We used our time with make-up artist Jade Leggat to get a few insider tips and tricks. One hot topic was foundation. It’s our belief that so many SA women use far too much base – and even if they don’t really need to. Even as professionals in beauty, we often go for days without wearing any foundation, just to give the skin a chance to breathe.

Some might think we are brave (others, crazy) but we have learnt that if we are having a good skin day, it’s best to either not cover up at all or just cover what we need to. Jade’s approach is this: foundation should only even out your complexion and not cover up your skin.

Jade’s best foundation application tip is to apply your make-up to the middle area of your face and then blend it outwards. In other words, she works outwards, covering only what she needs to, blending the foundation into the skin completely.

So, what does she use to blend? Jade’s favourite tools are a foundation brush and a wedge shaped sponge.

So, here’s how: using a sheer moisturising foundation (great for glow) sweep the make-up over your skin with a foundation brush (from the middle outwards) and then use your sponge to go over areas where more blending is required. The result should be an evened out skin tone and no sign of any foundation ‘sitting’ on your skin.

Another great tip is to swap your usual foundation for something much lighter in texture such as a tinted moisturizer. We were thrilled to sample Elizabeth Arden new Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 (yay to the SPF!) that will sell for R235 – a super texture and great finish. Look out for it on counter next month.