The right foundation can do wonders for your face. Even with minimal eye makeup and blush, the right foundation sets the base for a fantastic glow to help let your natural glow shine through.
When buying foundation, you must first consider the type of skin you have. If you have dry skin, you will need a foundation with a creamy formulation or with additional moisturizers. If your skin is oily, an oil-free foundation will minimize shine and will keep you looking fresher for longer.
Second, remember that different looks will need different kinds and consistencies of foundation so you may have to purchase two kinds. These foundations work to give you the look you want to achieve, from a light tinted sheen to a more matte party look. There are also satiny finishes and heavier shades, so decide what you need the foundation for.
A liquid foundation would be the ideal choice for most women because they have a versatility and blendability that easily suits most skin types. They are also easier to use and last for at least two years. These bottles foundations come in oil and water bases. If your skin is oily, you may opt for a water-based foundation that blends easily and gives skin a subtle glow. They contain a slight amount of silicon oil and emollient and offer breathable coverage for daywear. These are also the best foundation choices for most women of color. Oil based foundations, on the other hand, work well for mature and wrinkled skin. Though they are greasier and thicker than the water-based kind, they work very well for women who want to make their skin appear moist and dewy.
When you go out to buy a liquid foundation, it is always important to test the color. Swipe a small amount on the base of your jaw (this is the most accurate facial color). Don't be fooled by the way it looks - most foundations look darker while still in the bottle.
Gently pat the foundation into the jawline and then blend it outward with your finger or a sponge. The right foundation will dissolve into your skin and should not stand out too dramatically from your face or your shoulders. It's sometimes difficult to find the "perfect" shade, so you might have to ask assistance in blending two shades together. Or check out other brands until you find the right shade for you. Don't buy the bottle immediately, rather, go out for a walk around the store to give the foundation a "road test". Check the foundation when you get to a place with natural light. Also try to feel its consistency after half an hour, so you can see how your skin reacts to the product.
If you are Asian or Caucasian, the best foundations for you would be those with yellow undertones. Asians also respond well to tinted moisturizers because it works well in Asian climates. Hispanics need foundations with dark yellow or orangey undertones. African-American skin is enhanced by using a combination of medium and dark shaded. The general rule is that darker skin will need darker shades of yellow.
Foundations today have a lot of extra benefits, like built-in sunscreen or ingredients that fill in fine lines and wrinkles. Look for the many extras some foundation formulas offer, such as sunscreen or ingredients that hide fine lines.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Cosmetics