A Flawless Face Starts With A Strong Foundation

Even skilled makeup users can be stressed out by foundation, it's the easiest thing to screw up...and any mistake will be written all over your face!  Choosing the correct foundation can be a simple process if you know what to look for and how to test it properly.  Below are some tips to help you learn the art of flawless foundation selection and application.

Step 1  Find Your Perfect Match
Aim high!  Foundation may be the one makeup product you should spend a little more money on.  Department store and higher end brands often contain high-tech anti-aging ingredients.  Their formulas are perfectly blended which gives a smoother, more even finish.  The foundations you find in the drugstore most likely won't offer the same level of anti-aging ingredients.  Sometimes you do actually get what you pay for.  You pay more money for a high end brand foundation because you are paying for the active ingredients in the makeup.  There are more potent active ingredients which cause the makeup to adhere to the skin longer and give a smoother, more flawless appearance.

 
Watch Your Tone!  To find a hue that matches your complexion use your skin tone as a guide.  If you have a cooler undertone, meaning your skin has hints of red, pink or blue, look for for foundation shades that have cool in the name.  If your skin has warmer undertones, hints of yellow or orange, look for warm on the label.  To make things even easier some brands even make shades that are neutral tones, meaning they will work on both cool and warm tones.

Put it to the test.  A shade that appears perfectly blended on the back of your hand may not look so good when its on your face.  Your hand is usually a couple shades darker than your face, so instead of testing on your hand try swiping a bit on your collarbone or neck, which is a closer color match. 

Step 2  Choose the Correct Formula

For Oily Skin:  Women whose skin tends to get a little shiny  should avoid oil based foundations.  These oil based foundations tend to bond to the oil in the skin and then "melt" and slide down the face.  Instead try a wet/dry mattifying powder foundation.  A powder foundation will adhere to skin better and give a more matte, flawless finish to oily skins.

For Dry Skin:  Now if your skin is parched you should use an oil based liquid makeup that contains emollients like glycerin, lanolin or ceramides.  These ingredients will give dry or aging skin a dewy finish, and keep it looking soft and supple.

For Combination Skin:  Combination skin can be tricky because usually the face is oily in the t-zone and drier around the perimeter.  Your best bet is to use a mineral powder foundation.  Mineral foundations usually give the skin a nice dewy glow, but it is still a powder so it can absorb oil where necessary.  If powder foundation just isn't for you apply a creamy foundation along the outer part of your face and then blend it inward toward your nose.  Finish with a translucent powder concentrating heavier on the t-zone.


Step 3  Apply it Right
Before you smooth on your foundation prep your face with a primer.  This will create a base for the makeup and help hold it in place all day.  You want to look for a primer that is silicone based, which seals in your skin's imperfections, creating a smoother surface.

A foundation brush helps the product go on smoothly and covers imperfections with out looking too cakey.  Using your fingers can't always give as smooth a finish, also using your fingers can cause skin irritations because bacteria under your nails can be transferred to your face.  If you are using a cream or liquid foundation use a brush with synthetic fibers such as nylon.
Pour a quarter size amount of foundation onto the back of your clean hand, or into a small bowl.  Then dip the brush into the product (just enough to cover the bristles - you don't want to drown them), and smooth it onto your skin with even strokes.  Be sure to cover underneath your jawline and blend into your neck.  The key is to blend, blend, blend!  Take a look in the mirror after applying the first layer to be sure that you are covered evenly.  You can always add more if you need to.  Then set your entire face with a dusting of translucent powder.