We go to great lengths for healthy, influencer-worthy skin. From vinyl skin to baking, we’ve jumped on every trend to get that coveted summer glow. But this season we’re pinning all of our hopes on one makeup artist-endorsed technique: foundation mapping.
Foundation mapping is a functional, time-saving, glow-up ritual that gives your base makeup a much-needed lift. The technique involves strategically applying your foundation on areas you really need it, then blending it in on the rest of your face.
The key to foundation mapping is knowing your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive) and the kind of base that works best for you. Once you’ve got that figured out, it’s time to get mapping. Check out the slideshow above for the tips and tricks of the trade.
How Foundation Mapping Can Help Your Beauty Routine
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Foundation Mapping 101
Most makeup gurus only use foundation on areas that need the most coverage, like the T-zone and jawline. Once foundation has been applied to those problem areas, they just blend it in for a natural finish.
Image: Imaxtree
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Finding Your Perfect Match
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation, $7.99 at Maybelline
Foundation mapping is all about playing up your best features so the first step is to find the foundation that works best for you, whether it's matte, dewy or something in between. If you need heavier coverage on a day-to-day basis, you may need to add a hint of face oil to your foundation.
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Prep Your Skin
Milk Makeup Luminous Blur Stick, $36 at Milk Makeup
A blurring primer can do wonders since it takes care of some of the coverage. If you don't need to conceal blemishes, go with an illuminating primer for a dewy, consistent base.
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Get Lit
Dior Limited Edition - Summer Look Flash Luminizer, $40 at Bergdorf Goodman
A highlighting concealer instantly gives your skin a glow and is very easy to blend with your foundation of choice. For under your eyes and your upper cheeks, use a fine blending brush to even out the base.
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Powder Your Nose
Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder, $52 at Nordstrom
Sheer, translucent powder is perfect for mapping and can easily cover any last-minute touch-ups. Focus on perfecting the area between your ear and lower jawline.
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Dos and Don'ts
Don't apply foundation all over your cheeks — just focus on the high points. And don't overdo it on your undereye area because you want everything to even out.
Image: Imaxtree
