One of the most important cosmetic decisions is choosing the right foundation. Foundation has several purposes: it prepares your skin to receive makeup, evens out the skin tone, conceals wrinkles, fine lines and flaws and protects the skin from the sun. There are so many options in formulations and colors, but how do you know what type of foundation is best for you?
Determine your skin needs
Is your skin in good condition? How much coverage do you need? Do you want a liquid or powder foundation? Will you apply it with your fingers or with a brush or sponge?
Consider your environment and climate
If you live somewhere hot, choose a foundation that has SPF in it. You may also want waterproof makeup. In the summer, when you’re tanned, choose a darker shade of foundation. If you work in an office, the air-condition can dry out your skin so choose a moisturizing foundation.
Determine your skin type
Dry skin needs a creamy and moisturizing foundation. Choose an oil-based tinted moisturizer for light coverage or an oil-based cream or liquid foundation for heavier coverage. Powders dry out the skin while matte finishes make dry skin look dull.
Oily or combination skin needs a water based, oil-free and non comedogenic foundation. Choose one with a matte or powder finish.
Combination skin needs a foundation that is both oil-free and hydrating.
Normal skin needs a light, translucent foundation or a heavier matte foundation, depending on its condition.
Sensitive skin needs an oil-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and allergy tested foundation.
Determine your skin undertone
Your skin undertone can be warm or cool.
Cool complexions are pale with pink undertones, veins appear blue in color and tend to burn in the sun. Warm complexions have yellow, olive and darker undertones, veins appear green in color and tan easier. A yellow based foundation will suit most women. Most Caucasian, Latin, African and Asian women have yellow-based skin, so they must buy foundation with a yellow base too. If you have a pink undertone you need a yellow toned foundation to even out their skin tone. If your skin has a slightly reddish cast, then you need to look for a foundation that has a slightly reddish cast to it.
Choose the right shade
The colour of foundation should blend into your skin exactly. Foundation should not be visible. If you can see it at all then the colour is wrong. When shopping for foundation, avoid wearing makeup and always bring a small hand mirror so you can check the shade under natural light. Don’t rely on the lightening in the shop, as the colour can look completely different when you walk out into the light. Dab a small amount of foundation on the jawline and see if it matches your natural skin color perfectly.
The perfect shade of foundation can be achieved by mixing two or more shades together.
How much coverage do you need?
If you need a minimal coverage, opt for a tinted moisturizer, a sheer liquid foundation or a mineral one.
If you want a heavier coverage, choose a powder, stick or cream foundation.
Types of foundation
Cream foundation: it has a thicker and heavier consistency. It is great for people with dry or combination skin because it has moisturizers as well.
Liquid foundation: it is quick and easy to apply and gives you a natural, sheer and smooth appearance.
Mineral foundation: it contains natural minerals found in the earth and lacks chemicals, preservatives and dyes. It can provide light to full coverage. It is great for oily and acne prone skin as it does not clog pores and for sensitive skin as it contains less potentially irritating ingredients.
Mousse foundation: is a cream foundation that has a whipped consistency. It doesn’t settle in fine lines.
Powder foundation: it is easy to apply and it is handy to carry around in your bag for touch-ups. It is great for people with very oily skin, as the powder will soak up the oil and prevent a greasy appearance. Apply it with a dry sponge for a sheer daytime look, or with a wet sponge for a dramatic nighttime look.
Primers: they are colorless products applied to the face to prepare it for makeup. It minimizes pores and evens out skin tone, giving your skin a flawless look. It can be worn alone, especially in the hot summer months.
Spray foundation: it comes in an aerosol can and can be sprayed on a sponge or directly to the skin. It is easy to apply.
Stick foundation: it is a foundation and a concealer in one. It is easy to use and great for touch-ups. It’s heavier than powder.
Tinted moisturizer: it is a colored moisturizer and works like liquid foundation. It gives skin a healthy glow and provides light coverage.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
so helpful! thanks, I always choose the foundation based on my skin tone and my skin is dry and flaky! so the above tips are super helpful!
Nikki: you’re welcome. I’m glad you find the tips helpful.
Thanks for these wonderful tips.
Tooba, you’re welcome.
Hey there, i’m trying to find the right foundation for my skin? For some reason i can’t seem to find the right foundation for my skin. With what ever foundation i seem to buy it never looks good on my skin … I buy powder foundtion & liquid foundation. I find that when i wear these different types of foundation i seem to break out in spots when i wash it off at bedtime I’m not happy about this. So I’m just wondering can you please help me choose the right foundation for my skin type? … I wouldn’t say my skin is very dry i do have sensitive skin. Can you please tell me what type of foundation to use whether its powder or liquid? & what store i can purchase it from. thanks Louise x
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Louise, I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time finding a foundation that works for you. Have you tried pure mineral foundations? They usually contain very few ingredients so the risk they’re gonna cause any negative reactions like irritations or breakouts is much smaller. The Body Shop makes a pure mineral foundation that’s pretty good or there are lots of indie mineral makeup companies that make them too.