In my make-up lessons so many women struggle to find the right foundation but it needn’t be an arduous task if you follow my easy guide
How to choose the right one…
Choosing the right foundation is one of the hardest things. Get it right and you’ll look fantastic, get it wrong and none of your make-up however good, will look right. So before you head to the beauty counter, do the following that way you won’t be
daunted by the huge amount of products to choose from.
WHAT TYPE OF FOUNDATION SUITS YOUR SKIN TYPE?
Dry skin…
Would benefit using a moisturising foundation or a liquid mineral foundation, one that has
a dewy, light reflective finish.
Avoid powder / foundation in one.
Combination skin…
This skin type is very lucky because they can use any type of foundation depending on the type of look they want. Liquid or powder mineral foundation are a good choice.
Problem or oily skin…
A problem skin would benefit from an oil-free foundation, some cream to powder foundations (some of the new ones are oil-free) and powder / foundation in one. Or matte mineral powder foundations.
They should avoid any creamy, moisturising foundations or light reflective ones. Also try an oil absorbing primer.
Mature skin…
A hydrating foundation or light reflecting one would be best for a mature skin. A cream to powder could also be good depending on the amount of coverage you need. Look for ones with a semi-matte or dewy finish that are not too heavy.
Avoid anything too heavy, opaque or matte as this can be very ageing. A liquid mineral foundation would look fantastic.
A line filling skin smoothing primer under your foundation would help your complexion look great.
Different coverages and finishes
Coverage: Sheer (hardly anything, great for young near perfect skin), Light ( a bit more cover great for someone who just wants to even out their complexion, good for dry, combination or mature skin), Medium ( moderate cover for a slightly less than
perfect complexion, good for all skin types), Opaque ( maximum cover for those skins which need it, i.e. scars, broken veins, birth marks, most suitable skin types apart from mature and very dry).
Next choose the type of finish you would like: Shiny is best only on youthful flawless skin. Dewy/Moist is suitable for all skin types other than problem/oily. Demi-matte this is a great for all skin types. Matte is best for problem/oily and combination skin.
At the Counter
Having chosen the appropriate foundation, based on skin type, preferred finish and coverage, you are now ready to find the perfect colour. To find the right colour, apply a stripe of foundation on your chin, not on
the back of your hand. The colour is NEVER the same.
Leave it to settle for a couple of minutes to see if the colour changes when the foundation reacts with your skins natural oils. Now check it in natural day light, thisis the only true light.
The foundation colour that you DON’T see is the right one. Don’t be tempted to alter
your skin colour with foundation, it will just look false-mask like. You may find that
you have to mix two foundations together to the perfect shade for you, don’t worry
Make-up Artists do this all the time.
Tips for a flawless complexion…
• Foundation needn’t look false or mask like if applied properly. Although all
foundations are slightly different, the method of application is similar.
• Start with a cleansed face, allow your moisturiser to absorb.
• Then prime your skin (If needed). You can apply your foundation straight after primer, primers don’t need to absorb into the skin.
• Now you are ready for foundation.
• Place a little foundation in the palm of your hand, this helps warm it to skin
temperature, so it goes easily. Using either your fingers or brush apply foundation to the cheeks, nose and
chin. Always apply in a downward motion starting in the centre and blending out
toward the edges. You needn’t wear foundation all over your face like a mask, if the
colour and texture are right then use it only where you need it (most don’t need
any on the forehead).
