How Do You Apply Foundation?

How you apply your foundation depends on the formula you’re using. For instance, powder foundation and cream foundation differ in how they’re used. Powder foundations are usually applied with a soft, full brush, like our Pro Powder Makeup Brush, while liquid and cream formulas can be applied with a denser brush, a dampened makeup sponge, or even your fingers. You’ll want to start in the center of your face and blend your chosen formula outward to create a soft-focus finish that provides lasting coverage but still looks natural. And if you’re not sure what method suits you best, experiment! It’s your look—you should feel free to apply your makeup however you want.

Is Concealer The Same as Foundation?

Concealer and foundation are similar but not exactly the same. Foundation is your base—it’s made for covering your entire face. Concealer, on the other hand, can be super-pigmented and designed to help camouflage smaller imperfections (like blemishes and dark circles) that your foundation didn’t completely cover. Another difference: Some concealers, including our fan-favorite Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer, can pull triple-duty as a concealer, a contour, and a highlighter. We love a multitasker. Pro Tip: Apply your foundation first, then dab concealer onto areas that need a bit more coverage and blend it out for a flawless look that lasts throughout the day.

What Should You Apply Before Foundation?

We’re guessing you want your makeup to last and stay vibrant all day long (who doesn’t?), which means a makeup primer should be the first step in your makeup routine. After finishing your skincare steps, you’ll want to reach for a primer that suits your skin’s needs. If smoother skin is what you’re after, try Pore Filler Primer, which fills pores and fine lines for a soft-focus finish. For those in need of hydration, a plumping primer, like Plump Right Back Primer + Serum (it contains hyaluronic acid plus four other skin-loving electrolytes and vitamins), can help keep your foundation looking fresh. If you’re not sure what primer to use, check out our article Prime Time: How To Choose The Right Makeup Primer—we break down all the need-to-knows there.

Can You Wear Foundation Every Day?

There are no rules when it comes to makeup—not in our (perfectly-lined) eyes, anyway. In other words, if you want to wear foundation every day, go for it! Our foundations are vegan formulated and cruelty-free and can be worn every day. Just remember to take off your makeup before heading to bed so your skin can breathe a bit while you snooze the night (or day) away.

Does Wearing Foundation Age Your Skin?

The right foundation can make your skin look youthful and even—it shouldn’t visibly age you. Sometimes, however, foundation can settle into fine lines (especially if your skin isn’t adequately prepped) and make said lines appear more prominent. This is probably where the “foundation makes you look older” myth comes from. To achieve a smooth, crease-free finish, prep your skin with primer before applying a hydrating foundation.

FOUNDATION MAKEUP

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5 products

Paris Hilton at NYX Diner, carrying tray of lip liner and lip gloss combos

NYX Make ’Em Wonder Soft Matte Foundation in shade 12 Natural with product name text overlay.

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new vegan

Make ‘Em Wonder™ Soft Matte Buildable Foundation

Meet Make ’Em Wonder™ Soft Matte Foundation, a skincare-infused weightless foundation that delivers pro-level, buildable coverage with a real-skin finish for all-day comfort.

Color:

NATURAL

Old price New price $16.00

NYX Buttermelt Stix Glow Boosting Stick in shade Big Melt Energy, champagne shimmer swatch behind

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new vegan try it on

Buttermelt Glow Boosting Highlighter Stix

Meet the Buttermelt Glow Boosting Highlighter Stix, your shortcut to instant, dewy glow. This creamy highlighter stick melts into skin for buttery-smooth luminosity and a melty, glazed finish.

Color:

BIG MELT ENERGY

Old price New price $14.00

Buttermelt Glaze Skin Tint with SPF 30 with color swatch on white background

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vegan best seller

BUTTERMELT GLAZE SOFT GLOW SKIN TINT SPF 30

A skin tint with a soft glow glazed finish in ten flexible shades

Color:

Almond Butta

Old price New price $16.00

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Bare With Me Blur Tint Foundation

Blurring tint foundation in 24 medium coverage, matte shades

Color:

Mocha

Old price New price $14.00

Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation bottle on white background

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best seller vegan try it on

Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation

Full Coverage Foundation

Color:

Fair

Old price New price $15.00

Whether you want to rock a fresh-faced, dewy look or prefer keeping it matte, we’ve got you covered (literally). Our foundation makeup comes in a range of finishes to suit any beauty look.

For up to 24-hour coverage that won’t smudge, budge, or streak, try our best-selling Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation, which provides full coverage with a natural-looking, matte finish. This creamy, fan-favorite foundation is available in 45 versatile shades with neutral, cool, and warm undertones, so whatever your skin tone, you’ll be able to find your match.

If you’re after a customizable finish, build your makeup foundation with Total Control Pro Drop Foundation, a weightless liquid formula that provides a natural, healthy-looking finish. Use a little for a sheer, CC cream-like finish, or build it up to create more coverage—the choice is yours. Pick from one of 30 wearable shades or customize your perfect hue with our Total Control Pro Drop Foundation Hue Shifter. Designed to be used with the liquid foundation, this pigment-packed formula allows you to darken, lighten, and adjust your foundation shade to match your skin (we break down the how-tos in our tutorial here). You’ll feel like a total pro—and your perfectly-matched foundation will have you looking like an expert makeup artist, too. If you’re not sure what foundation fits you best, check out our Foundation Finder, which will help you find your perfect formula, shade, and finish in one minute or less.

For a super-smooth application and serious staying power, we recommend layering your foundation over primer. We have primers and setting sprays that coordinate with and complement our foundations, so you can create a seamless look that suits your skin.