Beauty Basics: How To Choose and Apply Foundation

I asked here, on Twitter, and Instagram for beauty basics questions.

In the next couple of weeks I'm going to answer them all, 

so if you have a beauty question you've always wanted answered, let me know, below.

Savannah wanted to know about choosing the right foundation, and I thought I'd add the different ways to apply it. Enjoy.

Choosing Foundation

• Forget the advice you've heard in the past: match the foundation to your neck. 
• Many stores take back opened foundation, so purchase a couple of shades and try them at home if unsure. If you're shopping at a cosmetics store, ask an associate to match you. You might want to try the Foundation Matrix as well.
• If your skin tone fluctuates during the year (winter vs. summer) be sure to have a foundation to match. Your face isn't some floating head, right? It has a neck! So be sure to match.

How to Apply

finger/duo fiber/stipple/foundation

• Fingers--This isn't the most hygienic of resources if you have acne-prone skin, but it's certainly free, and works well. Great for applying tinted moisturizer/BB/CC cream fast for light coverage. Note: For all of these methods, be sure to blend down onto the neck. 
• Stipple/Duo Fiber Brush--If you like an airbrushed finish or a lighter finish, this is a great brush to have. Use a stippling motion to apply and a swirling motion to blend in the foundation. Only the white bristles should be moving as you swirl the brush. Otherwise, you are applying too much pressure. Use the duo fiber brush (or a powder brush) for all types of foundation, including mineral makeup.
• Foundation Brush--I think this was the first face brush I started using! This brush is nice for even coverage on the face, for covering a large area, dry skin, and large pores. You "paint" it on the face and go back and forth to apply. Pat it to blend. 

flat top kabuki, beauty blender, wedges,

• Flat Top Kabuki Brush--This is my favorite way to apply foundation. Apply in a stippling or swirling motion (don't swirl if your skin is flaky) for easy coverage and blending. You can get great coverage this way, including hiding pores.
• Wedge Makeup Sponge--This tiny triangle sponge is another one of my first tools I started off with. It's great for getting into small areas, like under the eyes and around the nose. These are disposable, cheap, and can be found everywhere, especially backstage at events. Be sure to dampen it first.
• Beauty Blender--This has been really popular with makeup application in the past couple of years due to the way it sheers out foundation. It allows for a thinner, natural-looking application. To use, squeeze the sponge, place in water, and release. This will cause the sponge to absorb the water and expand. Squeeze out the excess water. A dry sponge will just absorb your foundation, thus wasting product. You can dab and roll the sponge onto the face for application. There are lots of dupes out there for a more affordable price--try Ebay or SOHO cosmetics. I personally do not like the ones from Ulta, Sephora, or Sonia Kashuk, but use what you like! They are rubbery, not as soft, and don't work as well for me. 

More Brush Info: 

• Best Basic Brushes for Face/Eyes
• Cleaning Makeup Brushes
• DIY Brush Organization
• How to Clean Brushes the Right Way
• How to Use a Beginner Brush Kit

What's your favorite foundation?