At first glance, foundation seems like the simplest step in a beauty routine. Pick your shade, swipe it on, and voilà. But as anyone who has wrestled with streaks, uneven coverage, or the dreaded product “pilling” knows, it’s not nearly that straightforward. Finding the right formula is only half the battle—how you prep your skin and apply it makes all the difference.

So, how do people foundation? To crack the code, we asked makeup artists, beauty editors, and industry insiders for their best-kept secrets. The verdict: less is more, skin prep is everything, and the right technique can make your face look like skin—not a mask.

Here are 10 pro-approved tips to make your foundation routine smoother, longer-lasting, and a whole lot less intimidating.

1. Smooth First, Apply Later

Great foundation starts with great skin. Makeup artist Dana Delaney swears by light exfoliation to remove dead skin cells that cause uneven texture. She reaches for glycolic acid pads (like Pixi’s Glow Peel Pads) and follows with a soothing balm on dry patches. Her advice: don’t overload on skincare before makeup. Stick to products that absorb well instead of sitting on top of your skin. “That’s what causes product to roll off,” she explains.

2. The Hands-On Approach

Forget the fancy brushes and sponges—sometimes, your fingers are the best tool you have. Roya Shariat from Glossier applies her base with her hands for a natural finish, starting with a glow-boosting primer and using foundation only where she needs it. “I focus on my cheeks, nose, and chin, then lightly pat the rest so it blends evenly,” she says. Not only does this cut down on product, it also ensures foundation melts seamlessly into skin.

3. Hydrate Like It’s Winter Every Day

Cold weather makes dry skin unavoidable, but according to makeup artist Ingeborg, the fix works year-round: “Moisturized skin is the best foundation primer.” She relies on deeply hydrating creams, like Avène’s Crème for Intolerant Skin, before applying makeup. For those loyal to primers, she recommends the classic Laura Mercier version for its lightweight texture and smooth finish.

4. Less Really Is More

Over-applying foundation is the fastest way to look cakey. For Ivy Kenton, a single pump (or less) is enough. She dots it sparingly across her face, then taps it in with a dense brush for a skin-like finish. “I never rub—tapping is key,” she emphasizes. A quick spritz of rose water afterward helps keep the look fresh and hydrated.

5. Warm It Up

Makeup artist Mimi Quiquine believes the warmth of your hands is a secret weapon. She applies both primer and foundation with her fingertips, first warming them on the back of her hand. “You don’t want it hovering above the skin,” she explains. The result is a smoother, more natural blend that looks like second skin.

6. Double Down on Prep

If you struggle with oily spots and dryness at the same time, makeup artist Lynsey Alexander suggests a dual strategy: hydrating primer everywhere, mattifying serum just on the T-zone. This “one-two punch” ensures foundation grips where you need it while keeping shine under control.

7. Sensitive Skin? Mix and Match

For those prone to irritation, less is again more. Makeup artist Jenn Collins preps her skin with hyaluronic acid and a calming moisturizer before thinning her foundation with a tiny drop of cream in her palms. Blending with her hands warms the formula, creating a lighter, smoother finish that doesn’t stress her skin.

8. Speed Is Your Friend

When time is short, Ashley Weatherford cuts corners without cutting quality. Her trick: sunscreen first, foundation last. Letting SPF dry prevents the dreaded orange cast. Then, she applies the smallest possible amount of foundation, dotting just the center of her face. “I skip my forehead and edges entirely—bronzer handles that,” she says.

9. Lock It In

Celebrity makeup artist Sir John recommends layering foundation while skin is still slightly damp from moisturizer. “As it dries, the foundation sets naturally,” he explains. He prefers lightweight formulas applied with a damp sponge for an airbrushed finish that lasts. For an extra boost, he sometimes uses jade or quartz rollers beforehand to stimulate circulation and prep the skin.

10. Go the Extra Mile

If you have the time and patience, makeup artist Alana Wright recommends a full skincare ritual before foundation: toner to gently exfoliate, hydrating mists for glow, rich creams for moisture, and oil-control treatments only where necessary. Her final touch is a primer that makes foundation more flexible, ensuring it moves with the skin instead of sitting on top.

The Bottom Line

The real secret to foundation isn’t about the product itself—it’s about what comes before and how you use it. Smooth, hydrated skin will always trump heavy coverage. A pea-sized amount often works better than a pump and a half. And whether you prefer brushes, sponges, or your fingers, the goal is the same: making makeup look like you.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed standing in front of the mirror with bottle in hand, remember—foundation isn’t about hiding. It’s about enhancing. And with these pro tips, you’ll look good from every angle.