We all have imperfections that make us human. Foundation can even your skin tone and hide small imperfections.
Foundation is the cosmetic product that women pay the most attention to. It can make the difference between having a natural, even complexion or looking as if you are wearing a mask.
To look natural you need to choose the right colour i.e. the base should complement your complexion and disappear into your skin.
An obvious line between your foundation and your natural colour means that you have chosen the wrong colour. Selecting the right shade of foundation for your skin tone is critical. Most women have yellow-toned or rosy skin, requiring a foundation with beige, natural, predominantly yellow undertones. When women identify and wear the correct shade of foundation, their skin will look unblemished and natural.
To avoid a mask like appearance, your foundation should be light ... so light that's it's not obvious you are wearing any. Your foundation should also complement your skin type. Skin types are normally classified as oily, combination, normal and dry. Most women fall in the combination or normal category. Oil-free foundation is good for all skin types.
The foundation market today is saturated with many types and brands of foundations. At the cosmetics counter you are confronted with an array of choices - liquid, cream, oil- free, powder, allergy tested, cake, stick, stay-on, hypoallergenic, cream to powder, non-comedogenic (does not cause blocked pores/blackheads) and camouflage foundations.
To make it easier for you to determine the type that’s best for you, we have placed foundations into four major categories:
Types of Foundation:
Liquid
Liquid foundations are good for all skin types. They usually offer sheer coverage and have the most natural look. Most women prefer a liquid foundation because it is easy to apply and fits like a "second skin". They are available in water-based and oil-based formulas. You need to get a foundation that perfectly matches your complexion, generally this means selecting one that is yellow-based.
Cream
Cream foundations are formulated for drier complexions and are traditionally the number one choice of makeup artists. They are usually available in compacts or sticks, and provide very good coverage. Foundations of this consistency can provide a creamy flawless finish and are easy to apply. However because they are heavier they may emphasise thin lines around the eyes.
- Cream - to - Powder
In today’s fast paced world, the modern woman is always in search of a “quick fix”. Time is precious, yet she needs to look great in seconds. Many brands offer their solution to this - cream to powder (foundation and powder in one). i.e. the easy application of a powder with the coverage of a foundation. - Stick
- Stick foundations are essentially a cream and concealer combination. They are useful to cover scars, birthmarks and larger imperfections.
- Tinted Moisturiser
- This is a sheer foundation, offering minimal cover and is ideal for those requiring a little colour.
- Sheer Face Tint
- Provides more coverage than a tinted moisturiser and subtly evens out skin tones.
- Powder
- Face Power
How to Apply Foundation
- The very first step in selecting your perfect foundation is assessing your skin type, to determine the type of foundation that would work best for you.
- Apply your foundation with a cosmetic sponge for more control and a smoother application.
- Liquid foundation should be blended in a little at a time until the entire face is completed.
- Cream foundation should be applied to the face in long sweeping motions using your cosmetic sponge. Blend evenly until you create a smooth flawless finish.
- Powder foundation should be applied as you would your normal compact powder. Face Power.
- Remember proper blending is the key - blend your foundation under the jaw-line, into the hairline and on the ear lobes. Pay special attention to the corners of the nose, mouth and all the way around your eyes. If you need to retouch a particular spot, re-apply lightly and blend. Lightly powder with a translucent powder to set your foundation
- Foundation should be applied in harmony with your skin colour-
- - white/blond: light liquid foundation with a slight yellow
- undertone.
- - white/redhead: pale ivory liquid foundation (combat dryness)
- with a slight yellow undertone.
- - white/brunette: matte liquid foundation with a slight beige
- undertone.
- - black: one and no more than two shades lighter than your
- skin tone.
- - dark: an oil free coffee coloured foundation, with strong
- yellow undertones.
- - asian: medium toned, yellow based liquid foundation.
- - mature: light reflective matt including under the eyes to
- minimise pores / darkness.
- - older: apply a light reflective moisturising foundation.
- Test foundation along your jaw line - not on your hand or on the inside of your wrist. View it under different light settings. It should match the natural colour of your neck.
- For a great makeover you must start with the right foundation, for most women this means wearing a yellow-based foundation . Whereas eye shadow, lipstick, and blusher accent the face, it is the foundation that sets the tone for a woman's appearance.
- If you want your foundation to look sheer, apply it with a sponge. For more coverage apply it with your fingertips. A makeup brush will apply and blend the foundation.
- Open your mouth when applying foundation to expose the neck area and eliminate an obvious line at the jaw line.
- Keep two shades of foundation on hand. One will be suitable for winter, and the other for summer skin. Most of the year, they will match perfectly if mixed together.
- If your foundation starts to curdle, cease using it.