The first foundation makeup artist Hiromi Ueda bought when she arrived in London from Japan was Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk. This, of course, was long before she knew she’d become one of the brand’s global makeup artists. It’s a product she still loves to this day—and she’s sharing some tricks for applying it to look completely natural. Read on.
Extra toner helps give your skin the moisture it needs
To achieve a dewy foundation, you need balanced and hydrated skin. Ueda recommends soaking several cotton pads with toner and placing them on the driest areas of your face for five to 10 minutes before applying foundation (this is a DIY hack for sheet masks).
A little massage can go a long way
For Ueda, skin prep is a fundamental part of makeup application. That’s why she insists on dedicating time to a simple yet effective facial massage before applying foundation. Apply your moisturizer to the center of your face “with gentle movements” and spread it toward your “ears, eyebrows, and hairline, using circular motions with your fingertips,” Ueda says. “On the neck, it’s best to use downward movements, and on the chin area, you can use your knuckles to help define its shape.”