Applying foundation takes several years of practice to master, and even professional makeup artists find it difficult to get the right formula, shade, and method of application at times. Not to forget, there are innumerable options available in the market. So how can one avoid making some of the common foundation mistakes? Here’s some expert advice for you:

• Getting the lighting wrong
  Good lighting always plays a crucial role in deciding the right shade of foundation. Not everyone has the perfect lighting around their mirrors. The only solution lies in using natural light! Take your mirror closer to the window, and observe the foundation in natural light. Ensure that the shade matches your neck and chest, both in tone and consistency.
• Get the wrong tools
  Using the right tool is an art by itself. If you need more coverage or need to even out the skin texture, you could use a synthetic brush with either a liquid foundation or cream. This will do the job perfectly well. For a powder foundation, you can try natural fiber to buff the foundation into the skin. You can also use your fingers to get the best results, but if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, avoid using fingers to apply the foundation.
• Not keeping the tools clean
  Spending on the best foundation and makeup tools is not worth it if you don’t maintain them. If the makeup brush or sponge is not working well, the reason could most probably be that it hasn’t been cleaned properly. Remember, these tools can get easily gunked up and have to be properly washed after every use. Besides, keeping this common mistake to avoid while using a foundation can help eliminate the risk of bacterial infection by keeping the tools clean.
• Not changing the coverage based on the season
  Your skin is exposed to environmental elements all through the day and night, and the weather influences how your skin turns out to be. This means that you have to adjust your foundation accordingly. For example, the skin tends to go slightly darker during summer months due to the heavy sun and lighter and dryer during winters. It is also important to note that moisture also plays a crucial role in deciding the right shade of foundation. For summers, you can opt for light to mild coverage and also use powder formulas that are known to work effectively in counteracting sweat and humidity, and you could use a liquid foundation during winters.
• Using an old foundation
  Never keep using the foundation that you bought ages ago. As the foundation is exposed to air, it could dry out, change color, and also invite bacteria. One of the common mistakes to avoid while using a foundation is to ensure that you check the expiry date.