Imagine having a professional makeup artist available at your beck and call 24/7 to work their beauty magic for whenever you need to leave your home. A girl can dream, right? Unless you have a love of makeup or understand cosmetics, applying foundation can be a difficult morning routine. Let’s face it. We all have busy lifestyles and unfortunately don’t necessarily have all the time in the world to focus on our outer beauty. Good news! It doesn’t take a whole lot of time (or even a fancy airbrush machine or hundreds of dollars) to achieve a flawless look.

Foundation application may seem like a beauty basic, but when it’s applied more precisely, it can be THE secret to enhancing your natural beauty. Have you ever seen someone unblended makeup, mismatched foundation, visible lines, or worse, caked-on product? Hopefully this has never been you! Before you even open your makeup bag, learn how to apply your foundation and even out your skin tone to make others say, “Wow. Her makeup looks REALLY good!” After all, beautiful glowing skin is the best bridal beauty asset you can flaunt confidently at every event leading up to your magical day.

Photography by One Perfect Moment

1. Before you even start your makeup application, prep your skin by washing your face a good face cleanser. (We love how the Clarisonic Aria gently massages away makeup, dirt, and oil while reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes.) After cleansing, it’s important to put nutrients back in your skin with a great moisturizer to condition and hydrate the skin.

2. Next, apply a primer to help your foundation stay in place. “The primer will water-proof your skin, smoothing it out and preparing it for your next step,” reveals professional on-location makeup artist Melissa D’Aloia. Tarte’s Clean Slate Flawless 12-hour brightening primer does exactly what its name suggests. This product brightens the skin for a glowing complexion. Not only is it lightweight and nongreasy, but it has a fabulous, energizing scent! *Tip: If you love an all-in-one product, try a BB Cream (beauty balm) in place of a traditional primer. This multitasking product moisturizes, corrects, and provides SPF in a one-step process.

Photography by The Studio Photographers

3. Let’s face it. Everyone has imperfections that are problematic, from redness and blotches to blemishes and sunspots. Hide dark circles under your eyes and other imperfections with a great concealer. Jessica Scantlin, pro-artist at Blushington, suggests a creamy product for the under-eye area as it will give a more youthful look. “Choose a color that will brighten [this area and apply the product] with your ring finger to melt the concealer into your skin,” reveals Scantlin. We love Kevyn Aucoin’s The Sensual Skin Enhancer for under the eyes and Select Cover Concealer by for blemishes.

4. First, find your foundation color by testing shades from your jawbone to your neck. Be sure to match your color by looking in the best light possible. (Need some help? Visit your favorite makeup counter and ask a pro-artist for assistance.) For those who want full coverage, opt for a liquid formula and apply with a few dabs over your face. Remember, less is more. You can always add additional product as needed. * Tip : Blend the foundation with a damp Beautyblender for a flawless, consistent finish. Don’t forget to blend your foundation into the neckline and hairline to avoid obvious lines. If you tend to have oily skin, Viviana Martin, Kevyn Aucoin pro-artist, recommends a powder foundation for a matte finish.

5. Apply a blush to the apples of your cheeks and bronzer for that extra glow; however, use in light moderation. “For a contouring effect, use a bronzer on the jawline and cheekbone area, lightly on the forehead and down the nose area,” shares on-location makeup artist Melissa D’Aloia. Finish and set your makeup with a light dusting of translucent powder.

Follow these five easy steps and you’ll perfect your face makeup in no time for a white-carpet-ready look!