Foundation Fundamentals
1. What types of foundations are available?
Creme foundations
Creme foundations are usually the top choice of most makeup
artists. Available in sticks and compacts, these provide very
good facial coverage. This consistency and texture deliver a
rich and perfect finish that can be applied easily resulting to
a fine complexion.
Liquid foundations
Offering sheer and complete facial coverage, it gives the face a
very natural appearance. Available in oil based and water based
formulations, this is preferred by most women since it can be
easily applied and matches the skin well, almost resembling the
skin itself. To get a foundation that will perfectly match your
complexion, make sure to select one that is based with the color
yellow.
Dual active powder foundation
These are so called quick fix foundations, that starts as cream
that is applied and spread over the face easily ending in a
powder form. Having this function, it is a powder and a
foundation all in one.
2. What foundation is best for my skin?
Facial foundation for normal skin
In the selection of a foundation for normal skin, there are a
lot of things to be considered, as there are so many lines of
cosmetic foundations available, and in various shades. Often,
their main difference is their price. The label will be your
best guide. Read the label and make sure it is for dry to normal
skin and that it is nonacnegenic so that it will not clog your
pores.
Facial foundation for acne prone or oily skin
For oily skin, the best foundation to use is water-based. These
usually come in liquid form, and they offer sheer and total
facial coverage, with the downside of lasting for only a maximum
of four hours. This problem can be very well addressed by using
a loose powder after application of the foundation to help the
foundation last longer as well as absorb excess oils. A product
labeled as oil controlling is great for oily skin. Again, choose
a product that is nonacnegenic, as this will ensure you of
unclogged pores and will not worsen your acne condition. For
oily skin type, find labels such as oil free or oil controlling
on a product - usually these products are water based.
Facial foundation for dry or sensitive skin
For dry or sensitive skin, cream based is often recommended, the
ones with with moisturizing benefits. As they provide full
coverage on the face, they too can stay longer. Keep in mind
that before any makeup is applied on the face, the face should
be cleaned thoroughly using a mild facial wash along with a
moisturizing cream; this also enables one to apply the
foundation easily as the moisturizer will help to smoothen the
foundation. For dry skin, a moisturizing foundation is best,
such labels as moisture rich or hydrating are to be looked for.
Foundation for combination skin
For combination skin, select a product labeled as skin
balancing, which would be perfect for this kind of skin type. If
you can't find such a product, a combination of liquid
foundation and a powder in translucent form will help take off
the shine on your T-zone. For combination skin, you have to know
if you have skin more on the oily side, or the dry side and
select the appropriate formulation - foundations that are
cream-to-powder based are recommended for this type of skin.
3. Choosing your foundation:
- Know what type of skin you have. Before you shop for the right
foundation shade you need to determine first what formulation is
right for your skin; is your skin dry? Oily? Or a combination of
both? - Remember to go without any foundation on. Your face
should be clean so that you can easily test a shade on your face
and see clearly whether it matches your skin tone or not. - Pick
out three or four shades that you think match your skin tone.
They need to look as natural as possible. Usually, the yellowish
based shades will give all skin tones a natural look. For a very
light or fair skin, a pink shade of foundation will be best.
-Test the foundation by applying a small amount near your
jawline (not on your wrist!), then decide. - Study the shade of
your foundation as to the shade on your jawline. Examine it
carefully with a mirror in an open window, where there is
natural light. The shade to choose is the shade that you can not
see, as it blends well on your skin.
It is best that you buy a foundation in a small container first.
Once you're home, try it out again. Return it if you feel the
shade isn't right. Then if it is perfect for you, you can go
ahead and buy a bigger container.