How to make full-coverage foundation look natural

Getting the canvas right for a full-coverage look is imperative. “Always exfoliate and hydrate your skin well with your best moisturizer and allow it to settle for at least ten minutes before applying your makeup,” says Goodwin. If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free foundation or a light gel moisturizer. Dry complexions should use a slightly richer cream as any flaky skin can grab on to your foundation.

Liquid lightweight foundations with a long-wear formula, such as NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, give the most coverage. To avoid a cakey finish and create an almost poreless, smooth base, the right tools are imperative. “I love using a sponge, such as a Beautyblender, to work product into the skin,” Goodwin says. “Take a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand and pick it up bit by bit with the damp Beautyblender. Start at the center of the face and fan out towards the edges and down the neck until the foundation literally disappears into the skin, leaving behind only the faintest trace of product on the skin.”

If you usually go for sheer or light-coverage foundations but want ‘Insta-skin’ for just one night, use a full-coverage concealer to create your base instead. “NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer is incredible – use this instead of your regular foundation by blending it into the skin with a soft, round synthetic brush,” says Goodwin. “Again, start in the center of the face, blending out towards the hairline and down the neck. This sheer application of a full-coverage formula gives you a totally even and refined look without needing layers of makeup.”

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