29th
Foundation and your skin type… where to begin?!
As the name suggests Foundation is generally the first product to be applied when doing your makeup routine. The key to acheiving a professionally applied flawless finish has a lot to do with your skin type and choosing the appropriate product for it. These days with so many different foundations avaliable on the market it can be easy to get confused and buy the wrong type for you.
I’ll walk you through the most common options available for your foundation and your skin type… ofcouse there are many more, mousse, cream to powder, mineral, but they all fall under these categories.
TINTED MOISTURISER
What is it?: Tinted moisturiser combines foundation, moisturiser and often SPF and anti ageing benefits for a more light and breathable coverage than traditional foundations. Ideal for someone who doesn’t want or need a lot of coverage but simply wants to even out their skin tone.
Skin types: Tinted moisturisers come in a wide variety of formulas so they are not limited to any skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a oil free formula. Those with dryer skin can easily pick up something with added moisture and if your after something with a dewy finish a tinted moisturiser containing ingredients such as moisturising glycerin or sodium hyaluronate bind water to the skin resulting in that stunning dewy finish.
Pro’s: Keeps skin looking and feeling hydrated as well as protecting from the sun… anything that combines a few products in one and saves time in the morning is a must have!
Con’s: Won’t cover all blemishes and scars so you may need to get in there with a concealer for more accurate coverage.
Coverage: minimal coverage
Pro tip: A tinted moisturiser that is 1-2 shades darker than your natural skin colour will add a natural looking colour to your skin, anything over that and it begins to look dirty!
My Favourite: Garnier BB cream
LIQUID FOUNDATION
What is it?: Lightweight and easily applied, generally the most common type of foundation.
Skin types: They suit almost every skin type. Oil based (dry skin) and water based or oil free (oily skin) if your have normal or combination skin go for water based for a lighter coverage or oil based for a heavier coverage.
Pro’s: Easy to apply and blend
Con’s: Sometimes don’t provide enough coverage and wear off during the day, easily fixed with a good concealer or powder.
Coverage: medium
Pro tip: Remove excess oil by blotting liquid foundation with a tissue before powdering to assure your makeup stays put all day. And apply using a beauty blender sponge. CAN SOMEONE SAY AIRBRUSHED?
My Favourite: Face Atelier Ultra Pro Foundation
CREAM FOUNDATION
What is it?: Cream foundations are usually pretty thick and heavy and most contain oil or wax ingredients. They are usually found in a stick or compact container.
Skin types: Most people can use a cream foundation - but first ask yourself if you even need it? It is great for covering discolouration and blemishes so people with breakouts and acne might prefer a heavier option like a cream foundation.
Pro’s: Can usually double up as a concealer as it’s heavier and doesnt move around the skin like ligter foundations might. Covers imperfections and blemishes very well
Con’s: Can end up looking very heavy when not applied correctly.
Coverage: Heavy
Pro tip: Try apply cream foundation only where you need it, not all over the face, you will still get the coverage you need without the caked on heavy look.
My Favourite: rsp cosmetics cream foundation
POWDER FOUNDATION
What is it?: Once upon a time it was only used to “set” your makeup, but now powder foundation comes in a wide variety of types and is ideal for use alone or over makeup.
Skin types: Oily
Pro’s: Literally will add a few hours onto the longevity of your makeup wear!
Con’s: Tends to gather in fine lines and on dry skin.
Coverage: Light
Pro tip: As previously mentioned, use your powder foundation to set your makeup in place, you can get coloured powders or translucent aswell! Use it only where you need it, say the t zone and avoid altogether or be very light handed on areas that are prone to creasing like under the eye and forehead. If you simply cannot live without powdering these areas, just powder lightly and touch up throughout the day to avoid the cakey line look.
My Favourite: rsp cosmetics powder foundation
OILY SKIN
- Apply your makeup with a brush or sponge NOT your fingers (fingers add more oil to the face)
- Apply a primer to help with large pores and oily skin such as Eve Pearl anti shine mattifying gel
- Apply oil free foundation that is one shade lighter than your skin tone, the oil in your skin will make the foundation darker as the day goes on
- Ingredients to avoid include bismuth oxychloride and dimenthicone, these tend to clog the pores
- Make sure there is no oil from petroleum in your foundation
- Avoid products containing alcohol
- Use products containing serecite to minimize the appearance of large pores and help absorb oil
- Kaolin clay helps with oil control and can be found in many foundations
DRY SKIN
- Make sure your skin is moisturised using the appropraite products for your skin type
- Use a moisturising primer such as Eve Pearl Moisturising Primer
- Apply your foundation using a gentle foundation brush so your skin doesnt flake.
- Use cream products to compliment your foundation, such as cream eyeshadows and blushes.
- Instead of using a powder to set your makeup, which can be very drying try SKINDINAVIA Moisture Lock Setting Spray
BEFORE BUYING A FOUNDATION…
Ask yourself these simple questions. What is my skin type? What are my foundation needs? What coverage do I required?
WHEN TESTING A FOUNDATION
- Test it on your face people!! Not your hand, your face, your jawline to be precise… try maybe 3 different colours, the one that disapears is for you!
- Try to test in the most natural light possible
SOME COMMON WORDS YOU MIGHT FIND ON YOUR COSMETICS PACKAGING
Noncomedgenic- Means the product does not block your pores
