Pro Techniques: How to Apply Foundation and Concealer Professionally with Ulta Beauty
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If you're anything like me, you've experienced the hardship of attaining a perfect complexion. No matter how hard I tried, I felt for years that my foundation and concealer never completely blended the way I wanted them to. Nothing seemed to work, no matter what brands, brushes, or sponges I tried—that is, until I learned how to apply foundation and concealer professionally. I'm thrilled to offer you my top advice after much trial and error (and, to be honest, a few makeup artists along the way). In addition, I'll be highlighting some amazing Ulta Beauty items that have supported me during this journey. Prepping Your Skin is the Key
We must discuss skin prep before moving on to the main method for applying foundation and concealer professionally. If you don't properly prime your skin, no matter how excellent your foundation and concealer are, they won't sit well. I begin with Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Face Wash for Balanced to Dry Skin, which leaves my skin feeling balanced and renewed. By clearing away any debris and oil accumulation, the cleanser helps to provide a flawless surface for applying makeup.
I always use a mild moisturizer, such as the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer, after cleaning. One of my favorite products from The Ordinary is this one since it moisturizes without being too thick. Because of its high hyaluronic acid content, my skin looks full and ready for makeup while retaining hydration. Skin that is hydrated makes it more likely that your foundation will blend seamlessly and look amazing all day. Foundation First, Concealer Second
Applying too much makeup at once used to be one of my most frequent blunders. Rather, I discovered that little is more, particularly when aiming for a perfect, natural look. I suggest use the Born This Way Natural Finish Longwear Liquid Foundation. Despite having medium to full coverage, this foundation disappears into the skin, leaving a "I woke up like this" appearance.
I prefer to use a Miracle Complexion Makeup Blending Sponge to blend the foundation outward after dabbing it all over my face, including my chin, nose, and cheeks. The sponge doesn't absorb too much product and aids in producing an even, airbrushed look.
After mixing your foundation, it's time to apply concealer. This is an important step for regions that require more coverage, such as blemishes or the area beneath the eyes. The Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer is one of my faves since it offers great coverage without seeming cakey. I've discovered that applying concealer beneath the eyes in the shape of a triangle will brighten the area. To smoothly mix it into the skin, use a wet sponge.
Setting for a Long-Lasting Finish
Applying concealer and foundation correctly is essential to maintaining the results of all your hard work. The Translucent Loose Setting Powder, available at Ulta Beauty, is what I like to use. It is lightweight and doesn't cause a flashback in pictures, which is crucial if you're going to a particular occasion or event.
Apply the powder sparingly to your greasy regions, which for me are generally the forehead, nose, and chin. When I'm heading out for a long day, this approach not only gives my makeup a matte appearance but also holds it in place.
How to Blend Like a Pro
Blending is the most important step in applying foundation and concealer effectively. I once misjudged the impact that careful mixing may have. I can't emphasize enough how important tools are now! My makeup regimen has improved since I started using the Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7. With its two ends, this brush offers accuracy and a streak-free, seamless blending of concealer and foundation.
Try patting your makeup in with a moist sponge for an extra smooth, natural finish if it seems uneven or like it's lying on top of your skin. Here, don't rush anything; careful blending may drastically change the way you seem.
Enhancing Your Look with Additional Products
Enhancing your face with color and dimension may tie everything together once your concealer and foundation are in place. A bronzer that gives your skin a natural sun-kissed shine is the Hoola Matte Powder Bronzer, available at Ulta. To warm up your complexion, use it to your forehead, jawline, and cheeks.
I like to apply the NARS Blush in Orgasm for a little flash of color. It offers your face a slight shine and a lovely flush of color that makes it look more alive. Blush restores some of the inherent rosiness that foundation might occasionally mask.
Finishing Touches
After learning the correct techniques for applying concealer and foundation, set your look with a setting spray. My holy grail is the All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray. This really helps my makeup stay immaculate for hours. I spray it all over my face to seal it in. It works like a magic mist to keep makeup in place over long, hot days. Explore More at Ulta Beauty
It's not scary to do makeup at home that looks professional. Anyone can learn how to apply foundation and concealer professionally with the appropriate tools and methods. You should explore all of Ulta Beauty's other categories, so don't stop there! To finish your beauty regimen, check out their wide selection of makeup brushes, lipsticks, and eyeshadow palettes. You won't ever go back to your previous makeup regimen once you start utilizing these professional procedures and tools, I promise. 
