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We’ve all heard the phrase—a look is only as strong as its foundation. In makeup, foundation is often an unsung hero, working quietly in the background. Its role is to create an even base and hold everything together, allowing other elements of the look to shine (often, literally). However, despite its critical role, many still have doubts about the best techniques to ensure their foundation doesn’t ghost them or appear cakey by the end of the day.
With the glam season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to address how to make your foundation look and feel like a second skin. To help us, we consulted Tanvi Marathe, a celebrity and bridal makeup artist and one of our expert panelists. She shared her trade secrets for achieving a flawless base and highlighted the importance of foundation.
Marathe says, “Foundation allows you to customize your desired finish—whether dewy or matte. It offers buildable coverage, blurs imperfections, and enhances your natural skin tone for a polished yet effortless look. Additionally, it helps makeup last longer by providing a base for pigment-based products to adhere effectively and appear vibrant.”
Now that we’ve established foundation as an essential step, let’s explore how to choose the right one for your vanity.
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According to Marathe, a high-quality foundation—whether budget-friendly or luxury—should match both your skin tone and undertone. First, you need to select a foundation that can become your go-to essential.
The makeup universe is full of competing foundations, but choosing one is subjective. It depends on your skin type and the look you want. Marathe explains, “A good foundation is breathable; it keeps the skin comfortable and fresh. Its finish should complement your skin type and desired look.”
What if you prefer a lighter coverage rather than full coverage? Can you opt for a skin tint or tinted moisturizer? Marathe advises that if you have clear skin with minimal texture, a skin tint or tinted moisturizer is ideal for a natural, second-skin effect. These products provide subtle coverage and even out skin tone without masking your skin's natural texture.
For stubborn acne scars or hyperpigmentation, Marathe recommends a medium-to-full coverage, oil-controlling foundation. These foundations manage shine and prevent texture from being accentuated, resulting in a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Any effective makeup routine begins with nourishing skincare. If you want a base that looks and feels like second skin, this is your starting point. Marathe emphasizes, “Proper skin preparation is essential for achieving a smooth finish.” Here’s the routine she follows for her clients to ensure their skin is prepped, hydrated, and ready for long-lasting makeup.
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser or micellar water. While this seems obvious, it’s often skipped. Cleansing removes impurities and skin irritants that can clog pores, allowing makeup to apply smoothly.
This is one of the most crucial steps. Marathe says, “Hydration is key for flawless makeup application. Begin with a hydrating serum, then apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type—gel-based for oily skin and cream-based for dry skin—to ensure balanced moisture.” Moisturizing before applying your base keeps your skin happy and nourished while enhancing makeup longevity. It smooths the skin, controls shine by regulating oil production, and prevents creasing.
Never underestimate the importance of sunscreen. Marathe insists, “For daytime looks, use an SPF that leaves no white cast, preferably a mineral sunscreen, to protect your skin without interfering with makeup.”
No skincare routine is complete without caring for your lips. Marathe suggests applying a generous layer of a hydrating lip mask to keep your lips soft and prepped for any potentially drying lip products.
When the discussion shifted from skincare to makeup, we asked Marathe about the role of primer in achieving that second-skin finish. Her answer? It’s not essential. She explained, “Thorough skin prep provides an excellent base for makeup, making additional primers unnecessary unless dealing with extreme acne scarring or texture.”
This isn’t to say primers lack importance. They help smooth skin texture and provide extra hydration, so consider them optional based on your needs.
Once your skincare is complete, let’s discuss how to blend your foundation. If you have a trusted product, you’re halfway there. The other half is blending it seamlessly for an almost invisible finish. One common mistake is choosing the wrong blending tool. The brush vs. blender vs. fingers debate continues, but Marathe prefers using a brush for foundation application. She explains, “It offers precision and control for even coverage. I always finish with a clean, damp beauty blender to press the product into the skin, achieving a second-skin effect.”
Marathe suggests starting with a small amount of foundation in the center of your face and blending outward using gentle strokes with a brush or soft tapping motions with a damp sponge. Avoid dragging the tool to prevent streaks or patchiness. “Work in sheer layers, building coverage only where needed. This allows the foundation to meld with the skin rather than sit on top. For a smoother application, mix a few drops of hydrating serum or cream with the foundation.”
For a true second-skin finish, choose cream-based products when adding color. These blend seamlessly, preventing a powdery look. Cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter naturally integrate with foundation, giving a fresh, healthy glow without masking your skin’s radiance.
According to Marathe, a high-quality foundation—whether budget-friendly or luxury—should match both your skin tone and undertone. First, you need to select a foundation that can become your go-to essential.
The makeup universe is full of competing foundations, but choosing one is subjective. It depends on your skin type and the look you want. Marathe explains, “A good foundation is breathable; it keeps the skin comfortable and fresh. Its finish should complement your skin type and desired look.”
What if you prefer a lighter coverage rather than full coverage? Can you opt for a skin tint or tinted moisturizer? Marathe advises that if you have clear skin with minimal texture, a skin tint or tinted moisturizer is ideal for a natural, second-skin effect. These products provide subtle coverage and even out skin tone without masking your skin's natural texture.
For stubborn acne scars or hyperpigmentation, Marathe recommends a medium-to-full coverage, oil-controlling foundation. These foundations manage shine and prevent texture from being accentuated, resulting in a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Any effective makeup routine begins with nourishing skincare. If you want a base that looks and feels like second skin, this is your starting point. Marathe emphasizes, “Proper skin preparation is essential for achieving a smooth finish.” Here’s the routine she follows for her clients to ensure their skin is prepped, hydrated, and ready for long-lasting makeup.
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser or micellar water. While this seems obvious, it’s often skipped. Cleansing removes impurities and skin irritants that can clog pores, allowing makeup to apply smoothly.
This is one of the most crucial steps. Marathe says, “Hydration is key for flawless makeup application. Begin with a hydrating serum, then apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type—gel-based for oily skin and cream-based for dry skin—to ensure balanced moisture.” Moisturizing before applying your base keeps your skin happy and nourished while enhancing makeup longevity. It smooths the skin, controls shine by regulating oil production, and prevents creasing.
Never underestimate the importance of sunscreen. Marathe insists, “For daytime looks, use an SPF that leaves no white cast, preferably a mineral sunscreen, to protect your skin without interfering with makeup.”
No skincare routine is complete without caring for your lips. Marathe suggests applying a generous layer of a hydrating lip mask to keep your lips soft and prepped for any potentially drying lip products.
When the discussion shifted from skincare to makeup, we asked Marathe about the role of primer in achieving that second-skin finish. Her answer? It’s not essential. She explained, “Thorough skin prep provides an excellent base for makeup, making additional primers unnecessary unless dealing with extreme acne scarring or texture.”
This isn’t to say primers lack importance. They help smooth skin texture and provide extra hydration, so consider them optional based on your needs.
Once your skincare is complete, let’s discuss how to blend your foundation. If you have a trusted product, you’re halfway there. The other half is blending it seamlessly for an almost invisible finish. One common mistake is choosing the wrong blending tool. The brush vs. blender vs. fingers debate continues, but Marathe prefers using a brush for foundation application. She explains, “It offers precision and control for even coverage. I always finish with a clean, damp beauty blender to press the product into the skin, achieving a second-skin effect.”
Marathe suggests starting with a small amount of foundation in the center of your face and blending outward using gentle strokes with a brush or soft tapping motions with a damp sponge. Avoid dragging the tool to prevent streaks or patchiness. “Work in sheer layers, building coverage only where needed. This allows the foundation to meld with the skin rather than sit on top. For a smoother application, mix a few drops of hydrating serum or cream with the foundation.”
For a true second-skin finish, choose cream-based products when adding color. These blend seamlessly, preventing a powdery look. Cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter naturally integrate with foundation, giving a fresh, healthy glow without masking your skin’s radiance.
According to Marathe, a high-quality foundation—whether budget-friendly or luxury—should match both your skin tone and undertone. First, you need to select a foundation that can become your go-to essential.
The makeup universe is full of competing foundations, but choosing one is subjective. It depends on your skin type and the look you want. Marathe explains, “A good foundation is breathable; it keeps the skin comfortable and fresh. Its finish should complement your skin type and desired look.”
What if you prefer a lighter coverage rather than full coverage? Can you opt for a skin tint or tinted moisturizer? Marathe advises that if you have clear skin with minimal texture, a skin tint or tinted moisturizer is ideal for a natural, second-skin effect. These products provide subtle coverage and even out skin tone without masking your skin's natural texture.
For stubborn acne scars or hyperpigmentation, Marathe recommends a medium-to-full coverage, oil-controlling foundation. These foundations manage shine and prevent texture from being accentuated, resulting in a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Any effective makeup routine begins with nourishing skincare. If you want a base that looks and feels like second skin, this is your starting point. Marathe emphasizes, “Proper skin preparation is essential for achieving a smooth finish.” Here’s the routine she follows for her clients to ensure their skin is prepped, hydrated, and ready for long-lasting makeup.
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser or micellar water. While this seems obvious, it’s often skipped. Cleansing removes impurities and skin irritants that can clog pores, allowing makeup to apply smoothly.
This is one of the most crucial steps. Marathe says, “Hydration is key for flawless makeup application. Begin with a hydrating serum, then apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type—gel-based for oily skin and cream-based for dry skin—to ensure balanced moisture.” Moisturizing before applying your base keeps your skin happy and nourished while enhancing makeup longevity. It smooths the skin, controls shine by regulating oil production, and prevents creasing.
Never underestimate the importance of sunscreen. Marathe insists, “For daytime looks, use an SPF that leaves no white cast, preferably a mineral sunscreen, to protect your skin without interfering with makeup.”
No skincare routine is complete without caring for your lips. Marathe suggests applying a generous layer of a hydrating lip mask to keep your lips soft and prepped for any potentially drying lip products.
When the discussion shifted from skincare to makeup, we asked Marathe about the role of primer in achieving that second-skin finish. Her answer? It’s not essential. She explained, “Thorough skin prep provides an excellent base for makeup, making additional primers unnecessary unless dealing with extreme acne scarring or texture.”
This isn’t to say primers lack importance. They help smooth skin texture and provide extra hydration, so consider them optional based on your needs.
Once your skincare is complete, let’s discuss how to blend your foundation. If you have a trusted product, you’re halfway there. The other half is blending it seamlessly for an almost invisible finish. One common mistake is choosing the wrong blending tool. The brush vs. blender vs. fingers debate continues, but Marathe prefers using a brush for foundation application. She explains, “It offers precision and control for even coverage. I always finish with a clean, damp beauty blender to press the product into the skin, achieving a second-skin effect.”
Marathe suggests starting with a small amount of foundation in the center of your face and blending outward using gentle strokes with a brush or soft tapping motions with a damp sponge. Avoid dragging the tool to prevent streaks or patchiness. “Work in sheer layers, building coverage only where needed. This allows the foundation to meld with the skin rather than sit on top. For a smoother application, mix a few drops of hydrating serum or cream with the foundation.”
For a true second-skin finish, choose cream-based products when adding color. These blend seamlessly, preventing a powdery look. Cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter naturally integrate with foundation, giving a fresh, healthy glow without masking your skin’s radiance.
According to Marathe, a high-quality foundation—whether budget-friendly or luxury—should match both your skin tone and undertone. First, you need to select a foundation that can become your go-to essential.
The makeup universe is full of competing foundations, but choosing one is subjective. It depends on your skin type and the look you want. Marathe explains, “A good foundation is breathable; it keeps the skin comfortable and fresh. Its finish should complement your skin type and desired look.”
What if you prefer a lighter coverage rather than full coverage? Can you opt for a skin tint or tinted moisturizer? Marathe advises that if you have clear skin with minimal texture, a skin tint or tinted moisturizer is ideal for a natural, second-skin effect. These products provide subtle coverage and even out skin tone without masking your skin's natural texture.
For stubborn acne scars or hyperpigmentation, Marathe recommends a medium-to-full coverage, oil-controlling foundation. These foundations manage shine and prevent texture from being accentuated, resulting in a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Any effective makeup routine begins with nourishing skincare. If you want a base that looks and feels like second skin, this is your starting point. Marathe emphasizes, “Proper skin preparation is essential for achieving a smooth finish.” Here’s the routine she follows for her clients to ensure their skin is prepped, hydrated, and ready for long-lasting makeup.
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser or micellar water. While this seems obvious, it’s often skipped. Cleansing removes impurities and skin irritants that can clog pores, allowing makeup to apply smoothly.
This is one of the most crucial steps. Marathe says, “Hydration is key for flawless makeup application. Begin with a hydrating serum, then apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type—gel-based for oily skin and cream-based for dry skin—to ensure balanced moisture.” Moisturizing before applying your base keeps your skin happy and nourished while enhancing makeup longevity. It smooths the skin, controls shine by regulating oil production, and prevents creasing.
Never underestimate the importance of sunscreen. Marathe insists, “For daytime looks, use an SPF that leaves no white cast, preferably a mineral sunscreen, to protect your skin without interfering with makeup.”
No skincare routine is complete without caring for your lips. Marathe suggests applying a generous layer of a hydrating lip mask to keep your lips soft and prepped for any potentially drying lip products.
When the discussion shifted from skincare to makeup, we asked Marathe about the role of primer in achieving that second-skin finish. Her answer? It’s not essential. She explained, “Thorough skin prep provides an excellent base for makeup, making additional primers unnecessary unless dealing with extreme acne scarring or texture.”
This isn’t to say primers lack importance. They help smooth skin texture and provide extra hydration, so consider them optional based on your needs.
Once your skincare is complete, let’s discuss how to blend your foundation. If you have a trusted product, you’re halfway there. The other half is blending it seamlessly for an almost invisible finish. One common mistake is choosing the wrong blending tool. The brush vs. blender vs. fingers debate continues, but Marathe prefers using a brush for foundation application. She explains, “It offers precision and control for even coverage. I always finish with a clean, damp beauty blender to press the product into the skin, achieving a second-skin effect.”
Marathe suggests starting with a small amount of foundation in the center of your face and blending outward using gentle strokes with a brush or soft tapping motions with a damp sponge. Avoid dragging the tool to prevent streaks or patchiness. “Work in sheer layers, building coverage only where needed. This allows the foundation to meld with the skin rather than sit on top. For a smoother application, mix a few drops of hydrating serum or cream with the foundation.”
For a true second-skin finish, choose cream-based products when adding color. These blend seamlessly, preventing a powdery look. Cream blush, bronzer, and highlighter naturally integrate with foundation, giving a fresh, healthy glow without masking your skin’s radiance.
