Foundation. This is one of those purchases which always stresses me out. Foundation holds a great deal of power. It is the base of a great makeup application and can leave you looking flawless or less so. It can make you look like a clown or a glamorous vixen. As a result, it is absolutely essential to try a foundation before you buy it, even if you’ve worn the same colour for a while. I find that my skin tone can change slightly during various times of the year and I sometimes have to go a shade lighter or darker.
Whether you reach for a drugstore brand or a department store one, make sure that you look at yourself in the daylight. Indoor lighting is seldom adequate. We all want that flawless skin, so let’s keep them guessing, “is that your natural look or are you wearing something?” First, you need to decide how much coverage you need, light, medium or heavy. If you have “good” skin but are simply looking to even out a little bit of redness, then a light coverage will probably be enough. If you are unsure start with a light foundation and simply build your way up. One of my favourite products during the summer months is Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer. It gives me an even skin tone, but is very light and all my freckles show through. In the winter I like a medium foundation. When needed I can layer it for more coverage.
For those of you with dry skin, look for a liquid, a hydrating powder or a stick foundation. With their creamy consistency, they will help keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. Bare Escentuals BareMinerals has a wonderful hydrating powder as does Make Up For Ever.
If you have oily skin, then powders and oil free foundations will be your best choices. They will help absorb extra oil and give your face a lovely matte finish. My picks for those of you with oily skin would be to try Nars or MAC.
Combination skin can be a little trickier, but it’s always possible to apply the foundation strategically by layering a bit more over oily area. Remember, blending will be the key! I’ve always preferred a liquid since I find it easiest to work with. Recently, I was introduced to Collistar, a brand which I haven’t previously tried. It has a built in base and goes on a little bit thicker than a regular foundation. It also gives great coverage, blending seamlessly into my skin and giving me a very polished look. The sales girl was absolutely right when she said I would love it.
What’s your favourite type of foundation?
Other great foundations:
*For more on foundation and other beauty faq’s join me on instagram and twitter*
24 Comments
I recently discovered Clinique repairwear laser focus. It is light, it moisturises the skin well and it just looks very natural, yet it hides what should be hidden.
Yes Clinique always has good products!
xo
The lighting tip is great, I have purchased so many foundations under store light and at home its crazy orange or too dark 🙁 – Do love BareMinerals foundation powder, thanks for sharing 🙂 xx
http://insaneaboutmakeup.blogspot.co.uk/
Me too! The last place I went they had all of their foundations under a huge skylight…it was kind of amazing!
xo
I like when foundation absorbs very fast to the skin and don’t `melt` during the ot days. I always have a problem to choose the correct shade – everything is too dark or too orange for me. Thankd for tips 🙂
Melting is awful! You could probably mix foundations but try the colour IQ tool at Sephora, it should find you the perfect match.
xo
Mixing foundations sounds complicated. I don’t think I would ever get it right… 😉
I also love a tinted moisturizer, especially during the spring and summer.
My all-time favorite foundation is Chanel’s Teint innocence cream compact. The best coverage!
xo Natasha
Oh great tip thank! I haven’t tried that one yet!
xo
Have not worn foundation on many occasion the last 6 months, I really love not having to purchase foundation and be more natural. No self tan either.
I have been using the REVLON PHOTOREADY and can I just say… I LOVE IT!
Great picks you have here 🙂
xo,
Dragana
http://fashionisallthat.wordpress.com/
Great tip, thanks so much!
xo
I agree lighting is so important when picking out foundation. I hate all that terrible harsh lighting at the beauty counters! Definitely not flattering for anyone!lol
I tend to wear mostly M.A.C, Iman and Make Up For Ever foundations, I find they have shades that best match my skin colour and undertone. It use to frustrate me shopping for foundation because a lot of brands had a very limited range of colours available for darker skin. And they didn’t necessarily understand that we have many different undertones…but it has gotten better and many brands have expanded their colour range 🙂
xo, Jackie
http://www.stylemydreams.wordpress.com
Glad to know someone else is equally as stressed out when purchasing foundation! It’s so tough. I tend to go for oil-free cream foundation, but it has to have a matte finish or my Italian skin literally starts to drip with oil. It’s as gross as it sounds. Of course, pressed powder mitigates the issue, but still. I have to be VERY selective about my products!
xo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
http://www.thediaryofadebutante.com
Agreed! My skin, especially in the summer, gets super oily on my forehead so it’s always a challenge keeping it looking fresh.
xo
I’ve been using mineral loose powder foundation, but I think I want to swap back to a liquid. It’s been a cold dry winter!
I have to try mineral powder…I’ve never used it!
xo
I’m always searching out new foundations. It’s my obsession, along with mascaras and lipglosses. I’ve got a whole box of foundations on my counter in my bathroom. I’ve found that the way you apply a foundation can completely change how it looks and wears on the skin. Some do better being pressed into the skin with a damp blender sponge or buffed in with a brush like the Real Techniques expert face brush, while others look best with a kabuki style brush for an airbrushed finish. My biggest suggestion to people is to try the foundation with different brushes if you get home and find that you aren’t loving the finish of a particular new brand. It may be a good save for you rather than tossing it or returning it.
My best pick for no-makeup makeup is Revlon Nearly Naked. It’s so buildeable but still looks sheer and natural 🙂 One of my favourite high end foundations in Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua Foundation. Great post 🙂
Yes Chanel makes some great foundations. I’ll have to try that one, thanks!
xo
Great tips!!!
Fashion and the City
xoxo
Thanks!
xo
I like to just use the Garnier BB cream on an almost daily basis. I sometimes use the Yardley loose powder to set it because it can look too shiny in the summer. But for the winter time it’s amazing for my dry skin. If I want more coverage I’ll mix some bb cream and the Revlon colourstay 24 hr foundation in my palm and then apply it normally with my round brush.
That sounds amazing! I’ve been contemplating the Garnier BB cream, thanks!
xo