Fake Flawless, Radiant Skin in 3 steps (plus: the perfect makeup tools)

You know you’re got the best foundation when you don’t look like you’re wearing any.Here are 3 ways to fake flawless skin – and the perfect makeup tools that make it easy.

Contents

1. Less is more
2. Take a sniper approach to blemishes
3. Set your makeup with a sheer powder
What do you think are the perfect makeup tools?

1. Less is more

Foundation is for evening out complexion, concealer is for hiding blemishes. So concentrate foundation only where you need it – like the T-zone or any redness on the chin – and then blend outwards.

Perfect makeup tools:

If you like sponges, the Beauty Blender is pretty foolproof: wet it, squeeze it, bounce it to blend. This works wonders on cream foundations or high-coverage foundations that have such good pigment (like Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation) that a little goes a looooong way. If you prefer brushes, try Real Techniques #1402, the Bobbi Brown Foundation brush, or the Shiseido Perfect Foundation brush – all three have gotten stellar beauty reviews on makeup boards.

2. Take a sniper approach to blemishes

Makeup artists take their time with acne, marks or scars, applying a high-coverage concealer with a very small brush, and then carefully setting it with powder (often using a puff, which they gently pat over the blemish). Remember, thick products like concealer will cake if you put too much, so if blemishes are a big deal, invest in a good formula. A small pot will last you forever, anyway – might as well get the best concealer you can afford.

Perfect makeup tools:
Start with a really good concealer (we love Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer!) and apply with a precision brush like MAC 195 or Ecotools Airbrush Concealer brush. If you dark circles, Bobbi Brown has a color-correcting combo that includes concealer and a yellow powder.

3. Set your makeup with a sheer powder

You need powder in Singapore’s hot, humid climate – anyone who tells you that you can skip it doesn’t live in a tropical country. But since too much powder gives you that outdated, ageing “kabuki” look, pick a very finely milled powder and apply with a fluffy brush.

Perfect makeup tools:

Our favourite finishing powders control oil, but still show enough radiance and skin texture that it looks like you’re not wearing any makeup at all – because, you know, you just have perfect skin. (Wink.) Try Laura Mercier’s translucent powder: made with cashmere talk for a super sheer, silky finish and with light-reflecting ingredients that fake an inner glow. If you have dull skin, Bobbi Brown’s Nude Finish Illuminating Powder keeps makeup in place and has very fine light-reflecting powders that make skin look radiant and photographs well.