I'm A Total Foundation Newb, So I Asked a Professional For Application Tips

Despite being a beauty editor for nearly a decade, with a makeup collection that often baffles my friends and family upon entering my apartment, I am decidedly not great at applying foundation. You'd think the complexion product would be fairly straightforward — you just paint it . . . everywhere, right? But in order for the formula to do its job and provide your desired amount of coverage (while still looking as natural and second-skin as possible) there are quite a few factors to consider. Should I use a cream formula or a stick formula? Do I use a sponge or just my hands? How do I get it to last all day without creasing?

Given how unsure I was to start mastering my makeup Achilles Heel, I turned to celebrity makeup artist Nikki DeRoest for some much-needed advice. Here's everything she had to say about applying your foundation like a professional makeup artist.

Skin prep is priority number one on days you want to wear foundation. After all, if your canvas is dry and flakey, or far too oily, even the best formula in the world can't give you the flawless finish you're after. That means that after cleansing, you need to pay careful attention to your choice of moisturizer. "You want your skin to be moist and hydrated, but not too oily," explains DeRoest. "Save your heavy creams or oils for your nighttime skincare routine." She also suggests that if your skin is flakey to exfoliate two to three times per week — an acid-based toner or retinol product can come in clutch here.

Next up: deciding on the type of formula. Since foundation can come in a variety of textures, from whipped and creamy to fluid and serum-like, the more forgiving the finish the easier it will be for us newbies. For anyone hesitant to apply the ubiquitous complexion product, DeRoest recommends sticking with a liquid option. "[This is] something that is easy to apply and blend with your fingers," she says. But is blending with your fingers alone sufficient to obtain that gorgeous, seamless glow? Read on . . .

DeRoest reveals that the ideal application is a two-step process, first with your hands and then a beauty tool. To prepare the formula to blend into the skin, she suggests warming it up in between your fingers first to get a more even application, then applying it to the skin like a moisturizer. "If I want to build my foundation or add another layer, that is when I will dab a little bit more onto my fingertips and tap in the areas of my skin that need more coverage," she says.

However, you don't need to tackle your entire face at once. Rather, apply the foundation in sections, starting at the center of your face and working outwards toward the edges. "That's generally where you want the highest concentration of product and where you need the most coverage," adds DeRoest. To tackle this step, you can switch from blending with your hands to a brush or sponge. "My tip when using a liquid is to have a damp blending sponge or a dry dense foundation brush nearby to do a final press into the skin [after applying with your fingers] for artist-looking results," she says. "You get the most out of your product that way. If you use a brush or sponge to start, you end up wasting more product and it doesn't infuse into the skin as well."

DeRoest reminds me to pay attention to the neck as well in order to avoid that tell-tale contrast along the jaw. To tackle this area, tap the remaining product that is left on your fingertips and feather it gently onto the neck, using a brush or sponge to remove any harsh lines.

Then to finish out your foundation application, DeRoest prefers using a lightweight setting powder on the areas of the face where you want to control shine or minimize the appearance of pores, like the t-zone. This can also add another dose of SPF protection depending on the formula.

Ultimately, DeRoest suggests always erring on the side of less is more with foundation since makeup is always buildable. "If I am really not sure about a formula, I will also try it on for a test run before my morning shower to see what I'm working with — that way I don't have any surprises." So, if you're looking to perfect your technique, try channeling your inner makeup artist with a few practice sessions in front of the mirror. And remember — even the beauty editors amongst us are still brushing up on their foundation skills.

Shop 11 exceptional foundation formulas below, perfect for makeup experts and beginners alike.