturizing and moisture-retaining the components prevent the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin and give the face a well-groomed, radiant appearance.

Makeup application procedure

If you want your foundation to fit perfectly and live up to the expectations placed on it, first moisturize your skin properly. Makeup will lie unevenly on an unprepared surface. In addition, the moisturizing ingredients in the tone will immediately begin to compensate for the lack of moisture (and this is not part of its responsibilities).

Moisturize your skin before applying foundation © iStock

As an experiment, try doing makeup after a deep moisturizing treatment - the difference will be obvious.

Foundation and makeup base

A common question from novice beauty users is: is it possible to apply foundation without foundation? Yes, if the skin is moisturized, makeup generally adheres well to it, and no additional correction of unevenness is required.

The primer, due to silicones, slightly evens out the skin texture, filling in unevenness. Plus it provides makeup stability and slightly moisturizes. However, it will not replace a moisturizer in any case.

Types of foundation

Foundations vary in texture, formula and purpose. Here are the main types.

Fluid. Light liquid texture contains more water than oils, has medium coverage, but evens out the skin well. The concentration of pigments is not so high as to hide skin imperfections. It is the fluids that often contain matting components in the form of sebum-absorbing minerals.

Mousse (foam). It has an airy consistency and only slightly tints the skin.

Cream. It has a plastic texture and a relatively high content of fats and hydrofixing agents, often containing anti-age ingredients.

Cream powder. The compact version of the foundation may contain more powder particles than foundation. Easy to apply with a sponge, smoothes the surface of the skin and hides its imperfections.

Powder. Compact or crumbly, mainly used to fix makeup or correct it. Often has matting properties due to minerals - perlite and silicon.

Cushion. Moisturizing foundation fluid in a compact package has a weightless texture; Coating density may vary.

The choice of foundation format and texture depends on skin type and personal preferences © iStock

Today we treat foundation as an extension of our daily care routine. Of course, it is naive to expect the same effect from it as from a day cream. But you can count on pleasant bonuses if you focus on your skin type when choosing.

Foundations for different skin types

How to choose a shade

Ideally, you should choose a foundation in daylight, since artificial light distorts colors.

If the lighting in the store is artificial, take the advice of professional makeup artists: test the shade NOT on your wrist, but on your face.

“The tone of almost no one’s hands and face matches,” says Vichy medical expert Elena Eliseeva. “So don’t be surprised if the cream, which perfectly matches the color of your wrist, looks like a mask on your face.”

The chance of choosing a shade that is closest to your skin will be much higher if, when testing, you apply the foundation to the border between your face and neck, that is, along the jawline. .

Everyone determines how to apply foundation for themselves © iStock