Ever applied your foundation perfectly only to find it sliding off your face by lunchtime? You're not alone - and according to top celebrity makeup artist Hannah Martin, there's one common mistake most of us are making that's sabotaging our makeup from the start.
The Foundation Faux Pas We're All Guilty Of
In an exclusive revelation that's set to transform your beauty routine, Martin explains that the error lies not in the foundation itself, but in what we're putting on our skin beforehand. "The biggest mistake I see is people applying their foundation directly after their skincare," the makeup maestro reveals.
Why Timing Is Everything
Martin emphasises that rushing from skincare to foundation application is where everything goes wrong. "If you apply foundation to skin that's still damp or tacky from your serums and moisturisers, it's going to break down much faster," she explains.
The solution? A simple waiting game that makes all the difference. "You need to allow your skincare to properly absorb - I'm talking a good five minutes," Martin advises. "That moment of patience means your foundation will sit on properly hydrated skin rather than mixing with your skincare products."
The Professional's Step-by-Step Guide To Perfect Foundation
- Complete your full skincare routine - cleanse, serum, moisturiser, the works
- Set a timer for 5 minutes - use this time to brush your teeth or style your hair
- Check your skin is completely dry - no tacky residue remaining
- Apply foundation as normal - watch how much better it blends and lasts
The Results Speak For Themselves
This simple adjustment promises remarkable improvements in your makeup's performance. According to Martin, properly prepped skin means your foundation will:
- Last significantly longer throughout the day
- Apply more evenly without patchiness
- Require less product for better coverage
- Look more like skin and less like makeup
Martin, who counts numerous A-list celebrities among her clients, stresses that this technique works regardless of your skin type or the foundation formula you prefer. "Whether you're using a light tinted moisturiser or full coverage foundation, this waiting period is non-negotiable for professional results," she affirms.
Beyond Foundation: Martin's Top Beauty Wisdom
The celebrated makeup artist also shared that this principle applies to other makeup steps too. "The same goes for primer if you use one - let it set properly before moving on to foundation," she adds.
For those struggling with makeup that never seems to last, this could be the transformative tip you've been searching for. As Martin wisely notes, "Great makeup starts with great preparation. That five-minute wait might feel inconvenient initially, but when you see how much better your foundation looks and lasts, you'll never skip it again."