Foundation 101: Choosing the right one

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Every girl wants the infamous flawless face and it is this that makeup artists and women across the globe strive to achieve everyday. The flawless face can involve any or all of the following basic products:

1)Primer

2)Foundation

3)Concealer

4)Powder

The main area that causes women the most heart-ache is trying to find the right foundation for their skin(colour and formulation). This post is here to help you with choosing the right foundation for you.

If you are going to wear foundation, primer is a must. Put a cent-size amount in your palm, spread it over your fingers and gently massage the product over your entire face, just as you would your moisturiser. If you have sensitive eyes avoid this area, however if you can tolerate it it is a great base for your eye makeup (there is also a specific eyelid primer available, check back here for future posts about eye makeup application). Primer seals in your moisturiser and provides a smooth surface for foundation. It also keeps your makeup from being absorbed by the skin, giving your makeup greater staying power throughout the day. I am a big fan of Inglot's Under Makeup Base, read my full review here.

In order to choose the best foundation for your skin type we need to look at two things 1)The colour of the foundation and 2)The formulation of the product.

1)CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR OF FOUNDATION:

To be sure you have got the perfect shade for you, pick three colours from the same range that are closest to your complexion tone. Put a small stripe of each on the skin right above the jawline. The one that seems to disappear is the best colour for you. Its also advisable to look at this in a natural sun light as the artificial lights of shops can be deceiving. Be sure to carry a hand mirror when shopping for foundation so you can go outside and look at the foundation in the natural light. Also do not be afraid to ask the sales assistant for a sample of the product so you can take it home and try it in your own comfort. This is highly recommended for anyone with oily/combination skin as alot of foundations tend to mix with the oils in your skin and get darker as they settle into the skin. If this is the case you may need to go a shade lighter to compensate for this. 

If your skin colour on your face, neck and chest do not match, you may have to adjust the foundation for them to blend evenly. You can bring all the tones in line by adding a darker foundation or tinted moisturiser to your existing foundation so your face can match a darker chest for example. You can also use this trick in the summer if you have a nice tan and your foundation doesn't match your skin anymore or also if you protect your face but have a tan elsewhere. Adding a touch of liquid bronzer (Estee Lauder do a beautiful one) to your foundation adds a sunkissed look to your skin. This can also be done with a liquid highlighter which will add some light reflecting particles to your foundation to give you a glowing look (but be careful not to overdo it as this can look very shiny if too much is applied). Also adding a moistuiser to a foundation makes the consistency more sheer and often people like this during the day and then use the foundation at night when heavier coverage is wanted.

2)CHOOSING THE RIGHT FORMULATION FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE:

There are 7 main textures of foundation. Each one is specially formulated to meet the needs of specific skin types.

1. Cream Foundation is ideal for: Normal, combination and dry skin. There are also oil free cream foundations which are perfect for oilier skins. It is especially well suited for women with uneven pigmentation and acne, or those requiring a heavier coverage.

Coverage: Medium to full.

Finish: Dewy to Matte depending on product you choose. The oil free formulas tend to be more mattifying.

What it does: Covers and conceals discolorations and  imperfections on the skin providing a flawless finish.

Application: Use a make up sponge or a foundation/kabuki brush.

Example of Foundation: Laura Mercier Silk Cream Foundation

2. Liquid Foundation is ideal for: All Skin types, if you have very oily skin you should only use oil free liquid foundations. It is especially well suited for dry or mature skin.

Coverage: Light to medium

Finish: Dewy, satin or matte depending on the formulation.

What it does: Evens out the skin tone by smoothing out any unevenness. It also provides added moisture to the skin.

Application: Use a make up sponge or a foundation/kabuki brush.

Example of Foundation: Mac Studio Fix Fluid

3. Pressed powder foundation is ideal for: Oily skin

Coverage: Medium to Full.

Finish: Matte.

What it does: Evens out the skin tone, hides imperfections and absorbs excess oil.

Application: Use a powder/kabuki brush. The denser the bristles, the more product will be deposited on the skin.

Example of Foundation: Mac Studio Fix Powder

4. Mineral foundation is ideal for: All skin types. It is especially well suited for those with sensitive skin or rosacea.

Coverage: Light to medium

Finish: Matte.

What it does: Evens out the skin tone, moisturizes, protects and absorbs excess oil.

Application: Use a kabuki brush to buff it on.

Example of Foundation: Bare Minerals Powders

5. Tinted Moisturiser is ideal for: Normal and dry skin. It is especially well suited for those who need extra hydration and just a touch of color to pull everything together.

Coverage: Sheer to light.

What it does: Lightly evens out the skin tone, while giving a “no make up” look.

Application: Use a foundation brush or your clean fingers.

Example of Foundation: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser

6. Stick Foundation is ideal for: All skin types (except oily)

Coverage: Medium to Full

What it does: Can be used to even out the skin only in areas where coverage is needed or can be blended all over the face for a more full coverage finish.

Application: Apply from the stick and blend with a damp makeup sponge

Example of Foundation: Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation

7: BB Creams are ideal for : All skin types as there is a formula for every skin type

Coverage: Sheer to Light

What it does: Provides a small amount of coverage while at the same time has added skincare benefits. It's an all round product that replaces moisturisers, serums and tinted moisturisers in your daily routine

Application: Apply with clean fingers or for more coverage apply with a Kabuki brush

Example of Foundation: Dr Jart+ BB Cream

Whatever your skin type, you have a variety of choices. Pick the one that is best for you and start reaping the benefits today.

I really hope you found this post helpful and stay tuned for my next few posts in the foundation 101 series. Still to come is the best tools to apply your foundation with and then my tried and tested foundations which will give you an insight into my honest opinion of the foundations I have tried throughout the years.

Have a wonderful day xxxx