Get compliments on your makeup, not your foundation. So goes a beauty quote. The right foundation should be invisible on your face. But then, everyone makes mistakes with their makeup. You might not always get it right the first time. Be it the concealer, lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, blush, or bronzer.

It takes time, some clumsy moments, many snafus, and a lot of practice to get your face look polished and neat after makeup. Well, one can start with the basics here. Try to avoid these seven common skin foundation mistakes.

1. Not prepping your skin
Before starting to wear makeup, one of the essential steps is to have a clean face. A clean canvas ensures an impeccably beautiful end product. So wash your face with a mild face wash, or use an exfoliating cream once a week to remove dead skin cells. Then use a light moisturizer to make sure your facial skin is not dry and flaky as a smooth, hydrated skin results in a lustrous look.

2. Not using the right makeup tools
Unless you use the right brush, buffer, or sponge, whatever foundation you choose to apply on your skin might not sit well.

3. Not using a primer
Not using a primer or using the wrong one can ruin the perfect finish to your makeup. A primer makes the makeup stay on longer and ensures a smooth base for it. It is also essential that you choose the right primer-foundation combination because not all combinations work well.

4. Using the wrong shade of foundation
While searching for the right foundation shade for your complexion, remember your undertone as well. Depending on whether you have a warm, cool, or mixed undertone, you should use pink, yellow, or neutral foundation, respectively. If you use a foundation shade that is too light for your skin, you might look pale or ashy. If you use a dark shade, you might appear too fake or made-up.

5. Not changing foundations as per seasons
Remember that it is not just your wardrobe you change with the weather. Your makeup also must be altered to suit the weather, as your skin looks different in summer and winter. The cold weather might make your skin appear light and pasty, while in summer, the harsh UV rays might make your face look dark and lusterless. It would help if you changed your foundation as per the seasons.

6. Using the wrong coverage
If you have mature skin or one that is absolutely clear, a light foundation is ideal. But if you intend to cover any blemishes, dark circles, or spots on your face, a full coverage foundation is what you need. Using the wrong coverage might not conceal flaws. Instead, the foundation might get lodged deeply into the pores and wrinkles on your face and make you appear ghastly.