How to Apply Flawless Foundation in 3 Simple Steps

Created by IPSY for COMPLEX CULTURE

When it comes to foundation, it’s easy to assume that choosing the right shade is the most important part. And while getting that perfect match is critical, which foundation brush you use is just as–if not more–important.  

While you can apply your foundation with your fingers in a pinch, buffing it in with a high-quality foundation brush can instantly give you a natural, flawless finish. This is especially true if you're using a full coverage liquid foundation (which is thicker and harder to rub in with just your fingers). But if you're anything like us, you don't have time to spend hours applying your foundation and concealer–especially on those days when your alarm doesn't go off and you wake up late and have 5 minutes to get up, get dressed, apply makeup, and get to work. Yeah. Those days.  

So what's a makeup lover to do when she doesn't have hours to spend on her face makeup routine?

We'll let you in on a little secret: you don't have to spend hours buffing and blending to apply your foundation. Not anymore, anyway. There’s a new foundation brush in town that makes foundation application a breeze. 

We're talking, of course, about COMPLEX CULTURE’s Angled Foundation Brush. Not only does this brush make applying foundation easy, it's also eco-friendly and made with exclusive vegan and cruelty-free Syn-Tech™ synthetic bristles, which feel as soft as real hair. And not only are the bristles great for the Earth, but the velvet matte handle itself is also completely biodegradable (a first for foundation brushes everywhere), and it's designed to sit in your hand comfortably–no awkward holding or cramping hands here. Best foundation brush ever, right?  

Each COMPLEX CULTURE makeup brush is clearly labeled with what it should be used for, too, to eliminate confusion around which brush you should use for what. To celebrate COMPLEX CULTURE's mission to make your makeup routine simpler, we're breaking down how to apply your foundation with a foundation brush, step-by-step. Check out this ultra-simple three step process below to get flawless, makeup artist-worthy foundation in no time.

After cleansing and applying your moisturizer, it's time to apply your product. If you're using a liquid foundation, you can apply your foundation two different ways. The first option is to pour some foundation onto the back of your hand, then dab the brush into the product as you need. The second option is easiest if your foundation comes in a tube or has a pump applicator: simply pump or squeeze a small amount of foundation onto your fingers, then rub them against your other fingers in a circular motion. This step will add heat to the formula and make it more blendable. 

Next, dab small dots of foundation with your fingers onto the center of your face, or your T-zone: your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Start by applying a small amount first, then adding more as you need after blending to avoid a cakey finish. This is especially true when using the COMPLEX CULTURE Angled Foundation Brush–since it blends so seamlessly, it's easy to get a full coverage look with less product.

IPSY tip: Not sure which foundation formula to choose? Let your skin type guide you. Pick up a powder foundation if you want light to medium coverage or have combination or oily skin, or choose a liquid or cream foundation with a matte finish. If you have dry skin, look for hydrating or moisturizing formulas. And be sure to choose a non-comedogenic formula if you experience breakouts or have acne-prone skin.

Now that the product is on your face, it’s time to blend, baby, blend. Always start in the center of your face and blend outward. Most people usually have the most redness in the nose and cheeks area, so that’s where you'll want the most coverage. 

Use short, paint-like strokes as your move the brush outward for the most natural finish. Because of the foundation brush's dense bristles and angled pyramid-shaped brush head, it's super easy to buff and blend without leaving behind streaks.

Just like an artist covering a canvas, you want to blend across your whole face before you get into those hard-to-reach areas that might need more coverage. And with this foundation brush's unique brush head, you don't need to reach for a smaller fluffy brush to reach every last corner of your face like you would with a traditional foundation brush.  

Use the higher point of the brush for the larger areas of your face, like the hollows of your cheeks, your hairline, and jawline. Then, once you've covered your face, go in with the lower point of the brush to blend in smaller areas, like down the sides of your nose, around your nostrils, and around your eyes. 

If you feel you need a little more coverage, add more foundation and blend accordingly. This angled brush won’t let you miss a spot (phew) and will leave your skin smooth and even, so you can focus on building the coverage you want instead of worrying about whether you blended everything together.

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