At risk of sounding a smidge cliched, a flawless base is like a blank canvas or a freshly painted room, without this (cough) foundation, anything that is used to decorate it next will never be done justice. You may be sporting expensive makeup or the latest beauty look fresh off the runways of Paris but if your skin looks oily, dry, dull or blemished, no-one will see past the flaws.
The key to creating a clear glowing base is using the right products in moderation and enrolling in the less is more school of beauty, even when it comes to coverage.
The following steps will have you acing this look in no time...just repeat as follows:
1.Start with a sheer foundation, either a tinted moisturizer or light foundation (Smashbox's Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturiser and Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser both provide sheer, glowing coverage)and apply with a foundation brush to get a precision finish (these need not be expensive, a $10 treat from the chemist will work just as well as more expensive brands as long as you clean it regularly to avoid product build up and the spread of bacteria).
2.Next, apply liquid concealer in a large triangular shape, starting from the inner corner of your eye, going across to your pupil and then down to the point where your nostril flares. Also use this concealer to cover up any redness or blotchy patches around other areas of your face.
For a pro tip that will really make your eyes pop and cover up any evidence of less than angelic behavior in the bargain, take a brush-on illuminating concealer such as Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat and brush another smaller triangle (approx 1cm each side) directly below your pupil in the centre of the hollow created by your eye socket. The glowy qualities in the concealer will reflect light away from dark shadows and make you look bright as a button, no matter what time you stumbled home this morning.
3.Brush translucent or mineral powder across your t-zone, working it in a circular motion to create a flawlessly buffed finish.
4.I would recommend using a blemish concealer at this stage if you feel the need for a little more coverage. This is because the powder creates a drier surface for the concealer to adhere to and also due to the fact you will end up using much less product as blemishes will already be partially covered...if you do it at the liquid stage it will slide off in a matter of minutes. Finally add a touch of powder over the top to set the concealer.
Voila! A perfect and long lasting base which will put you well on your gorgeous way to creating the perfect look, any age, anywhere, anytime. Except for you Ms Johansson...I can do nothing for you. You are already too damn beautiful for your own good.
