What Foundation Do Professional Makeup Artists Use? Tips from Karyna Yevsieieva, makeup teacher with 10 years of experience. 

Hi! My name is Karyna Yevsieieva, and I am a professional makeup artist with over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. Over the years, I’ve worked with a variety of skin textures and makeup, creating looks for weddings, photoshoots, and both daytime and evening events. One of the most common questions I receive from clients is: "What foundation do professional makeup artists use?"

In this article, I will share a few secrets on how to choose the right foundation, why long-lasting makeup is key, and how to achieve flawless foundation application. Read on to discover how professionals like me choose the perfect foundation for every client.

Why Is Choosing the Right Foundation So Important?

Foundation is the base of any makeup look. If it is chosen incorrectly, even the most beautiful eyeshadow or lipstick won’t save the look. The foundation should not only match the skin tone perfectly but also suit the client’s skin type, condition, and needs.

Every makeup artist has their own style and approach to choosing foundations. Different professionals may have their preferred textures and formulas that suit their techniques. Some prefer lightweight, hydrating foundations for a natural makeup look, while others opt for full-coverage options for buildable coverage foundation. Some artists prefer water-based or silicone-based foundations, depending on the makeup’s purpose and the client’s skin type. A makeup artist always selects the product that best suits the specific look and occasion.

What Foundations Do Professionals Choose?

Every professional makeup artist’s toolkit includes several categories of foundations used for different situations. Here are the most popular ones:

Full-Coverage Foundations

When we talk about important events such as weddings or photoshoots, makeup artists often choose full-coverage foundations. These provide a smooth, even skin tone, hiding any imperfections — from redness to pigmentation. Full coverage is ideal for those who want a perfectly even and long-lasting result.

Lightweight Foundations for a Natural Makeup Look

For everyday makeup or creating a natural look, professional makeup artists prefer lightweight foundations that hydrate the skin and provide a natural glow. These products do not weigh the skin down and allow it to breathe, creating a "no-makeup" makeup look.

Matte Foundations for Oily Skin

For clients with oily or combination skin, choosing the best foundation for oily skin is essential. These products help control shine and reduce excess oil throughout the day. They provide a matte finish and keep makeup intact, preventing it from smudging or settling into pores.

Hydrating Foundations for Dry Skin

For clients with dry or sensitive skin, professional makeup artists use hydrating foundations. These products infuse the skin with moisture, making it more elastic and healthy-looking. They improve the skin’s appearance and prevent flaking, which is especially important in colder weather.

Waterproof Foundations

For events requiring maximum durability (e.g., weddings or outdoor shoots), makeup artists opt for waterproof foundations. These formulas withstand tears, sweat, and humidity, ensuring flawless makeup throughout the day.

What Foundation Do Professional MakeUp Artiest Recommends?

Professional makeup artists often mix different foundations to achieve the perfect result. However, the key to long-lasting makeup is proper skin preparation and using a quality eyeshadow primer.

In my toolkit, KARYSHA COSMETICS Eyeshadow Primer holds a special place. This primer perfectly prepares the eyelids for eyeshadow application, creating a smooth surface on which the shadow stays all day. Eyeshadow Primer not only extends the wear time of eyeshadow but also prevents it from creasing or losing its vibrancy.

To create radiant and expressive eye makeup, I always use KARYSHA COSMETICS Eyeshadows. These shadows pair perfectly with any foundation, adding depth to the eyes and creating a captivating look.

How to Choose the Right Foundation for Yourself?

When choosing a foundation, it’s important to consider not only your skin type but also the conditions in which you will wear the makeup. Here are a few tips:

• For Oily Skin: Look for matte and waterproof formulas. Using an eyeshadow primer will help control shine and ensure your eyeshadow lasts all day.
• For Dry Skin: Choose hydrating and nourishing foundations. Apply a moisturizing cream before foundation for the best effect.
• For Normal or Combination Skin: You can use either lightweight or full-coverage foundations, depending on your desired result.
• For Special Occasions: If you need makeup for an important event, opt for waterproof and long-lasting formulas.

The Importance of Tools: Makeup Sponges

To apply foundation, a large sponge in a teardrop or egg shape is ideal. Use the wider, flat side to distribute the product evenly. This helps you control the amount of product applied and ensures even coverage.

The same sponge shape works for applying concealer, but in this case, use the pointed tip. For pressed powder and makeup removal, a flat sponge works best.

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Use a Makeup Sponge:

1. For smoother application, wet the sponge before use.
2. Don’t pick up too much foundation at once — it’s better to build up the coverage gradually for a flawless finish.
3. Distribute the product evenly across the face with gentle, circular motions. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent skin irritation.
4. If you need to cover specific areas, such as under-eye circles or blemishes, use the pointed tip of the sponge to press the product into the skin.
5. After use, thoroughly clean the sponge, squeeze out all the water, and leave it to dry on a towel.

KARYSHA COSMETICS Luxury Mint Makeup Sponge + Free Silicone Case

This professional-grade sponge is crafted by a makeup educator with over 10 years of experience, ensuring every detail meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

• Flawless Look: With this sponge, your face will always look like it’s straight off the cover of a glossy magazine!
• Free Silicone Case: Every purchase includes a free silicone case for convenient and hygienic storage. This durable case keeps your sponge protected and ready for use at all times.
• Super Soft and Porous, Convenient Shape: Made from the finest materials, our sponge is exceptionally soft and porous, allowing for flawless application. Its ergonomic shape ensures precise application in hard-to-reach areas and even distribution across the entire face.
• Versatility: This sponge is perfect for applying foundation, cream contour, cream blush, concealer, or baking.
• Perfect Application: Whether you want a natural look or full coverage, this sponge gives you complete control over the amount and density of foundation applied. Use a sheer layer for a natural glow or build up layers for a polished, full-coverage finish.
• Easy to Clean: Maintaining hygiene is effortless with this sponge, as it is easy to wash and thoroughly cleans without retaining makeup residues.

Conclusion

Choosing the right foundation, best foundation for oily skin, and high-quality tools for its application is the key to achieving flawless makeup. Whether you're aiming for a light, natural look or a perfectly polished evening style, it’s essential to consider your skin type, the conditions in which you'll wear your makeup, and use trusted products.

With KARYSHA COSMETICS, you can trust that every step of your makeup routine — from skin prep to the final touch — will be executed with the highest quality. Our primers, eyeshadows, and innovative sponges are designed to help you create makeup that lasts all day while enhancing your natural beauty.

Whether you're crafting a simple daytime look or a glamorous evening makeup, with KARYSHA COSMETICS, you can always be confident that you’ll look absolutely flawless.