A Celebrity Makeup Artist Explains How to Apply Foundation for a Lighter Coverage

June 07, 2022
Alanna Martine Kilkeary
By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | Makeup.com by L'Oréal
person applying foundation with a sponge

Want light, sheer, natural-looking coverage out of your foundation this summer? While there are plenty of foundations out there that fit that bill, you don’t necessarily have to shop for a new product to get the look. Here, we tapped celebrity makeup artist Beck Wainner for her tips on how to apply foundation (including your favorite one) for a more lightweight coverage that’s seasonally appealing.

TIP #1: Mix Your Foundation with a Light Moisturizer

Wainner’s first tip is to mix your current foundation formula with a light moisturizer. “This will give you a lighter, more hydrating coverage.” 

We recommend mixing the Very Valentino 24 Hour Wear Liquid Foundation with the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 for a lightweight, matte finish. You can even try mixing a CC cream in with your moisturizer  — we love the IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum for a radiant, illuminating look.

Very Valentino 24 Hour Wear Liquid Foundation and IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum

TIP #2: Apply the Formula to the Back of Your Hand, Then Use a Brush or Sponge

For a lightweight application, Wainner recommends first applying the product to the back of your hand to warm it up, and then use a foundation brush to apply it. Once the product is evenly applied on your face, blend it into the skin with a blender for a seamless, natural finish. The L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blender Artist Makeup Sponge will do just the trick. 


Tip #3: Avoid Full Coverage Formulas + Minimal Setting Powder

Wainner’s final tip is to avoid full-coverage formulas, even when mixing them with moisturizers or CC creams. She also recommends sticking to minimal powder to set the look to avoid looking cakey or overdone.


Another great option is to choose foundations that are buildable, so you can layer on exactly how much coverage you’d like.

pink makeup sponge
Photo: Chaunte Vaughn, Design: Juliana Campisi

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