I can't believe it; I am 40 years old. Wow, how time flies! For the most part I like how my skin looks with no makeup! I do not have perfect skin, and I can't wait to go to the dermatologist to get my skin to look exactly the way I want it to. However, I am a makeup artist, and I love how makeup can transform. When I use a foundation, I want it to literally look like skin — the exact same look of skin. That's not too much to ask, is it? 

If you're like me and love natural looking makeup, keep reading! 

My absolute favorite makeup product is foundation! Skin is my favorite part about doing makeup! I have a lot of different foundations from many different brands. I'm not totally in love with how any of them look because honestly, I don't want to see it on my skin at all. I want perfect, flawless, smooth coverage without seeing any makeup, that looks great all day. I'm very passionate about this as you can probably tell.

I think it goes without saying, but just in case, taking care of your skin is the first step. Makeup can only look so good depending on how well you take care of your skin. Investing in your skin is the number one first step. I can use the best makeup products, skin care, and techniques, but if I have layers of dead skin piled up, there is no way the look of foundation will disappear. There is considerable freedom in loving your skin and not feeling the need to bury it. Just do it. Take care of the biggest organ in your body. I've finally changed my skincare to almost all natural/organic ingredients. I don't think I've ever loved my skin more. Check out my products page and go to skincare to see what I use. 

Now we go into what I think is the fun stuff. I have found for myself that hand applying foundations gives me the most skin-like finish. I think the warmth of your hands helps blend the foundation so beautifully. As an artist, I love mixing and can't get myself to use just one. So here it is my secret to the perfect foundation is not just using one product. Mix Mix Mix. Layer Layer Layer. 

I love mixing and/or laying different foundations/primers to get a perfect balance. If the foundation is too glowy, it will highlight all my imperfections, and if it's to matte, it just won't look natural. Also, because not all parts of the face are one way, you don't always need to use the same product all over. For example, many people get oily in the center of their face but are drier in other areas. I'm not a big fan of primer, but I do have some favorites that don't feel like your typical primer. 

Here are a few examples of some of my favorite mixing and layering of foundations and even primer (any brand or texture you like):

  • A small amount of BECCA Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage matte foundation all over layered with a small amount of BECCA Cosmetics Aqua Luminous foundation only on cheekbones and any areas you want to highlight. 
  • BECCA Cosmetics Aqua Luminous foundation layered. One layer is beautiful for a very natural look with some coverage but for a flawless glowy coverage, that is not heavy, layer it. Using your hands blend a drop all over your face and wait for it to dry a little (this is an important step) and add another layer. So gorgeous and I always get compliments when I do this. 
  • Sometimes the BECCA Cosmetics Aqua Luminous is too glowy for me (because I am still working on the texture of my skin) so I mix it with Bobbi Browns Moisturizing foundation. I've had people compliment me on my skin and ask if I am even wearing anything because you literally can't see any makeup but it still gives great coverage.
  • If I'm not in the glowy or matte mood, I like to mix a primer into my foundation of choice for that day. Recently I mixed the Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Foundation with Kat Von D's Primer. Combining the foundation and the primer gives you the benefit of both. Assuming you are using a quality, non-slippery primer. The makeup primer should feel more like skincare. I loved this flawless, natural look.

I think you get the idea so go play with whatever you have in your makeup bag right now. Have fun, and I hope this helps someone get that perfect foundation look. 

I am sending lots of love to you all!