Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

Faces that look like Madame Tussaud’s waxy creations or aged Kabuki actresses — we’ve all seen them on strangers or clueless colleagues whose inept application of foundation has turned many of us off from one of makeup’s most basic and powerful tools. The pasty and skin-smothering cosmetic product has thus been regulated to red-letter occasions, like weddings, debuts, and red-carpet walks. For the common gal, it has become necessary sacrifice to look more made up for as long as the cameras are flashing. But the fastest and safest route to getting smooth, almost flawless skin is actually the underrated foundation, not Botox. It’s really just a matter of using the right techniques and the right product.

1. Pick the right palette. Never make the purchase without testing the foundation on your skin. Some suggest smearing the product on your hand, but the most accurate basis of comparison is still where the foundation is meant for — your face. You don’ want anything that’s too light, too dark, too pink, too orangey. Your foundation should never clash with your skin tone. At most, it is one shade lighter than your facial skin, which is usually lighter than the neck due to less sun exposure.
2. Start with clean canvas. A face that’s freshly washed is primed for foundation. Well, almost. Don’t forget to protect your dermal asset with sunblock that has at least an SPF of 30. Allow it to absorb into your skin for at least five minutes before applying foundation.
3. Don’t miss a spot. Under strong light, blend the foundation well while paying special attention to the corners of the nose and mouth, the hairline, the jawline, and the neck, areas that are frequently overlooked. Be less generous when applying on folds and crevices, where too much foundation can settle and crack.
4. Don’t leave home without it. Now that you’re wearing foundation, meet your new best friend — a packet of oil absorbent paper. Always keep it with you to blog excess oil, which you should religiously do before retouching with powder.

Achieving a matte, superfine, and natural-looking coverage takes more than just techniques, and it is certainly not about piling on powder liberally. It requires the use of the right product, such as Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. The newest foundation from the cosmetic giant has been air-whipped to a smooth and light consistency that glides easily on your skin, yet leaves a grease-less finish. Its flexible, silicone polymers — a breakthrough technology — help prevent caking.

After trying it a few times, you’ll realized I may even skip powdering. The result is not a chalk-dry matte, though, but a slightly dewy youth effect without unsightly shine. Maybelline’s mousse foundation also oils less after a whole day’s wear, compared to other products. Just as important, the skin pores doesn’t feel clogged or weighed done. With or without powder, a little of the product goes a long way to creating an envious flawless complexion.