I had a great time working with Braheem last Thanksgiving weekend. It's always inspiring and mutually reinforcing to come across people that are just as passionate about what they do. I'm looking forward to more book building with this talent as well. Here's part one of last weekend's session with our first model - the gorgeous Heather:
Make-up: Rhia Amio (www.artistrhi.com)
Photo and Post Production: Ibrahim Abusitta
Model: Heather

So now that you've decided on your foundation type, what's the best method of application? Here are some tips for when applying your base:

Sponge, brush or fingers?

The debate continues. The answer to this one is based on your own personal preference. I like to use a foundation brush in my client applications, as I find it helps build coverage more evenly. In my daily make-up routine, I quickly reach for a sponge to apply my foundation. When I have more time, my foundation brush becomes my go-to tool.

Foundation can very well be applied with fingers, but I prefer not to. Some artists will say that the foundation against the skin of your fingertips warms up the foundation and makes it better for application. I would rather not have the oils in my hands interact with the foundation and then be applied to my skin. Whichever way you prefer, make sure your hands are immaculate before you apply! Save the fingers for self-application, and stick to a brush or sponge for applications on others.

Less is more

Avoid slathering a bunch on initially. Instead, use about a quarter size drop and distribute evenly to the entire face. Starting off with less will give you more control over where the product will go. It's a lot easier to add more foundation later rather than trying to remove an amount in excess. Build the coverage up in layers as necessary and use a stipple motion to achieve fuller coverage.

Go down baby

Use downward strokes when applying foundation to cover the cheeks. Using this motion ensures that the tiny baby hairs remain flat against the face (and not stick out like peach fuzz!).

Buff and stuff

Use a buffer brush in a circular motion to blend out any excess foundation.

Ready, set, powder!

Set the foundation with a light dusting of powder to keep it longer lasting and combat shine. Powder should only be used once foundation is complete. Once the powder layer is in place, no more foundation should be applied atop of it.

Brush away

Clean your brush after each use to avoid breakouts, especially for cream products on the face.

Time to toss

Change or wash out your sponge every 2-3 uses.

These photos come courtesy of the talented photographer Nadia Cheema who I had the opportunity to assist for a project last week. I took care of the make-up and Nadia worked her magic with the camera. I love them all, but my favourite shot is the black and white one pictured below. I'm looking forward to more creatives with this talent behind the lens so stay tuned!

Make-up: Rhia Amio (www.artistrhi.com)
Photography and Post-Production: Nadia Cheema
Model: Tiff H

The purpose of foundation is to balance out unevenness in the skin tone. Applied properly, foundation make-up creates a smooth consistency that gives one the appearance of healthy and glowing skin. Now that being said, we all want gorgeous skin, but with the numerous foundation choices out there, how do we know which one to choose?

With so many options and names like liquid, cream, mousse, you almost feel like you could be ordering foundation off a menu! Here is a breakdown of what each type has to offer (in order of lightest coverage to heaviest coverage) along with some recommended products, so you can narrow in on your base of choice:

TINTED MOISTURIZER

• Gives slight colour and moisturizes in one
• Offers the lightest coverage of all foundation types
• Ideal for those with good skin who just want to add light colour to the face (those desiring more coverage should opt for one of the latter formulas, as tinted moisturizer is not buildable)
• Great for summer time, lighter days, heat waves and travelling for those with already healthy skin
  
  Recommended: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – adds colour and moisturizes, but also has a built-in SPF which translates to one more step in the morning eliminated!
  

MINERAL MAKE-UP

• Mineral make-up was the latest craze a few years ago, with many new and even already-established make-up companies coming out with targeted mineral make-up products
• Mineral make-up is built around the notion that natural ingredients are better for your skin
• Contains vitamins and minerals (refer to your product for specific ingredients)
• Buildable coverage when used with a kabuki brush
• Better-suited for those with clear skin
  
  Recommended: L'oreal Natural Powdered Mineral Foundation. See more from my post here.

LIQUID

• One of the most popular types of foundation
• Comes in many shapes and forms offering light to medium coverage, oil-free/water-based formulas, etc
• Offers medium, buildable coverage
• Suitable for all skin types - just look for one that's right for you
  i.e. If your skin tends to be on the oily side, look for a water-based formula. If your skin tends to be dry, look for a moisturizing formula
  
  Recommended: MAC Face and Body

MOUSSE

• Similar to liquid foundation, but with air pumped into it creating a lighter, whipped formula
• Offers light to medium buildable coverage
• Great for elderly women, as the light formula is not as prone to setting into lines and creases
  
  Recommended: Lise Watier Mattifying Mousse Foundation with Breathable Cotton

POWDERED FOUNDATION

• Similar to a pressed powder, but offers more coverage with a built-in foundation
  
• Formulated for all skin types
• Great for oily skin, as the powder component will help it to last longer (vs a liquid or creme on its own)
• Use with a wet sponge for those days when you want to achieve a lighter foundation look
  
  Recommended: MAC Studio Fix, Make-up Forever Duo Mat Powder Foundation

PANCAKE/STICK

• Comes in what looks like an oversized lipstick tube and can be directly applied to face from container
• Offers maximum amount of coverage and can also be used as a concealer
• Ideal for normal to dry skin types, but can be too thick for oily skin types
• Blend thoroughly to avoid the dreaded "cakeface" look

Recommended: the beloved and ever-praised Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of working with the delightful bride-to-be, Natalie, along with her wonderful sisters and mom. Here are a couple of shots of the day's wedding make-up (and even more reasons to be thankful!):
View more pics of Natalie's big day here.