Image: Huda Beauty

From fun tricks to get more out of your liquid foundation to the clever ways to pros apply it, here are 3 genius foundation tricks we’ve learned from celeb makeup artists Katie Jane Hughes and Sir John. 

1) Customise Your Base

At this time of year, a full-coverage liquid foundation might feel a bit heavy. Using the back of your hand like an artist uses a palette for mixing, combine a little of your base with a moisturiser or oil, this will give you a sheerer coverage and dewy finish. You can experiment with the cream to foundation ratio that works for you.

If you find that your foundation is a little too pale in the summer months, you could try mixing it with a little cream bronzer, like Huda Beauty Tantour, €29.99, as well. In a pinch, you could even mix a little lipstick with your foundation to create a cream blush, a trick we learnt from Ashley Graham’s makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes.

2) Be Strategic

Do you tend to apply a blanket coverage of foundation? Instead, really look at your face and just apply foundation where you feel like you need it. If you have great skin, show it off! Katie is the master at this, she uses a small brush to apply her foundation only where she needs it and her complexion always looks incredible.

3) Barely-There Brush Strokes

If you tend to apply your foundation with a brush, try holding the handle at the far end, away from the bristles. It might take a little getting used to, but this is how makeup artist Sir John (and the man Beyonce has on speed dial) applies all products to create sheer, light layers that he builds up. If you apply makeup with a lighter touch, you’ll use less product. Plus, building up lighter layers last longer than applying one thick layer.

In need of a new foundation? Shop our favourites below...

Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation, €39.99

A full-coverage, velvety, foundation this comes in 30 shades and won't require touch-ups.

Kevyn Aucoin The Etherialist, €62

Packed with pearl pigments and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight luminous-boosting foundation hydrates and boost glow. 

Stila Stay All Day Foundation & Concealer, €36.50

A matte, oil-free, lightweight and pigment-rich foundation that does stay put all day, it also has a matching concealer in the lid making it travel-friendly too. 

Next, not sure how to find your perfect foundation shade? Here's how to meet your match.