Your foundation is the base of your make-up look. Thus, it is important that you get it right and choose the best one for you. In this post, I will be sharing my guide to the best formula for you. Also, what you should look for when shopping for your next foundation and how to apply it.
Identify Your Skin’s Needs
Every foundation boosts skincare benefits for our individual needs. This is why it is helpful to know your skin type, in order to see the best results from a foundation.
Oily skin is caused by excess sebum being produced, you can identify this by noticing extra moisture and shine on your skin. Alternatively, take a magnifying mirror and look at your chin and nose for clogged pores and/or blackheads – these are a key sign of congestion.
If you are on the opposite end of the spectrum and feel you have dehydrated or dry skin, it is worth knowing that they are not the same thing. Dehydrated skin is lacking in water and this can occur to skin of any type. Whereas, dry is a skin type which naturally lacks oil.
Finally, if you are in between both and have dry skin with oily patches or visa versa this means you have combination skin.
Choose The Correct Formula And Finish
Almost all foundations we buy have a silicone or water base, that determines how the product interacts with our skin.
- If you have oily skin look for a foundation with a silicone base and with mattifying benefit to help control the shine.
- For a dry skin type, pick products that are infused with oils and vitamin C or E.
- For dehydrated skin, choose a water-based foundation to put the moisture back into your skin.
Now you have selected the right formula, it is time to decide on the finish. You should make your decision based on your skin’s needs and what you’re aiming to achieve.
For example, if you have pigmentation or visible veins you may want to choose a full coverage foundation to conceal these. Whereas, if you have a more even skin tone you could opt for a lighter sheer coverage foundation, paired with a concealer for any blemishes.
Perfecting The Color Match
There is nothing worse than getting the completely wrong colour, that leaves you either looking washed out or too dark against the rest of your body, with the dreaded ring of color around you face – not the look you’re going for.
To avoid this, I would always recommend never buying a new foundation online. Instead, always go to a beauty hall. The make-up artist can also help you choose the correct formula if you are still unsure.
When you are choosing a color, try three shades, one that should look the closest to your skin color, one slightly lighter and one warmer. These colors should be tested on your jawline, and you should compare them to your chest, so your face matches the rest of your body.
To decide on the correct shade, take a mirror and stand near the window for natural daylight (if possible) and the shade you cannot see when it is blended is the right one for you.
Select Your Tool
Using your fingers to apply your foundation can work if you have no tools, but let’s be honest it’s a messy way to apply your make-up. Especially, when there are so many great tools to choose from.
The two I would recommend are a sponge blender or a brush. I find these tools help to ‘push’ the product into your skin for a well-blended and natural look. Sponge blenders are available in an array of different shapes, for your foundation I would recommend the teardrop shaped one.
When it comes to using a brush select one based on the finish you’re aiming to achieve, for a lighter base a duo fibre one is the most suitable.
For a fuller finish, you should opt for a flat top brush and a sheer foundation. Use a domed brush, as this will stop the need to overwork the blending – which could otherwise result in the dreaded patchiness.
Applying Your Foundation
To achieve a flawless face of foundation it is all in the technique. It is also important to remember that as with cooking, it is easier to add more than it is to take away. With that in mind, I would recommend starting with a few blobs of the product around the nose, chin and forehead – these are the areas where we often require the most coverage.
If you are applying foundation using a sponge blender, dampen the blender with water first. This will make it easier to spread and blend the product. You can then use the brush or sponge blender to work the product outwards towards your jaw, down your neck, and around your face.
I would recommend blending for at least forty seconds. This is to ensure the product is thoroughly spread. And then, look at your face in natural lighting before deciding if more product needs to be added. After all, you don’t want your face to become cakey from too much product.
Setting Your Look
After applying your foundation and the rest of your make-up, it is now time to set your make-up in place to ensure it stays put for the day. You can use a powder or a setting spray to do this, if you choose a powder go for one which is creamy but fine, this will prevent it from making your make-up from sinking into any fine lines.
If you go for a setting spray, look out for one that is beneficial for your skin tone. Examples of this are a hydrating one for dehydrated skin or a shine-free one for oily skin types. If they are available in a travel-size bottle, I would recommend getting this one. This is so you can keep it in your handbag to spray on your face throughout the day to freshen up and give your make-up a new lease of life.
I hope this post helps you with your foundation shopping and when it comes to applying it. What is your favourite foundation? Check if you are making the right choice based on my suggestions.
