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I think the most important (and often the most difficult) makeup "feat" to master for most people is foundation. It sounds simple enough- No crazy methods of application, nothing too precise. However, choosing the right formula and type of foundation really makes all the difference. I guess finding the right formula (brand, type, etc) is the real feat.

After years of complete trial and error where foundations are concerned, I've found a few wonderful ones that work great for me. Since I'm pretty picky about foundations (and since my oily skin tends to make finding one that holds up and stays true even more difficult) I tend to stick with something once I find "the one".

Totally sounds like I'm talking about a serious relationship or something.

Foundations are serious business.

So I decided to create a little video (...ok a BIG 17-minute long video) talking about and showing my favorite (and some honorable mentions) foundations and concealers I've found that actually pass the test of all my picky-ness. That's totally a word.





Foundations and concealers mentioned in the video:
Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ Foundation
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment
MAC Studio Finish concealer
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder

A few honorable mentions...
Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Brightening Concealer

So during my last skincare haul video, I mentioned the BeautyBlender sponge makeup applicator at some length. I had gone to the store looking for a generic makeup-removing facial cleanser to clean it with which then inspired the whole change in my skincare routine.

Which then inspired a long ramble in that video about my love for the BeautyBlender...

So as promised in that video, here is my updated foundation routine using this product.


Here are some BeautyBlender basics to remember:
-Always use the sponge damp. It expands to almost twice it's size and makes it much softer and springy..er. :) Dampening it really is what makes the product worthwhile and keeps it from soaking up (and wasting) most of your foundation like most other sponges.
-Apply your foundation using bouncy motions. (I demo this in the video)
-Clean it every 3 or 4 times using a gentle cleanser.

BeautyBlenders are available at sephora.com.

Powder foundation is quick and easy, but sometimes an overly-powdered look is really not what I go for... Ok, actually an overly-powdered look is something I never go for. Remembering a few easy tricks and adding in a few crucial steps to your powder foundation routine can actually make it look extremely natural. No one will ever know your flawless skin came from a compact. I won't tell if you won't! :)

Where makeup is concerned, getting your foundation "right" is possibly the most important thing to master. I find the most difficult task (other than finding your correct shade which is a totally different story...) is finding a good combination of products that gives great coverage, yet looks natural. These are the products that do exactly that for me. Check out the video below to see how I apply these products step by step (and see me without ANY makeup...EEK).

Products used:
Origins Brighter by Nature Serum
Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ liquid foundation in #40
MAC Studio Finish concealer in NC20
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Medium & Medium Dark
YSL Touche Eclat in #1 Luminous Radiance (light pink shade)
Benefit Powderflage

I thought it was about time to post an updated foundation routine. Especially now since I've been trying a new foundation with great results -- the Nars Sheer Glow liquid. Check out the video below for a full review of this product as well as a demonstration of how I apply it.