Steve Granitz

Achieve a "naturally" flawless complexion with these expert tips, compliments of CoverGirl:

Lighting Is Key
If you can't try on the foundation you are interested in, hold it up next to your face (in sunlight if possible).

Switch Things Up
Skin color changes with the seasons, so your foundation should change, too. For instance, do not wear the same foundation with a summer tan as you would in the winter.

Finger Paint
For the most professional application, use your fingertips or a triangle sponge to apply foundation. Natural sea sponges don't cover evenly - save them for your bath. Instead, try Sponge Wedges - the smooth surface strokes on evenly, and the tapered edge blends makeup into tough-to-reach spots like corners between eye and nose.

Don't Skip Your Eyes
Use foundation on your eyelids even if you never wear shadow. It gives a bright, open look to the entire eye area.

Blend, Blend, Blend
When you wear foundation on your entire face or need coverage at the jawline, be sure to blend it into the edges of your face and down onto your neck, or else you will appear to have a mask on. Sponge Wedges offer a smooth surface for an even application.

Shake It Up
If you are using a liquid foundation, always shake the bottle vigorously before applying.

Check Your Shade
Foundation color should be so perfectly matched to your skin tone that it seems to disappear into your skin. It should not be noticeable in any way. If it is, the shade is wrong.

Prime Your Skin
To smooth fine lines, normal to dry skin types should prime their skin by adding a light layer of moisturizer, or tinted moisturizer, 10 minutes before applying makeup.

Have any application tips/tricks of your own? Do share!