Finding The Right Foundation:

If only this was the lot!

Choosing the right foundation can be a long, dreaded process of colour mishaps, skin reactions and breakouts, and if that’s not bad enough we end up wasting money on products that we’ll never end up using. Personally, the process of foundation hunting took me a couple of year’s worth of trial and errors, however if I were more aware of what I wanted then this could have been a shortened process. Today, I am going to give you some helpful (I hope) tips in regards to finding the right makeup base your skin type requires.

Firstly, ask yourself what you want from a foundation, whether that be a light or full coverage base, a matte or dewy finish or perhaps you want to add more colour to your complexion? Do you have sensitive or acne prone skin? Are there product ingredients you should steer away from? Would you rather a liquid or powder base product?  If you have oily skin, you may want to consider a powder base to mattify excessive shine. On the other hand, cream and liquid foundations may be considered for dry skin requiring moisture. Overwhelming, I know! But once you have decided, look up reviews of say ‘light, dewy foundations’. I personally find reading reviews more helpful then talking to someone at a makeup counter because the answers are honest and are not in favor of any brand or product.

 

Would you buy a pair of jeans without trying them? 

Often finding a colour match at a high-street store can be difficult, and unfortunately all I can suggest is trying the product from your lower cheek down to your jaw/neckline and leaving the store to see it in natural light. One way to narrow down the process, is to know your skin tone, pale, medium or dark? Then try and judge by the shade names/swatches. However, if you’re considering a high-end brand at a department store you can be guided further in finding the right shade – remember, you can always ask for a sample so you can test it at the comfort of your own home and see how your skin reacts to the product. Do not be hesitant in asking for a sample because you’re the one that’s going to be paying around £30 for a bottle – the beauty consultants are there to help, not to intimidate you!

Remember, your skin needs may be different for your desired day and night looks. A light foundation with SPF may be ideal for during the day at work or school, but for evening occasions you may want something heavier that does not make you appear significantly paler in flash photography. Furthermore, your skin type is bound to change over time or through the change of weather/climate/season. So, do not be surprised if your mattifying, powder foundation, that worked oh-so-perfectly during the warmer months starts to cling to dry skin patches during winter. This is your skin reacting to climate change, the product remains the same.

Hope this helps!

xo