The Ultimate Foundation Guide-Shade Match, Shopping, Application Tips
I get asked a lot of questions about the perfect foundation shade match and I always try my best to suggest the best that I can as per my knowledge. But I understand that it isn’t easy because I’ve also been through that struggling phase. Plus, there’s also formula, finish, and staying power that matters.
So today, I decided to sit and write the Ultimate Foundation Guide. Here I’ll share lots of information and tips on finding the best one for your particular skin type. Read on to find out more.
Let’s start with some basic questions.
Q: What is a foundation and its actual purpose?
Ans: The foundation is basically that canvas on which you’ll be creating that beautiful masterpiece using makeup. Its purpose is to create an even and uniform skin tone. Foundation is not meant to whiten the face.
Q: What is my actual skin tone?
Ans: Your skin tone falls within 3 basic categories.
1) Fair: Ivory to light-toned skin
2) Medium: Beige to yellow-toned skin
3) Deep: Medium brown to dark brown-toned skin
These 3 are divided into subcategories but once you’re sure about your basic skin tone, search for a suitable foundation within that range.
Q: What is skin undertone and how do I find out mine?
Ans: The skin undertone is a slight hue of color that shows on the surface of the skin. Undertones are either warm, cool, or neutral. Look at the veins on your wrist. If you see blue veins your undertone is cool but if you see green veins your undertone is warm.
To make it a little easier I’ll explain it this way:
1) If you have fair to pinkish skin, yours is a cool undertone.
2) If you have slightly fair to medium skin, yours is a neutral undertone.
3) If you have medium to deep skin, yours is a warm undertone.
Q: What is the best formula for me?
Ans: Foundation comes in the following formulas:
1) Liquid
2) Mousse or Cream
3) Pressed Powder
4) Loose Powder
5) Stick
Your ideal formula depends on your skin type which should be either:
1) Oily
2) Normal
3) Dry
4) Combination (dry in winters and oily during summers)
Pores: Open on and around the nose area and cheeks
I prefer liquid formulation over all others because I find it easy to apply and blend. Plus, I know how much of it I need to use. I love a matte finish even though my skin tends to be on the drier side during winters. However, I do moisturize my face before application.
1) Always test foundation at the counter and don’t rely on your monitor screen for color selection. Trust me, I’ve suffered so I know.
2) Apply foundation on your jawline. The one that blends into the skin is the perfect shade for you. Don’t test it on your wrist. That skin is different and you’ll regret it later.
3) Don’t rely on the sales girls present at the counters. From what I have noticed, they usually lack product knowledge and end up suggesting the wrong shades.
Know your skin tone and undertone? Perfect!
a) Do some research on which ones are available in your country and if they have counters in your city.
b) Decide whether you want a drugstore foundation or a high-end one.
c) Choose a formula and finish according to your skin type and tone.
Quality matters. After all, it's your skin. You can’t buy a foundation every other day and experimenting is not a good idea, so spend carefully. Better safe than sorry no?
Here’s a breakdown of tools for different foundation types.
1) Brushes and beauty blenders for liquid foundation.
2) Sponge blenders for a stick foundation.
3) Puffs for powder foundation. A puff usually comes along in the container.
4) Brushes for loose powder foundation.
5) Dense brushes and Beauty Blenders for mousse foundation.
That’s it for my ultimate foundation guide. I hope you liked it and was of help to you. Do share your opinion in the comments section. Ciao!
Originally published at https://www.stylenspice.com.
