June 2026
Foundation can be one of the best tools in your makeup routine if you know how to use it properly… but do you know the best techniques to apply foundation like a makeup pro?
If you’re after a flawless finish and want to avoid flaky or cakey foundation, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this guide, we’ll break down how to apply foundation, from the basics to pro tips that’ll make you look like a makeup expert!
How to apply foundation: Key takeaways
- Foundation is a base layer makeup product that helps to even out complexion, skin tone, and small imperfections.
- Before applying foundation, prep your skin by cleansing to remove impurities and applying a primer to help your foundation last.
- When applying foundation, start small. Apply a pea-sized amount of foundation to the centre of your face and use a makeup brush to blend the product outwards.
- After blending, if any areas of your face look uneven or not properly covered, apply a tiny amount of foundation directly to them and blend well again.
- For powder foundations, use a brush to apply the foundation directly from its container to your face. Move the brush in circular directions at the point of application to blend powdered foundation.
- For natural-looking foundations that leave the finish you’re looking for, discover NYX’s range of foundations.
What Does Foundation Do?
Before we get into how to use it, let's first cover the foundations…
Foundation is a base layer product that most people use to even out the skin tone on their face, cover small imperfections, and add a glowy, matte, or dewy finish. Foundation gives you a clear, smooth base to either layer other makeup onto, or just head straight out in!
While foundation can cover small blemishes, this isn’t its main use, and if you’re interested in a product that can cover up hyperpigmentation or obvious blemishes, then try a concealer instead.
1 PRIME
2 BUILD
How to apply foundation step-by-step
Now you know what it does, let’s break down how to apply foundation and where to put foundation:
Step 1: Skin Prep
Start with a quick cleanse or exfoliation to rid your face of any dirt or impurities that might mess up your foundation’s finish, and leave your face looking bumpy post-application.
Step 2: Primer
After your cleanse, it's time to add a primer.
Primers, like our Face Glue Primer, are ideal for layering under foundation. With hydrating effects and a seamless blend with any makeup that is applied over it, our Face Glue Primer makes sure your foundation has the best base possible to appear natural on.
Pro Tip: Letting Primers Dry
With some primers, you’ll have to wait a couple of minutes before applying any makeup on top, but with our Face Glue Primer, you can add foundation directly on - no waiting necessary!
Step 3: Start With a Small Amount
After your primer, it’s finally time to put your foundation on.
The best way to apply foundation is to always start small. Take a small amount of your chosen foundation, for example, NYX’s Can't Stop Won't Stop Full Coverage Foundation, and apply it to the centre of the face/areas that need it most.
Pro Tip: Where to Apply Foundation
Where to put foundation will vary from person to person. We recommend applying foundation to areas where there is visible unevenness or blemishes. Start in the middle of your face, moving outwards to the cheeks, chin, and forehead to ensure good coverage.
Step 4: Blend Outwards for a Natural Finish
Once you have applied your foundation to the centre of your face, start blending. Blend outwards to your cheeks, chin, forehead and other areas that need coverage, spreading your foundation as best you can.
Keep blending until your foundation appears smooth and natural, with no clear boundaries or lines between your skin tone and foundation tone. For best results, use a makeup tool to blend (more on this later).
Step 5: Build Coverage Only Where Needed
Once you’ve blended as best you can, check to see if you have good and even coverage over your face. If you don’t, add small amounts of foundation directly to the areas needed, and blend outwards again until you have a natural and even finish.
How to Apply Different Types of Foundation
The best way to apply foundation differs slightly depending on whether you are using a liquid, powder, or tinted foundation. Here’s a few quick tips on how to apply foundation based on the type of product you’re using.
How to Apply Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundations, like NYX’s Born To Glow! Naturally Radiant Foundation are some of the simplest to use. Start with a pea-sized amount of liquid foundation in the middle of the face and blend outwards using a makeup brush. Once blended, apply small amounts of liquid foundation directly onto areas in need of more coverage to achieve an even look.
How to Apply Powder Foundation
Powder foundations are applied slightly differently to their liquid counterparts. Swirl your makeup brush into your powder foundation and apply it directly to your face. To blend, move your powdered foundation in circular motions on the areas you wish to apply it. For a thicker finish, dab a wet brush into the powder and dab it onto the face.
How to Apply Tinted Foundation
When you’re using a tinted variant, the best way to apply foundation and where to put it can change slightly.
Tinted foundations, like NYX’s Bare With Me Blur Skin Tint Foundation, work best in moderation. Start small and blend as well as you can to create a smooth and even finish that doesn’t clash too much with your natural skintone.
How to Apply Foundation With Different Tools
While you don’t need a brush or applicator to apply foundation, it can make the process a little easier, especially when it comes to blending. Here’s a few tips on how to apply foundation using common tools.
Applying Foundation With Fingers
As mentioned, you don’t need any makeup tools to apply foundation, especially when using a liquid foundation.
When applying foundation with fingers, use your hands to smooth out foundation from the centre of your face, as you would a brush. Blend by rubbing foundation well in circular motions, and build coverage by patting or dabbing more foundation onto your face.
How to Apply Foundation With a Brush
Makeup brushes are one of the most common tools used to apply foundation. Brushes are perfect for powdered foundation and thinner liquid ones, but can be used for all foundation types.
For liquid foundations, use your brush to blend the foundation outwards and build up coverage in uneven areas. For powder foundations, use your brush as an applicator, putting it directly into the foundation and blending it into your skin using circular motions on the face.
How to Use Silicone Makeup Applicator
Silicone applicators, like our Plump Right Back Silicone Applicator, are perfect for building and layering thicker foundations, but can be used for most types of the product.
Dab and blot your foundation directly onto your face using your applicator to build layers of foundation and effectively create an even base across your face.
Common Foundation Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Now you know how to apply foundation, let’s look at a few common mistakes people make when applying the product, and what you can do to best avoid them:
- Too much foundation: The most common mistake of all is using too much product. The best way to avoid this is to start small and add as necessary after you’ve blended, rather than trying to anticipate all the product you’ll need. Too much foundation can leave a cakey and unnatural finish and ruin the look of the product.
- Not blending: Arguably, the most important foundation makeup step of all is blending. Blending ensures a natural finish that doesn’t look jarring next to/on top of your skin tone. Always blend every layer of foundation you put on to give yourself the best chance of a smooth and flawless finish.
- Not letting layers settle: If you’re using a liquid foundation, then you should let each coat settle (dry) before adding more onto it. This way, your finish can appear more natural and is less likely to become cakey.
Apply Foundation Like a Pro with NYX
Ready to apply foundation like a makeup artist?
With NYX, you can choose from a range of foundation shades, types, and finishes to pick the perfect base layer for your face. From tinted to matte or dewy finishes, discover our range of foundations designed to look natural, non-cakey, and flawless.
How to apply foundation: FAQs
How do I apply foundation for a natural finish?
For a natural finish, blending is key. Use a brush, makeup applicator, or just your fingers, to blend foundation into your face, creating as little a boundary as possible between your natural skin tone and the foundation you’ve applied.
What is the best way to apply foundation?
The best way to apply foundation will differ depending on the foundation you’re using:
- Liquid foundation: For liquid foundations, apply a small amount of foundation to the middle of your face. Then, use your hands, or a brush, to blend the foundation outwards, onto your cheeks, chin, and forehead.
- Powder foundation: For powder foundations, use a makeup brush to pick up foundation, then swirl the powder directly onto your face, using circular motions to blend it into the skin.
Should you apply concealer before or after foundation?
Though you can technically apply them in either order, we’d always recommend applying concealer after foundation.
This is because foundation provides a base coat that can cover smaller imperfections and blemishes, meaning the use of concealer may not always be as necessary as you first think. If you have specific blemishes you want to cover, see how they appear after a layer of foundation and base your concealer use on that.
Why does my foundation look patchy?
In most cases, foundation will show up as patchy thanks to a lack of blending. Use a makeup brush to blend your foundation from the centre of your face outward, working to create as little a boundary as possible between your natural skintone and the colour of your foundation.
After blending, check the evenness of your coat, adding small drops of foundation directly to areas that are not covered uniformly.
