Choosing foundation can be intimidating.  This is because there are so many different brands, types, and colors.  It can also be intimidating because choosing foundation that is right for you is very important to your overall look.  Choosing foundation that does not enhance your natural beauty can literally ruin your entire look and any makeup you apply on over it.  Think of your foundation as a blank canvas, where the rest of your makeup will be applied.

Choosing foundation that blends in with your skin is important in hiding facial imperfections, such as depressions, pigmented areas, and scars.   If the base makeup you decide on does not blend in well with your skin, you will end up looking “unnatural.”

Follow Us On Twitter!

Before you can determine what shade you need, you must first determine what your skin type is.  This will help you choose from one of the many types of foundations that are available.  Once you determine the best type of foundation that is best for your skin type, you will be able to select a shade.

Types of Foundation:  Choosing Foundation Type based on Skin Type

• Liquid Foundation – This type of foundation is the most versatile and generally there is a liquid foundation that can match most skin types.  It comes in the form of thick liquid in a bottle.  There are two types of liquid foundation, which are:  oil-based and water-based formulas.  Water based formulas generally contain some silicon oil and provide light coverage compared to the oil based liquid foundation.  Oil based foundations work great for women with extremely dry skin.
• Cream Foundation – This type of foundation is great for people with dry or combination skin.  It provides heavier coverage and has more intense moisturizing properties.   Cream foundation easily glides on with a sponge.
• Cake or Stick Foundation – This type of foundation is solid and has a drying effect.  It is great for people with oily skin types.  It has a dense matte cover and is great for covering blemishes and scars.   Cake or stick foundation can also be used as a concealer.
• Waterproof Foundation – This type of foundation is water-resistant and is great for those days when there is a lot of humidity.  It comes in many different shades for many skin types.
• Mineral Foundation – This type of foundation comes in a powder form and contains minerals.  This is great for people with oily skin.  Mineral foundation is medicated and can be used to cover acne.  Loose mineral foundation can be applied dry or wet and sometimes acts as a sunscreen.  Some minerals included in the mineral foundations are:  mica, iron oxides, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.
• Spray Foundation - This type of foundation is medicated and is used for people with acne scarring.  It is used to retain the makeup for long periods of time.

Choosing Foundation Shades

Go to the department store to try out some different shades.  You will not be able to do this at a discount or drug store.   Go to the makeup counter with a clean face.   Choose colors that may be close to your natural skin tone.  Yellow-based foundations look the most natural on all skin tones.  If you are a very fair person, you will want to choose a pink, cooler shade.  On your jaw line, place a couple dots of each color.  Do not use your inner wrist or hand.  Go to a window and look in the mirror.  It is best to use natural light for this important decision.

What is the right shade?  This is the shade that you can’t see because it blends in with your natural skin tone.  What is the best brand?  This is simply a personal decision.  Check reviews on the Internet.  Make sure they are from a legitimate source. Choosing foundation is an important step, and can make or break your makeup regime.

Follow Us On Twitter!