Any great makeup look rests on a flawless foundation. The canvas that carries the masterpiece, foundation often recedes into invisibility. That is, if you know how to apply it like a pro. Too often, however, errors creep in to beget a sloppy look. Here are five steps to follow in order to shun mistakes and reveal a healthy complexion.

Match
Regardless of how adept you might be in applying foundation, all your skill and effort wither when you are expensing them on the wrong shade. To avoid a cut-face effect, always test foundation on your jawline – not the inside of your wrist or your neck – in the daylight – not in the artificial luminosity of stores. The easiest way to go for it is to request a foundation sample to take with you. At home, swipe a streak of foundation – the perfect shade will match your skin’s tone without blending.

Prepare
Start with clean skin. To ensure an even coverage, prime your skin with a light cream, a moisturizer or a base. For a fresh look, smear the areas that naturally reflect light – the cheeks, chin, eyes’ corners and the T-zone. If your skin is oily, opt for gel-based primers that both moisturize and leave a matte finish. Clock down five minutes to let the products sink into your pores before reaching out for the foundation.

Apply
“Fingertips of a brush” is a redundant debate – daub foundation with your fingers for an airy, light look; wield a brush for full coverage. Start in the center of your face, where most discoloration tends to appear, and with swift strokes progress toward its edge. Although you might dab some extra product directly on red patches or pimples, do so sparingly, as not to paint a spotty complexion. With a rolling motion, use a damp sponge to blend the foundation without absorbing it.

Conceal
Dab concealer after the foundation so that you do not wind up smudging more than needed. Use a tiny, pointed brush for precision application under your eyes – right below the corners – and over imperfections.

Finish
To set the look, sweep on a translucent powder over the bridge of your nose, around your eyes and down the cheeks and chin. Unlike heavy matte powders that tend to sulk your features, translucent ones give off a healthy glow. Slide a small brush from the base of your nose down to the corners of your mouth to wipe away any excessive product that might crease into lines.