By Sheila Arkee
Upon first glance, foundation that is contained in a spray can seems incredibly intriguing and intimidating at the same time. Foundation you can spray all over your face? Incredible! But how exactly do you put it on?!
However, applying it can be a teensy bit tricky. Although it seems natural just to spray it directly from the can onto your face like you would with a traditional airbrush gun, the fact of the matter is that the trajectory of a spray foundation is much different than that of an airbrush gun.
Because it has a defined needle in the nozzle, the airbrush gun applies foundation in a fairly controlled stream, allowing for a clean application.
Airbrush gun.
But the spray can has a much larger, less controlled trajectory, just like a can of hair spray. In other words, you’ll get foundation in places other than your face!
Courtesy of our world class graphics dept., aka yours truly.
I’m not saying you can’t apply the foundation straight from the spray can, but for the best results that won’t necessitate you covering your hair and clothes with protective gear, here’s what you need to do!
Step 1: Spray a bit of foundaion into the palm of your hand…
…or, if you would prefer a non-porous surface, like this glass petri dish.
See how the foundation is bubbling? That’s what makes spray can foundation so great – it’s a really thin, easily blendable base with medium coverage. It slips on the skin and feels really light, which is one of my favorite features about this type of foundation.
Step 2: Use your fingers or a makeup brush to apply the foundation to your skin and blend. You may have to re-spray the foundation a couple of times to cover your entire face.
Before
Applying foundation.
Step 3: Set. No matter what a persons skin type, I always recommend setting any kind of foundation with some kind of powder to help with long-term wearability.
In my case, I’ve been using NYX’s HD Studio Photogenic Grinding Powder with Sally Hansen’s foundation with really beautiful results. I am in love with this combo! I blend a bit of powder into my skin with a kabuki brush for a flawless finish that covers and keeps all day.
Foundation, without setting powder.
In the act of blending in setting powder.
As my son would say, "eee EHNT!" (aka, the end!)
More foundation breakdowns will be coming soon … I’m planning on tying everything together with one big “Foundation 101″ post eventually!
*NYX provided for consideration.
I love the spray foundation. It always gives me a flawless result. One thing I would have to complain about it is it runs out too fast and its pretty messy. Great job explaining how to use it. Thanks!
Yes, Pam, I’ll agree with you there – runs out way too fast!
I didn’t know Sally Hansen made anything but nail stuff. =O
You look soooo fab in that last photo. Totally flawless. <3
Thank you! They also make great lip products, too!
Yes, if you’re spraying directly onto the face, you need to either do it while you’re still naked, like straight out of the shower, or wrap up with towels you don’t mind ruining. I definitely noticed the can’s wider spray myself and personally use a makeup sponge to apply it most of the time, unless I’m in a super rush in which case I’ll use my fingers…
And it’s weird what you mention about it running out fast: sometimes I’ve product like Diorskin’s Airflash only do about 20 applications, and yet the next can of it will do 60–no joke, and using the exact same application technique. It’s weird!