To get the perfect complexion, you need to find the foundation that suits you best. Should you choose a liquid, compact or mineral foundation? What shade would match your complexion? There are so many options out there! Here’s how to pick THE foundation that’s right for your skin type and tone.
Liquid foundations are great for women who want to achieve a natural look, because they usually offer less coverage. If you want your skin to have a velvety-soft texture, go for mousse makeup. Compact foundation offers the best coverage. Lastly, stick foundations are perfect for women who are always on the go. Slide one into your handbag so you can touch up your makeup over the course of the day.
Above all, it’s important that you choose the colour that best matches your skin tone. It’s a misconception to think that testing out different shades on the back of your hand or wrist is the way to go about it. Not so, as the skin tone of your hands is lighter than your complexion; nothing beats testing out a foundation directly on your face.
Pro tip: For natural results, select a foundation that’s the same tone as your skin. You shouldn’t use foundation to make your skin look lighter or tanned—your skin tone will end up looking uneven.
When in doubt, ask a cosmetician. And don’t hesitate to go outside to check—nothing beats natural light to evaluate a foundation’s level of coverage.
What type of coverage do you need? Certain foundations give you complete coverage, while others only provide moderate to light coverage. It’s a matter of preference. If your skin has more imperfections, opt for a foundation that gives you complete coverage. If you’re only looking to hide a few skin irregularities or spots, choose a foundation that offers moderate coverage. Foundations that provide light coverage will even out your skin tone, but pimples, scars, beauty spots and freckles will remain visible.
Choose a foundation based on whether you have dry, oily or combination skin. Use a more hydrating foundation if your skin is dry, or else a mattifying foundation if you tend to have oily skin.
It’s best to apply foundation using a brush expressly designed for this purpose. This brush will allow you to apply your foundation more evenly, to smooth it out, and to end up with a layer of makeup that doesn’t look too thick or overloaded. Take some foundation and warm it up in the palm of your hand. Using the brush, start applying the foundation to your forehead, the bridge of your nose, then your cheeks and chin. Lastly, apply it to the rest of your face, starting from the top and working down, and going outwards towards the sides of your face.
Pro tip: Always apply your foundation in a sweeping motion, so as to spread it evenly onto your skin without leaving any lines. And don’t forget to apply some to your eyelids, ears and neck, and dab it near your hairline.
