Q&A for How to Apply Foundation and Powder

Yes. If you would like to, you can use a cream-to-powder foundation only on your skin.

Tarte is a great foundation for oily skin.

In the make up world, there is no such thing as "should". You can absolutely do whatever you want. Using a primer is optional and up to each person. However, a primer can enhance and make your foundation application and durability much better. When choosing a primer, consider your skin needs. If you have dry skin, choose a moisturizing primer to prevent drying and flakiness. If you have oily skin, choose an oil control primer or pore minimizer. There is a wide range of primers for every need.

My personal favorite is Maybelline Better Skin foundation. It provides really good coverage, comes in a lot of shades, and it does not clog your pores.

Yes, you can.

It is not required, but it is still an good idea. The powder sets the foundation (in your case BB cream), so that it stays all day and looks more natural.

After foundation, make sure to cover pimples and acne scars (if you have any) with concealer, and conceal your under eye area. After using all liquid products, apply loose or compact powder foundation on areas that tend to get oily. If you have dry skin, you can skip powder because it will cause more dryness. If you have combination skin, use on oily areas. And if you have oily skin, apply all over the face to prevent shine throughout the day. The article How to Apply Makeup will show you what to do after you apply powder.

Powder foundation and plain powder are somewhat different things. You don't need two different kinds of foundation, unless you think it looks better when you use both.

Try using a concealer brush and/or powder foundation to blend out every blemish.

You can, but make sure the cream had some time to absorb into your face. Use a good brush to blend out the powder so it doesn't look blotchy on top of the cream. For maximum coverage, use loose powder on your face after the cream, and then apply foundation. Powder on top of the foundation is optional.

After the foundation and powder. The illuminator should go on after your base makeup.

Yes. In fact, that's what many beauty gurus do. It can help customize your concealer to your skin tone better, as the individual colors that are available might not match your skin tone precisely.

You should still apply a moisturizer underneath liquid, cream and stick foundations or they will go on patchy and uneven and may dry your skin out. They don't have the same moisturizing properties as a tinted moisturizer. If you have oily skin, pick something light and gel-like that's oil-free.

It's the difference between loose powder or compacted powder. It terms of appearance, loose powder usually ends up being heavier than compact powder once applied to the face.

You should apply your blush after you have applied powder.

Try a primer that smooths out texture and provides an even base. Primers that contain silicone or dimethicone are particularly useful over uneven skin texture. After, set those areas with a finely-milled loose powder to keep it from being sticky or tacky.

It depends on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is better not to use them all together as you may have end up with a rash.

Yes, you should use setting powder after applying pressed powder foundation so that the powder can set all of your foundation.

Yes, but remember not to apply a really very thick layer. Two coats would totally work. Fairness cream usually works on whitening your skin so you generally don't want your makeup to mix up with that.

Either works! I do it when it is wet.

I recommend that if you are using a powder bronzer you put it on top of the translucent powder, but if it's a cream or liquid bronzer, you'll want to put translucent powder on top of it.

You can, but the oils on your hands may pick up too much powder and make it look cake-y.

The best moisturizer is CeraVe moisturizing cream. The best primer is Clinique Superprimer face primer. The best bb cream is the Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian clay bb cream. The best foundation is lancome Renergie lift makeup. the best concealer is Neutrogena hydro boost hydrating concealer.

You should use the same tone of foundation for your powder or just a bit lighter.

It's not a good idea to use cream after your foundation, as it can disrupt the foundation and keep it from settling smoothly and properly. You should probably apply it before any products, and wait for it to sink in before putting on anything else.

Apply the concealer first.

Yes! Go inside and apply sunscreen as a base and let it sit for 5 - 10 minutes. Then apply a light amount of foundation and powder. Or, you could apply sunscreen, wait a couple minutes, then put a tissue on your face and apply powder over that. The tissue filters the powder so that it doesn't look dry or completely absorb your sunscreen.

You can use a clay mask, yogurt mask, or you can try a facial steam. You can also put an ice cube on your face and rub it around.

Using a sponge is more hygienic than fingers and gives an airbrushed look. Powder will allow the base make up stay longer and using the technique "baking" will give a professional look.

Concealer should be slightly lighter but not by much as if it is too light all it does is highlight the problem. A darker concealer will just make it look like you have splotches all over your face or really bad eye bags.