How to Build Your Base Complexion Like a Pro

Perfecting your base complexion routine is essential for making the most of your makeup artistry. Consider this your ultimate guide on how to build your base complexion like a pro.  

Understanding Your Skin Type

Before we talk through our makeup base guide, it’s essential that you understand your skin type. This will help you choose the best formulas for your complexion, and will also inform the techniques you use for seamless, long-lasting makeup. 

Here’s a primer on the different skin types and the makeup formulas that work best for their unique needs:

• Dry: Cream and liquid foundations are ideal for dry skin, as they impart a fresh, dewy finish while minimizing dry patches. 

• Oily: Powder foundations can be great for those with oily skin looking to get light coverage and oil control. Want a dewier finish or bit more coverage? Pair a cream or liquid foundation with a setting powder, which will combat shine throughout the day. 

• Combination: For combination skin, you’ll want to pair a liquid or cream foundation with a setting powder. The setting powder will help control shine in oilier areas, while the liquid or cream foundation will blend seamlessly into drier areas.

• Normal: If you have normal skin, consider yourself lucky – you can use just about any makeup formula. It will ultimately come down to your preferences and coverage desires.

Prepping Your Skin

First things first: proper complexion prep. Before you even reach for makeup, you need to give your skin the attention it needs. 

Start by applying a moisturizer to freshly cleansed skin. A moisturizer will soften and hydrate the skin, which makes makeup blending a breeze. You can choose any moisturizer that works with your skin type. 

Once it fully absorbs into your skin, apply a thin, even layer of primer all over your face. A primer will extend the life of your makeup, giving it something to grip onto so that it stays in place all day long. It also creates a smooth canvas for seamless foundation application.

Choosing the Right Foundation

After skin care, it’s time to start building your base complexion with your foundation. The foundation you use can make or break your beauty look, so taking the time to determine which formula will work best for you is crucial.

Take into consideration your skin type and what formulas will support your complexion’s needs. You should also consider the level of coverage you want. For example, if you want medium to full coverage, reach for a formula like the Major Skin Crème Foundation & Finishing Powder Duo. The weightless creamy foundation in this palette is buildable and effortlessly melts into the skin, making it easy to work towards your desired coverage. 

To achieve a flawless base complexion, consider the Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation. This foundation is formulated to deliver a radiant, dewy finish while providing buildable coverage. Its hydrating ingredients ensure that your skin remains moisturized throughout the day, making it ideal for those with dry or combination skin. The lightweight formula seamlessly blends into the skin, creating a natural, skin-like appearance. Whether you prefer a light touch or a full-coverage look, this foundation adapts to your needs, enhancing your skin's natural beauty with a luminous glow.

Perfecting Your Application Technique

Using the highest-quality foundation is only part of the puzzle. Technique has the power to influence your overall look. 

One of our favorite ways to achieve a smooth, natural-looking finish is starting with less product and building as needed. This allows you to precisely apply your foundation, getting to the exact coverage you desire – without having to worry about cakey makeup. Blend a thin, even layer of foundation into your skin, and then if needed, blend in more product where you want more coverage. 

Another tip for easy and seamless application is using pro-level tools that are suitable for your foundation formula. For example, a buffing brush is your secret weapon for blending cream or liquid foundations into the skin with ease. 

Concealing Like a Pro

To spot correct blemishes or brighten dark circles, you’ll want to bring in a concealer. When choosing a concealer to cover imperfections in the skin, go for a color that matches your foundation. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to target dark circles, choose a color that is a shade or two lighter. This will help brighten the under-eye area. 

In addition to choosing the right colors, the key to achieving natural-looking concealer coverage is blending. Apply a small amount of concealer to the area you’re looking to correct, and use a brush or sponge to blend it into the skin. 

Setting Your Base

Once you’ve applied foundation and concealer, it’s time to lock in your look. A setting powder will extend the longevity of your makeup, while also absorbing excess oils to keep shine at bay. The Major Skin Crème Foundation & Finishing Powder Duo features a translucent powder that locks in makeup while blurring imperfections for a long-lasting, naturally radiant finish. 

Adding Dimension with Contouring and Highlighting

If you want to add an extra dose of glamour to your beauty look, enhance your base complexion with contour and highlight. 

Contour allows you to create shadows on the cheeks, jaw, and forehead that define and sculpt your natural features. A cream-based contour (like that found in the Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo) is perfect for all skill levels, as it’ll melt into the skin for the most natural-looking results.

Meanwhile, a highlighter adds an extra lift to your features while giving your skin a lit-from-within glowlook. Bring radiance to your complexion with a highlighter like the Major Glow Highlighting Mist, which has a subtle, light-reflecting finish.

Blending for Seamless Results

When it comes to your foundation, concealer, and contour, there is one major rule to keep in mind: proper blending is a must. Take your time with each step, and use your complexion brush to work the product into the skin. Ensure you are blending away harsh lines and fully dispersing your product for even coverage. This is key for natural results. 

Setting Spray for Longevity 

As the final step in your base routine, spritz your skin with a setting spray, like the Major Glow Dewy Milk Mist. The weightless formula locks your makeup in place while simultaneously hydrating for a dewy and natural glow. For even coverage all over the face, mist the spray in a T and X formation. 

Putting the time into your base is well worth the effort. A flawless base complexion serves as your canvas, ensuring the rest of your makeup is able to shine.