How to Fake Flawless Skin with Makeup

You can have the most flawless makeup look, complete with jaw-dropping winged liner, a perfectly executed cut crease, and eyebrows on fleek, but unless you have equally flawless skin, your whole look can appear off-kilter. Whether you’re looking to rock the no makeup, makeup trend or get dolled up for a night out, the key to your best skin is all in the way you prep it. So, while using a lightweight BB cream or tinted moisturizer might seem like a fuss-free way to cut corners, if you’re in need of more perfecting, a full-coverage concealer—and some prep work—might be necessary. Follow the trusty tutorial below to get perfect skin with the help of the right makeup products.

STEP #1: PREP YOUR SKIN BEFORE APPLYING MAKEUP

Before you even think about reaching into your makeup bag, it’s important to cleanse and hydrate your face. Want a gentle cleansing option? Micellar water has been beloved by the French for years—and for good reason. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles (oil molecules) that act like a magnet to lift dirt, oil, and makeup away from the skin. Try using one formulated for your skin type, like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser - Normal/Oily Skin or L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types. To use, saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe it across your face.

Next up is moisturizer—and yes, you should use moisturizer even if you have oily skin! Try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin. These water-based moisturizers are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration. Pro tip: Apply your moisturizer to damp skin after cleansing to help lock in hydration—a must for flawless skin.

STEP #2: MIX YOUR PRIMER AND FOUNDATION

Now, it’s time to move on to makeup! Instead of prepping your face with primer before layering on foundation, mix the two products together. Always skip primer? Not so fast! Makeup primer can help to create an even canvas for applying the rest of your makeup and make your makeup look last longer.

Mix a little bit of the L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer with some of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight (a long-lasting foundation) on the back of your hand. Mixed with foundation, this particular primer can help to create a soft light illusion. Using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, transfer the mixture from the back of your hand to your face with dabbing and rolling motions. Be sure to extend coverage down your neck and behind your ears to avoid any harsh lines of demarcation.

Editor’s tip: Want radiant, glowing skin? Add the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi™ Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops to your foundation and primer mix for a dewy look.

STEP #3: APPLY CONCEALER

Next, apply concealer under your eyes in upside-down triangles, around your nose, and in any areas with imperfections or discolorations you’d like to hide. Use quick dabbing motions with your makeup sponge to blend. If you plan on highlighting, blot concealer anywhere you want to glow—this can help give your highlighter extra staying power. Use a full-coverage formula, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer Waterproof, Full Coverage, to boost your flawless skin look.

STEP #4: COVER WITH POWDER

After you’ve concealed all the necessary areas of your face, use a large fluffy brush to sweep loose setting powder onto your forehead, chin, and under-eye area. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder.

STEP #5: SPRITZ ON A SETTING SPRAY

To complete your look, grab a bottle of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray and Set Make-Up Oil-Free Setting Spray. This micro-fine spray helps to set makeup after you’re done applying. To use, hold the bottle eight to ten inches away from your face, close your eyes, and spray four to six times in 'X' and 'T' motions. Gorgeous!

While makeup is a quick fix, you can also update your skin care routine to help achieve a beautiful, flawless complexion. Read our article, Your 10-Minute Routine for Beautiful Skin, to find out how.