Flawless Base Makeup Routine Techniques: Full Coverage Edition

The no makeup makeup look was and still is a top trend. For while, it overshadowed the love for a full beat that everyone adorned during the pre-pandemic times. 2024 however, is finally seeing the full glam & full coverage vibe peak its head around the minimal makeup behemoth. In its wake, makeup artists and enthusiasts alike have begun re-experimenting with makeup and application techniques to answer a most researched question: How do you achieve a flawless base makeup? Keep reading to find out some of my current favorite techniques to create a look that's lightweight, long-wearing, and seamless. 

Disclaimer: These are some of my favorite products. I have normally to oily skin. Be sure to pick up products that work best for your skin if these products do not cater to your skin.

@eliteselects The hotter the weather gets the more important it is to be able to set and forget about your makeup. This starts with a flawless base makeup that leaves your skin looks healthy and smooth without compromising on coverage or worrying about a cakey application. Let’s look at a few popular techniques that have become my favorite. Click the link in the bio for a detailed breakdown! #beauty #beautytok #beautytips #makeuptutorial #style #eliteselects #flawlessmakeup #flawlessmakeuplook #flawlessbasemakeup @elfcosmetics @ONE SIZE BEAUTY @Milani Cosmetics @Fenty Beauty @NARS Cosmetics ♬ original sound - amari🎧

Skin: Prep, Prime & Set

Skin prep affects the way makeup lays on top of the skin, regardless of skin type. Everyone wants the ideal texture-free, skin concern-free base. The one product that keeps the skin hydrated and ready is a moisturizer. Hydration is key. If you have oily skin, try a thin layer of something lightweight. For dry skin, go with a thicker layer. If you plan on being out and about, use a sunscreen at this point in your routine. If your moisturizer or sunscreen is tacky enough, you can skip the primer step. 

If you want a strong hold on your foundation, want to achieve a certain finish (satin, matte, dewy etc), or help textured skin, this is when the primer comes in hand. It that applies as a film over the skin providing for an even base, and therefore, is my favorite method.

On days where primers are skipped, opt for a spritz of a setting spray for a hydrating, slightly tacky texture that can hold makeup. Regardless of the products used, allow for the product to dry down before going in with foundation. 

Undereye

Spot Conceal

Since the foundation is going full glam, the only thing you need to do with a full coverage concealer is dab it over any redness, and under, around, and over the eyes. Foundation can be applied around the concealed eye area as to avoid a cakey look. Do not forget to set the concealed eye area right after application to avoid creasing. 

Color Correct

For the most natural skin-like full coverage (especially if heavy dark circles are being combatted), try a color corrector, blend it in, and layer the concealer to give you a smooth and bright undereye.

According to the creator of one of the best color correctors, Huda Beauty, use the peach color corrector if you have tones that are golden or warm and pink if your tones lean towards rosy or blue. Go in with a light hand if all you need is light coverage. A smaller brush or your ring finger makes for a good blend here.

Foundation: The Cream Over Liquid Technique For A Skin-Like Look with Full Coverage

A good foundation is key to full coverage. Inspired by a fellow beauty influencer, Aditya Madiraju, this particular technique has changed the way my base makeup looks. Layering liquid foundation can lead to cakey results. Cream foundation give coverage but may not give you a skin-like finish. The solution is to use a little bit of both. 

Starting with a layer of cream foundation and stiple it into the skin. Dot on your liquid foundation overtop and blend the liquid foundation into the cream base. The result is a full coverage beat with a healthy sheen that gives you "a your skin but full coverage and better" results. It's that easy. The hardest part of this step is mostly making sure you have your right shade of product. 

A foundation brush works better than fingers here. Avoid switching the cream foundation for a bb cream to keep the full coverage base.

Bronzer/Contour: The Powder Over Cream Technique (a trick that stood the test of time)

While some techniques are newly tested and loved, some are good the first time around. Cream contour with bronzer layered overtop is one of those techniques. Go in with a neutral to cool tone contour shade and stiple it into the skin. With a larger, fluffy brush, dust over the bronzer for a sculpted and warm look. In full coverage looks, it's essential to keep this step in the routine. When laying on cream and liquid foundations to create a seamless base, the natural contours of the face are "covered up" with the base makeup shade creating a one-dimensional, dull skin affect. This step brings back warmth and dimension into the face.

Blush: Patrick Ta's Powder First, Cream Last Technique (Patrick Ta - concealer involved here)

Going against the makeup layering norms is Patrick Ta's blush application technique. When you first hear it, it sounds nothing but controversial. My fear was that the powder would create a terrible base for the cream blush to stick to. On the contrary, the powder layered with blush creates an extra pop of color with a healthy sheen that the cream blush gives going. 

Powder: Dust Over Only the T-Zone & Under the Eye Technique (my technique)

2016 had everyone baking their faces. While, powder is still a necessity for a smooth full coverage look, but only in areas that crease or experience a higher amount of oil production really need it. Think undereyes and the laughlines around the mouth for creasing, and the t-zone for oil-prone areas. Using powder only where its needed, keeps the skin looking fresh without overly mattifying the look.

Set, Powder & Set (Adithya)

With the layers of makeup that full coverage tends to require, setting is crucial to keep the look staying fresh throughout its wear. For a matte finish that gives a health sheen, try another Adithya Madiraju inspired technique. Set with a dewy setting spray. Go in with powder on the areas that tend to crease up and become oily. Set again with a matte spray to completely lock the look in place. 

Exceptions

If your skin is more on the dry to normal side or you want a slightly more dewy look, consider skipping the previous powdering step and powder only once during this step of the routine. On the contrary, if your skin is incredibly oily, using only a matte setting spray will do. 

Conclusion - New Techniques to Applying Makeup for a Flawless Base

One of the best parts of owning and using makeup is the process of experimenting new techniques and improving upon looks as you figure out what works best for you. While most of the products and processes remain the same, a new discoveries are always being made when it comes to enhancing our makeup. After testing and trying some personal favorites tips of makeup artists and beauty influencers, these steps have proven to be top notch for a healthy glow paired with a perfect skin tone. Regardless of if your working with sensitive skin of combination skin, grab products you can grab the products you normally use and try just the techniques out.