Shopping For Foundation? Here Are A Few Must-Read Tips + Tricks You Should Know!!

One of the hardest parts of makeup shopping for me used to be choosing the right foundation. Picking the wrong foundation can lead to all types of catastrophic mishaps like "cake-face" or the dreaded two-toned look [when your face is a different color than your neck]. When browsing the isles for foundation it is important to keep in mind your skin type as well as the type of coverage and finish desired.- Once you have picked the specific coverage and finish to suit your needs, the next step is testing the foundation to find a suitable match for your skin tone.

These tips will help you enhance in your inner beauty and take the fuss [and the guess work] out of choosing foundation.

Choosing The Right Foundation For Your Skin-Type

Pressed Powder by Iman
Face Makeup at Nordstrom

For oily skin:

• Pressed powder foundation: If you are looking for a matte finish with light-medium coverage, pressed powder may be your best bet! Pressed powder controls shine while leaving the skin with a matte finish.
• Oil-Free Liquid Foundation: An oil free liquid foundation will usually be labeled as "oil-free", or have water listed as the first ingredient. You can choose oil-free formulas in a matte or dewy finish.
• Mineral Makeup: Mineral makeup is ideal for oily skin types as it is non-comedogenic [won't clog pores]and it's formulated to absorb excess oil. As it a result it mattifies areas prone to shine while producing a natural, flawless finish.
  

Face Moisturizers by Bobbi Brown
Cream Foundation by Bobbi Brown

For dry skin:

• Cream Foundation: Cream Foundation's are ideal for drier skin-types as they tend to be more moisturizing and lends a dewy finish to the skin. If at all possible, avoid powder foundation if you have dry skin. Powder foundations can dry out the skin, leaving a dull/dry finish.
• Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizers offers a slight hint of color while hydrating the skin. This is perfect for achieving that "no-makeup" look.

Loose Powder at Sephora
Cream Foundation by Iman

Normal Skin:

• Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizers offers a slight hint of color while hydrating the skin. This is perfect for achieving that "no-makeup" look.
• Mineral Foundation: Offers light-medium coverage while absorbing excess oil and hydrating the skin.
  
• Liquid Foundation: Offers light-medium coverage in a variety of finishes [matte - dewy - satin] while evening out skin tone and hydrating the skin.
  
• Cream Foundation: Is ideal for those looking for heavy coverage, or for those with uneven skin to
  

Cream Foundation by Iman
Liquid Foundation by Bobbi Brown

Combination Skin: If you have combination skin you should choose a foundation that is both moisturizing and formulated to control excess oil.

• Cream-Powder Foundation: Best suited for heavy coverage, cream to powder foundation controls shine in the T-zone and leaves your skin with a dewy finish. If you decide to use Cream-Powder foundation, go easy on the application to avoid the "cake-like" finish.
  
• Liquid-Powder Foundation: This type of makeup is ideal for those looking for light-medium coverage. Liquid Powder dries to a satin-like finish [a mix of dewy + matte].

Pressed Powder by Jane Iredale
Liquid Foundation at Nordstrom

Sensitive/Rosacea:

If you have sensitive skin, it's best to reach for foundations that are loaded with moisturizing ingredients, oil, paraben and fragrance free, as well as allergy tested.

• Two brands great for sensitive skin are: Cover FX & Jane Iredale

Choosing The Right Color For Your Skin:

1. Test three colors: First reach for the foundation shade you think best matches your color. Then reach for a shade lighter than that shade, and a shade darker than that shade.
2. Shopping at a drugstore for your foundation? Take three bottles [one closest to your skin tone, lighter, then darker] next to the entrance of the store [so that you can catch the natural light] and hold each color up to your jawline.
3. Always bring a mirror: When shopping at a department store for foundation, I always use natural light for the most accurate observation. Take your mirror and step outside when reviewing shades as department store lighting can skew the true color of foundation.
4. Test foundation on your chin or jaw line: The foundation that is no longer visible [or, the color that is closest to the color of your neck] should be your color of choice.
   
5. How does it look when dry? Some foundations change color as they dry due to oxidation. Those with darker skin tones may notice the foundation may get darker as it dries and those with lighter skin tones may notice more "orange-tones" on your face. 

Now that you have picked the perfect shade, it's time to apply your makeup like a pro! Want to apply your makeup with a flawless finish? Click {here} for my post + tutorial!

[photo source]

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