Are you dreaming of skin that feels like satin? What about colour perfection and flawlessness? Then all you need is the perfect foundation to achieve the glowing, magnificent look you are envisioning. This basic make-up product is a magical key to beauty, making it an essential part of your look.
However, foundation’s magic formula can backfire on you if you choose one that doesn’t suit your skin colour or type. Plus you should take any skin problems you might be facing into consideration. So it’s important to learn how to choose the right foundation and, of course, how to apply it successfully.
Choosing A Foundation Colour
Choosing a foundation that matches the colour of your skin is key to keeping your look natural. Avoid extremely dark foundation as the difference in colour is extremely noticeable. The perfect foundation colour is lighter than your natural skin colour by half a shade. Test the foundation on your wrist, if it blends in well with your skin, then it is suitable. Apply it on the protruding parts of the face like the cheeks, the tip of the nose, chin and forehead. And If your skin is transparent, choose foundations that are sheer so you don’t end up looking pale. If you have matte skin, however, you should go for a powder foundation that blends in well with your skin.
Types Of Foundation
You can find many types of foundation at beauty counters, so making a purchace can be quite confusing. What you really need to remember is your choice should be based on your needs.
Liquid foundation
This type of foundation is ideal for natural, sheer make-up. It covers the skin in a way that lightly unites its colour. Liquid foundation is categorised into two types, with the first one being a moisturiser that adds a touch of freshness and vitality to the skin. The second option is a matte formula, which is ideal for combined and oily skin.
Foam foundation
Foam foundation is an excellent choice for simple to medium coverage make-up. It gives the skin a velvety look thanks to its sizeable coverage and ease of application. What’s more, it is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones.
Compact foundation
Thicker than other foundation types and able to fuse skin colour very efficiently, compact foundation has an excellent concealing ability. It is ideal for strong make-up. The creamy category makes skin silky, and it is appropriate for combined to dry skin. The powdery type is suitable for women with shiny skin as well as women who are always in a hurry.
Stick foundation
Stick foundations are practical and easy to use as they are applied directly to the face. They are very handy to keep in your bag so you can use when necessary. This foundation is ideal for women with normal or dry skin, whereas it is unsuitable for those with oily skin.
Tinted creams
Tinted creams do not cover defects as well as foundations. But they are considered to be easily appliable and they add a dash of colour to your natural skin tone.
How To Apply Foundation
The first thing to remember is to always prepare your skin properly. Make sure you cleanse it well and have regular peeling sessions to get rid of dead cells and merge its colour. Then when it’s time to apply foundation, you should first clean your face with a special make-up remover, then moisturise it well, as this will facilitate putting on your foundation. What’s more, it will help make-up stay on longer. Follow that with a concealer or any cream with a green base to help cover blemishes and unite your skin’s colour. After following these preliminary steps, foundation’s role can really come into play.
Warm liquid foundation in the palms of your hand to help while using it. You can use a damp sponge, allowing it to spread over the entire face. Avoid wearing a very thick layer of foundation so you don’t suffocate the skin. Start spreading it from the middle of the face (chin, cheeks and forehead) and then gently wipe the product from the inside out and from top to bottom. Upon reaching hairline, eyelashes or ear level, mix the product well.
Pick The Right Foundation For Your Skin Type
For shiny skin
If your skin is shiny, then it has a combined to oily nature. These skin types need proper hydration before applying any foundation. Use a moisturiser that provides the necessary nutrition, protects skin from harmful external factors and removes excess shine at the same time, then apply a foundation with a matte texture. It is advisable to use powder and rub on with a sponge.
For dry skin
Dry skin needs specific care. This skin type does not need thick creams as it is thin, it is in fact preferable to use light and rich moisturising formulas. You have to choose a gentle, liquid moisturising foundation and avoid powder and cream formulations that cover the skin in an exaggerated manner and make it even drier.
For wrinkled skin
Your skin has lost the lustre it had when you were in your 20s and wrinkles around the corners of your eyes are forming. Plus, perhaps fatigue is beginning to leave some marks. That means you need a sheer foundation that protects against wrinkles. Choose a liquid one and avoid thick foundations as well as powder, as they will enhance lines and wrinkles.
For troubled skin
If your skin has large pores, forms blemishes quickly, is susceptible to small pimples, redness and acne, or perhaps even shines on a permanent basis, peeling is a primary solution. Peeling, once or twice a week, should be done in addition to clay masks to tighten the skin. When selecting a foundation, pick a compressed one as it boasts a high capacity to cover blemishes.
For normal skin
Daily moisturisation is very important even if your skin is ideal and does not suffer from dryness, being oily or bursting out in blemishes. You should also use a light and semi-transparent cream, which gives your skin a special touch and enhances its beauty.
Valuable Tips
1 - Test the foundation before you buy it.
2 - Apply foundation on your face after cleansing it and rubbing in day cream.
3 - After application, use powder to seal foundation, make putting on other basic products easier and give the face a soft and satin-like finish.
4 - During winter or under strong light, choose a pink based foundation.
5 - During summer, go for a golden/beige based foundation.
6 - Use concealer when foundation doesn’t give you the desired result.
