I believe that since the creation of modern foundation, it has been taught a very specific way. Like it's full coverage all over, layered on until your skin looks completely flat, and then a whole contouring routine on top just to add dimension back. And somehow this became the standard. The more products, the more steps, the more "correct" it was supposed to be.
But, the more I learn about the reasons behind these beauty practices, as well as what works for my lifestyle, the more I see that this is not the only way to do it. There are in fact many ways, and for us as practicing, muslim women, there is one, where beauty and practicality blend beautifully.
Foundation can do a lot of things as well, but in this blog I'll be talking about achieving a makeup look that it's still you, but a version of you that looks rested, healthy and more put together.
This method and the following tips I've developed over the years, and I've feel like it has evolved int a "modest makeup approach to foundation". The best thing about it is that it will make your beauty routine simpler, but at the same time more rewarding.
If you like how that sounds, keep reading!
Start with your skin, not your foundation
Foundation is only as good as what's underneath it. So, before you even open a tint, concealer or powder, your skin should be moisturized and prepped, that way you avoid any possible texture, dry patches and cakey-ness that can be emphasized by your foundation.
No matter how good the foundation is, if your skin is lacking moisture, it will show.
So, for this, the hydrating facial spritz, a few drops of facial oil, or your favorite moisturizer provide your skin with the moisture it needs. Of course, how much of it you apply will depend on your skin and how it's feeling at any given moment.
But think of it as giving your foundation something smooth to sit on. Using natural and wudhu friendly skincare creates this first base, but it does not create a waterproof layer the way some conventional primers do.
Use foundation for highlighting, not hiding
The mindset shift that really clicked for me and helped me to do more in less time was this.
In the Modest makeup approach to foundation, it should not cover your entire face.
The reason is that when you take a foundation and apply it all over your face, you've taken all the natural shadows that are natural and given yourself a flat look. Now, there is nothing wrong with this, if you want to do a full face of makeup that requires contouring/shaping/highlighting.
But if you want an easier, (and faster) natural makeup look, you want to apply the foundation to the center of your face and blend outward. Toward your temples, down your jawline. Let it fade naturally at the edges. It's meant to highlight the parts of your face that naturally catch light, your forehead, the bridge of your nose, your cheeks, your chin.
What you're left with is skin that looks alive and glowy. The center looks luminous and the outer edges have the natural shadows that maintain the depth of your face.
Tool talk: brush vs. fingers vs. sponge
For loose powders, I recommend you use the flat kabuki brush. The flat, packed surface works great to spread the powders evenly (and prevents mess during application). You can apply the powders dry or in a wet application.
For a video on WET application of the loose powders, click here
For either the dry or wet application, you want to dump some powder on the lid, pick up with your brush (tap the powder a couple of times before applying to release excess powder). And then press it on your face before blending it in circular motions. (If you are doing a wet application, you would spray your face with the Glowing Face spritz before applying the powder)
The loose powders (either in a dry or wet application) are great in summer when you want sweat control and a natural finish without anything feeling heavy.
For the Skin tint, you can do your hands, a brush or a sponge.
For a video how to apply the skin tint, click here
I recommend you try applying it in different ways to see which one you are most comfortable with. With your hands you get a natural, barely there look. The brush or sponge go on a little heavier and it's best if you want more coverage.
For the cream conceale and foundation, you can do whichever method your comfortable with.
From all three, the concealer is the friendliest one to either hand, brush or sponge. But if i were to pick one, I would definitely go with the Kabuki brush. Especially because it fits right inside the compact, and with one twist you pick up enough cream to have a natural coverage. (You can also apply a second layer if needed)
A modest approach means less-is-more
A modest makeup approach to foundation is really about getting the best version of your skin in a way that doesnt take huge chunks of your time.
Whichever method you choose - skin tint, concealer or powders - once you learn this simple method of prepping the skin, applying to highlight areas of the face+blending outwardly, and having your preferred method of application (fingers, brush, sponge), then your no-makeup, natural look can come together in less than 3 minutes. Which also makes retouching a breeze!
And most importantly, when you look in the mirror, you will still see yourself. Just... glowing.
