How to Apply Cream Foundation

Co-authored by Daniel Vann

Last Updated: August 26, 2021 References

Cream foundation is excellent for getting moderate to heavy coverage. Because of the level of coverage, it is especially useful for covering up fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. You have a few different options for applying this foundation, including a tapered brush, beauty sponge, or your fingertips. Make sure to use good technique and consider the level of coverage you want as well.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing an Applicator Tool

1
Use a tapered foundation brush to get even, full-face coverage. A tapered brush is one of the best tools for applying cream foundation because it makes it easier to get even coverage. Using a brush to apply cream foundation may also make it easier to get even coverage in areas like your eyelids, around your nostrils, and along your hairline.^{[1]
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- Dab a small amount of cream foundation on the brush and then begin spreading it over your face using short strokes.
- Keep going until you have the desired coverage.
2
Use a beauty blender sponge for sheer, buildable coverage. Beauty sponges are also excellent tools for getting even coverage with your cream foundation. These sponges are dense and curved with a pointed tip on the end. You can use the curved part of the sponge for larger areas of your face and the pointed part of the sponge for small areas, such as your eyelids and the areas around your lips.^{[2]
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- Dab a small amount of foundation on the sponge and then use short strokes to get even coverage.
- Smooth the sponge over your skin until you get the coverage you want.
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3
Use your fingers for controlled spot application. If you don’t have any special tools for applying makeup, then you can also use your fingers to apply the cream foundation. Dab a small amount of cream foundation onto a few of your fingertips and then begin applying the foundation to your face.^{[3]
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- Use your fingertips to blend the foundation evenly over your face until you are happy with the coverage.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Good Technique

1
Wash and moisturize your face. Before you apply foundation, make sure to wash your face thoroughly and apply moisturizer.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} This helps the foundation go on smoothly and it may also improve your results. Follow your usual skin care routine to prep your skin.^{[5]
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- You may also want to apply a thin layer of face primer so your foundation goes on smoother and lasts longer.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kelly Chu
  Professional Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.}
2
Warm up a bit of foundation in your hand. Warming the foundation in the palm of your hand helps it to go on smoothly. Try applying a small amount into the palm or back of your hand and then dab into it with your brush, sponge, or fingertips.^{[7]
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- Avoid dipping your fingers directly into your foundation so you don't get germs in it. Instead, use a clean spatula to scoop some foundation out of the container and place it on a palette.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kelly Chu
  Professional Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.}
3
Start from the center of your face to get even coverage. Applying foundation from the center of your face going outwards ensures even coverage. Use your tool or fingertips to begin applying the foundation.
4
Apply some cream foundation along the sides of your nose. Apply a dab of cream foundation on both sides of your nose, and then spread the foundation out towards the edges of your face to cover your cheeks. Spreading the foundation out from the sides of your nose will help you get even coverage on your cheeks.
5
Dab some foundation above your nose. Next, apply foundation just above your nose and spread it out over your forehead. Dab some foundation above your nose and then sweep the foundation up and out towards the edges of your face. Keep going until you have covered your entire forehead evenly.
6
Fill in the other areas of your face with foundation. Dab some foundation onto any areas of your face where you have not yet applied foundation, like your chin. Then, begin spreading the foundation out and away from the center of your face to cover these areas evenly.
7
Blend well. No matter how you apply the cream foundation, make sure to blend it well. Go over areas where you applied the foundation multiple times to ensure that the foundation is well blended.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Kelly Chu
Professional Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 9 May 2019.} Then, check in the mirror for any splotchy or patchy areas and blend these areas as needed.
- A beauty sponge or your fingers are both great for blending the cream foundation.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Your Ideal Coverage

1
Blend with moisturizer for light coverage. If you don’t want a heavy layer of foundation on your face, then try mixing a small amount of your foundation with an equal amount of moisturizer. Blend these together and then apply the foundation/moisturizer mixture to your face.^{[10]
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2
Apply in thin layers to build up coverage. If you are unsure about how much foundation you want to apply, then try applying your foundation in layers. Start with just a light layer of cream foundation and then add another layer or two if the coverage is not heavy enough for you.^{[11]
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3
Add foundation to areas that require more coverage. You can also apply a thin layer for all over coverage and then go back in and apply more cream foundation to areas that need more coverage. For example, if you have any redness, dark circles, or blemishes, then you could apply a little extra cream foundation to these areas.^{[12]
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4
Use powder foundation for additional matte coverage (optional). Cream foundation provides moderate to full coverage depending on how you apply it, so you may not need to use a powder foundation at all. However, if desired, you can apply a layer of powder foundation after you finish applying your cream foundation. Use a brush to sweep the powder foundation over your skin.^{[13]
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- Powder foundation can help to set the cream foundation and provide matte coverage as well.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Is cream foundation better or powder?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

Expert Answer

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They both get the job done, but I tend to think of creams as a slightly better option. It's very easy to use powder, but it can look kind of poor in photos. There's also an issue with accidentally adding too many layers of powder, which can build up on your skin if you're applying powders every day. There are also a lot of creams out there, so you have many more options with that.
Question

How long is foundation good for before it expires?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

Expert Answer

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Creams always expire in roughly two years, but powders can last a lot longer. Outside of the date printed on the container, you can typically tell makeup is expired when it doesn't work as intended.
Question

Which type of foundation looks the most natural?

Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Daniel Vann is the Creative Director for Daredevil Cosmetics, a makeup studio in the Seattle Area. He has been working in the cosmetics industry for over 15 years and is currently a licensed aesthetician and makeup educator.

Daniel Vann

Licensed Aesthetician

Expert Answer

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I think powder foundation looks the least natural, and cream foundation looks a little better. My favorite is actually cream-to-powder, which has a super natural look and is really easy to use.