My MAC MA just introduced me to Studio Stick last week as we were trying to recreate a summer look I found in a magazine. I was reluctant because I've always been afraid of having my make-up look cakey. She told me the key is to have super moisturized skin & blending
here's the rundown for getting perfect professional make up artist application
you will need:
studio stick foundation
*studio stick concealer
*fix+ spray
*moisturizer
primer
invisible powder (or any setting transluscent powder)
latex sponge
#190 foundation brush
#187 duo fibre brush
any large shader brush ie. #249 or #252
buffer brush (ie. #183 kabuki)
optional:
matte (for t zone)
here are the steps starting from bare clean skin:
1) spray fix+ onto latex sponge and apply generously evenly all over the face (this is what really locks in the moisture she told me)
2) apply a good moisturizer (she used studio moisture cream applied with the 190 foundation brush)
3) next is prep + prime spf 50 (190 brush)
4) apply matte to t-zone (190 brush or 252)
5) apply studio stick foundation. I draw a line across the middle of my forehead, a line the length of my nose and a "3" shape on each side of my face (from temple, cheek , jaw/chin ... does that make sense?) also less is more cause you can always build it up if it's not enough
6) now the hard work... using your 190 brush, use short strokes to blend the lines you just drew from the middle ->outward until they 'meet' at the edges & there are no more lines and it's even
7) studio stick concealer under the eyes and a little dab on any trouble spots . she told me the texture of these two products work really well with each other) blended with the 190 or 252 brush
9) I went back with a buffer brush (my baby buki) to make sure everything was perfectly even
10) lightly set with invisible powder (or your choice of translucent) using #187 brush
hope that helps!