How to apply foundation and concealer

It's not always easy to apply your foundation and concealer perfectly. Tidemarks can happen without you even realising, or you may inadvertently create a mask-like effect. So how can you avoid these common makeup mistakes to achieve flawless-looking skin?

With Clarins' top application tips, you can learn the right techniques to use for an even, blemish-free finish — even when you’re in a rush. Let’s get started...

Step 1. Choose the right applicator

Whether you prefer a powder, cream or liquid texture, you need to make sure you’re using the right brush. For maximum coverage liquid foundations, try Clarins FLAT FOUNDATION BRUSH. Its super-soft bristles and rounded tip will help you achieve a smooth, even base that effortlessly blends into your skin.Remember — with liquid foundations, you can use your fingers if you prefer.

For powder-based foundation, try Clarins Powder Brush. This dense and rounded brush is made of incomparably soft synthetic bristles which apply both compact and loose powders evenly for a flawless finish.

Alternatively, if you want to know how to apply foundation and concealer flawlessly using the same brush, then reach for Clarins Multi-Use Foundation Brush. Thanks to its flared shape, this brush lets you apply liquid, cream or powder foundation with finesse, leaving you with a natural-looking ‘second skin’ effect that’s perfectly blended. The ideal 2-in-1 brush for applying both foundation and concealer, this is a makeup must-have for any beauty enthusiast.

Step 2. Understand your skin type

All skin is different so our advice on how to apply foundation to oily skin will be different from how to apply foundation for dry skin. With oily skin, you need to keep excess sebum at bay, so it’s a good idea to prep and prime your skin first. Reach for Clarins SOS Primer, a fine and weightless primer formulated with Clarins anti-pollution complex which protects your skin from environmental damage. With its fresh texture and blurring effect, the High Lumitech complex instantly corrects, revives and illuminates oily skin. The result is impeccable makeup that lasts longer and doesn’t get oily.

Follow up with Clarins Everlasting Foundation. Infused with Organic Oat Sugars and Bamboo extract, Clarins Everlasting Foundation creates a smoothing mesh on the surface of the skin. And with an ultra-natural matte finish, it’s ideal for combating oily skin.

Alternatively, here’s how to apply foundation on dry flaky skin. Unlike oilier skin types, dry skin needs as much hydration as possible. We recommend starting your makeup routine with a nourishing, super-hydrating moisturiser for a thirst-quenching hit. We love Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream for Dry Skin, a luxuriously creamy face moisturiser that hydrates, replumps, and restores radiance to your complexion. Fine lines are visibly reduced thanks to Myrothamnus extract.

Then, discover the secret to a flawless complexion with Clarins Skin Illusion (available in 24 shades). This naturally hydrating foundation is infused with Red Jania extract and Clarins Light-Optimising Complex to instantly revive and refresh dry, flaky skin. Offering immediate freshness and a much-needed burst of hydration, just a few drops are enough to instantly soothe even the driest of complexions. We recommend the same steps for applying foundation to mature skin (which is often dry).

Step 3. Nail your application technique with Clarins Beauty School

For expert techniques and tips, watch our Beauty School video on how to achieve a smooth, radiant complexion. And our final tip? Once you've blended in your foundation using your preferred method, you can set it in place by lightly patting your hands over your face. Your body heat helps pull it all together.