Max Factor Foundation Masterclass

A couple of weeks ago, I went to a Max Factor foundation masterclass with makeup maestro, Caroline Barnes. Now, everyone (including me) thinks they know how to apply foundation, right? But after you read Caroline's expert tips, chances are you'll want to give that method a good old tweak. For my step-by-step guide, I used the new Max Factor Xperience Weightless Foundation in Raw Silk, £9.99 (Boots) with the Max Factor Foundation Brush, £10 (Boots). I've been using this airy-light foundation everyday for two weeks and my skin has never looked so flawless and glowing.



Caroline Barnes



Makeup artist tip: "Make sure you keep your makeup textures in sync

- so if you apply a liquid foundation, use a liquid or cream highlighter and bronzer before sealing with powder," advises Caroline. "If using a powder or liquid-to-powder finish foundation, use a powder highlighter and bronzer."

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT SHADE? "Always use natural daylight and instead of matching the colour to your jawline, pull down your top slightly and take colour from the chest. This will create a uniform skin tone for the face, neck and decolletage."

Mop up excess moisturiser with a tissue for touch-tacky skin

HOW SHOULD YOU PREP YOUR SKIN FOR FOUNDATION? "Apply your regular moisturiser and remove excess with a tissue. You want your skin to be touch-tacky. Always apply a primer - they act as carpet grippers for your foundation."

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOUNDATION? "Using a thin, natural hair foundation brush, start applying your foundation around the jawline, working inwards. Always take your foundation down on to the neck. Next apply your concealer - place a small amount into the corner of the eyes, then pat into the skin using your ring finger."

Highlighter+bronzer = sculpted cheekbones

HOW CAN YOU CREATE A CONTOURED LOOK? "Apply highlighter to the bridge of the nose, cupid's bow, front panel of the forehead, temples and cheekbones. Next, apply bronzer underneath the cheekbones - create a defined look by pinching the top of your bronzing brush between your middle and index finger and sweep under the cheekbone. Finish by applying blush to the apples of the cheeks and translucent powder in-between the brows, sides of the nose and chin." 

The finished look

Please excuse the hideous, I've-just-got-up face. Sx