The reason to wear foundation is to even out your skin, but it can often go very wrong. As a makeup artist, I have never been a fan of creating a mask to hide your skin or of applying anything unnatural looking. I prefer skin that is even, healthy and a bit dewey. For me, the right moisturizer gives skin a lift and the right foundation (when strategically applied) evens skin out.

Here is what you need to do to get a natural finish and look your best:

1. Skin

Look at your skin — is it dry? Dehydrated? Oily? Are there brown spots, rosacea, blemishes? Start by choosing a moisturizer that works with your skin type and keeps your skin hydrated. (If you are super dehydrated make sure you are also hydrated from the inside out and drink some water!)

2. Color

Does the foundation disappear when applied to the side of your face? If you want it to look natural, it has to. Always swatch colors where you’ll be applying them — you won’t know if the shade is right if you’re only looking at it on the back of your hand. If you have redness, look for shades with a yellow undertone to help get rid of it.

3. Texture

I like a sheer product because I don’t love a flat, flawless face. The looks you often see on social media are covering the beauty of the skin — I love when freckles show through. You can always adjust the density of the product with your hands or by mixing it with a moisturizer. If the foundation still doesn’t look natural, you can pat moisturizer on top using the palm of your hand.

4. Application

When it comes to foundation, I like to spot apply and only use it on the areas I really need it. You can start by applying a sheer formula in the right texture for your skin and use it to even out any redness (often around the nose and near any blemishes). Foundation sticks and pencils are also great for spots that need denser, fuller coverage.

Right now, I am currently eyeing the Kosås Tinted Oil Foundation, as my skin is super dry; the RMS Un-Cover Up, which is sheer and comes in great colors; Everything Pencils to spot correct; and Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick from Gucci Westman’s new collection, because she knows skin.