It is the worst feeling in the world. You’ve just bought a brand new foundation. Unfortunately, you picked up one shade too dark for your skin tone. How are you supposed to know what to do? You don’t want to buy, or really can’t afford, another fresh bottle of foundation just because you chose the wrong shade. What can you do? Luckily, there’s a quick trick for this problem! Read on to find out how to make foundation lighter.
Steps to make foundation lighter
All you need is a mixing medium. This could be water, face mist, or any other product that consists primarily of water and glycerin – something with glycerin because this ingredient helps the two products mix together.
Pour in five drops of foundation for every tsp. of your mixing medium to develop the desired color. If you want, add in a drop of oil to help moisturize your face. The best part about this entire process is that there’s no additional cost!
With the same foundation, you’ve managed to layer on more product without breaking the bank.
If you’re having trouble applying this layer of foundation, try using a sponge. This will help apply the product evenly and smoothly! Don’t forget that this extra layer of product is essentially building up on your face. So we don’t recommend doing it more than twice a week.
With A Moisturizer
If you’re not a big fan of mixing products, you can also try layering a moisturizer on top to help it blend. Make sure that the moisturizer is at least two shades lighter than your foundation. Using these mixers will make it easier for your skin to absorb the foundation and ensure an even layer every time!
With A Finishing Powder
If you don’t like the idea of layering two different products, you can also try using a finishing powder. Pick one that is really thin and lightweight. This way, it doesn’t change the consistency of your foundation as much as a thicker finishing powder would! Using this method will give you medium coverage with maximum blendability.
While it seems like a simple fix, this method works best with liquid foundations. The liquid consistency makes it much easier to mix and blend properly!
With A Wet Sponge
If you’re looking for a no-fuss way to blend your foundation, use a wet sponge. This method is especially useful if you have oily skin! Use this trick when mixing isn’t an option. Simply soak the sponge in water before using it on your face.
This will help apply the product evenly and give you a lightweight feel. If you have acne, you might want to consider using a moisturizer before applying this product over your makeup.
With A Concealer
This is a very common trick that makeup artists use to transform a shade. The process is exactly the same as mixing foundation and moisturizer, except you’ll be using a concealer instead! Use a lighter shade of concealer to adjust your foundation color.
We recommend going one shade lighter for this method – it will help brighten up your face and give you a more even complexion! If your concealer is too dark, it will counteract the extra foundation.
Use it sparingly
We know that you might be tempted to use more than two layers of foundation if it seems like the perfect match. But trust us, this is too much makeup for your skin! Even with moisturizer on top, all these layers of product will feel heavy and extra. Plus, using more than two products can damage your skin.
For best results, stick with two layers of foundation. Be mindful of how your skin feels! If you feel like it’s suffocating under the product, take a step back and consider layering in less product. You can always build up later on if necessary!
FAQs
Does the color of your foundation matter?
Yes, it does! This is dangerous territory because you could end up with orange skin. It happened to me once and I was forced to scrub off my entire face. And trust me, that’s no easy feat!
How many times can you layer foundation?
We don’t recommend using more than two layers of product weekly. Even with moisturizer on top, there is only so much your skin can handle! If you use too much foundation, it will clog up your pores and lead to breakouts.
How should one use a wet sponge?
When using a wet sponge, make sure that it’s soaked in water first. You don’t want the sponge to be too drenched because this will mess with the consistency of your product. Once you are ready to blend, press the sponge on your face and keep it there for a few seconds before moving to the next area. Make sure that you don’t wipe too hard or move in circles or else you will end up with splotches.
Does foundation oxidize?
Yes, it does! Every time you open a makeup product, the air and moisture around it will cause oxidation. It’s why makeup reactively dries up once you close it! If you suspect that your foundation has gone bad, try shaking the product first. If this doesn’t help, most likely the product has oxidized.
Can I use foundation as a concealer?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a way to make your makeup last longer and need a bit more coverage, consider using foundation as a concealer. Keep in mind that this method is only intended for light coverage. You don’t want to use thick layers of product on top of each other because it will look caked on and unnatural!
What if my foundation is too dark?
If you have found a shade that you love but it’s just a bit too dark, consider going one shade lighter. This will brighten up your face and give you an even complexion. If your concealer is too dark, it will counteract the extra foundation.
Conclusion
So, you’ve had a bit too much fun with your new foundation. Or perhaps, the color of your foundation is slightly off? If you are ever in need of an emergency color correction, consider these methods for quick fixes. Remember that all foundations oxidize over time!
This means that, after some time has passed, your product might be a bit light or dark. It’s nothing to worry about! This is a natural process of makeup and can help you get the right shade next time you shop for a new foundation.
