Makeup foundation’s cosmetic purpose is to even out skin tone, hide fine lines, and provide a base on which to apply makeup. Foundations also provide added moisture to the skin, protect from the environment, and, with some products, provide a light sunscreen.
Foundation or makeup base comes in a variety of textures and consistencies: tinted
moisturizers, liquid, cream, cake, stick, cream to powder, and powder. You can achieve a different level of coverage with each type of foundation. Color, consistency, and coverage will guide you in choosing what foundation to use for different skin types and situations, and if you should or should not use a primer first.
PRO TIP
Remember the three Cs of choosing what foundation to use: Color, Consistency, Coverage.
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Ingredients are another important factor in choosing what foundation to use on the various different skin types you will encounter. Water-based, emollient-based, and mineral-based products are all Industry Standards and should be part of your kit. In today’s industry, skin care has become very important. People pay close attention to the care and condition of their skin and the products that work best for them. You will need to stay up on the latest in skin-care treatments, products, and ingredients.
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I encourage everyone to promote their own skin care at home so that we may begin with a proper surface.
—Richard Dean
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Foundation primers even out the texture of the skin, keep the makeup smooth and flawless, add longevity to the makeup, and protect the skin underneath. They also prevent moisture loss. Some Makeup Artists always use a primer to prep the skin before applying foundation. Some use primers only when they decide primers are needed to achieve a certain look or when they need to protect the skin. Silicone-based primers are great for sensitive or allergic skin. The silicone used is nontoxic. These primers actually protect the skin from the makeup foundation by putting a barrier between the foundation and skin. This will lessen the breakouts for sensitive or allergic skin. Silicone primers also fill in enlarged pores, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. Primers come in violet, green, pink and yellow tint. These are great to help even out undertones on skin that does not need heavy concealing. All primers are applied before the foundation with a sponge, brush, or hands.
Some examples of industry primers are: ColorScience, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, LORAC, Paula Dorf, smashbox, and YSL.
Note: If you apply primers, foundations, blush, and so on with your hands, you must wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after. Hand application is controversial in the film/television world; not so for print. Many Makeup Artists believe it should not be done under any circumstance, that it is unprofessional and not sanitary. Of course, just as many Makeup Artists believe it is a valuable technique, especially when working with
liquids. Actors are also split on their preference—some love it; others prefer no contact with the skin except with a sponge or brush. If you are working as an additional Makeup Artist for crowd scenes, hand application is not practical because you have too many people to make up.