Editing How to Apply Foundation (section)

== Preparation: Prepping Your Skin ==

* '''Cleanse''': Start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and any old makeup. Cleansing prevents clogged pores and helps foundation glide on smoothly. If you have time, gently exfoliate to lift away dry flakes so foundation won’t cling to rough patches.
* '''Moisturize''': Hydrated skin creates the best base for foundation. Apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type – richer creams for dry skin, lightweight lotions or gels for oily skin. '''Wait a few minutes''' for it to sink in so your foundation doesn’t pill or go on unevenly. Even if you’re oily, don’t skip moisturizer; balanced hydration prevents your skin from overproducing oil.
* '''Prime''': Apply a makeup primer after moisturizing. Primer blurs pores and fine lines and gives the foundation something to hold onto, making it last longer. Choose a primer based on your needs: mattifying primers help control shine for oily skin, while hydrating or illuminating primers give dry or dull skin a dewy glow. This extra step creates a '''smooth, even surface''' so your foundation won’t settle into pores or fine lines.