A Flawless Face starts with the right base. Which foundation is the right one for you and how to apply it.
Having the flawless face
Having a flawless face starts with the right base. The biggest beauty mistake is wearing the wrong type and shade of foundation.”Too dark and it will look unnatural and add five years to your apperance, while a base that’s too light can make a complexion look to grey, but wearing a foundation that matches your skin will enhance your features.”
FIND YOUR COLOR:
There are two steps to choosing the right color: identifying your skin shadand assessing your skintone. Start by juding how light or dark your skin color is. Then, look at the tone of the skin to see if it has red, yellow, or beige undertones. Your skin falls into one of three basic color families: cool skin has pinky, red tones: warm skin has yellow undertones (ranging from creamy yellow in pale skin to rich, butterscotch tones in darker skin) and if your skin has a mix of pink and yellow tones, where neither dominate, it falls into the neutral category(beige).
CHOOSE LIKE AN EXPERT:
Take your time! Foundation is the most important, and usually the most expensive, cosmetic you’re going to buy, so you’ll want to get it right.
Never try to match your foundation with the skin on the back of your hand, as it’s a totally different tone than your face. “Instead, try the shade along your jaw line, where the color is more even and you don’t blush. choose a color thatblends away to nothing.
Department store lighting will give you the wrong impression. You need to apply your sample, then go out into daylight and look at it with a pocket mirror. Some stores will give you little samples of color to take home and try.
It’s worth having two foundations(one lighter, one darker) so you can alter the exact shade, because your skintone changes as you tan or go paler.
SUIT YOUR SKIN TYPE
Once you’ve found the right shade, match it to your skin type. Advances in tecnology mean that there’s a good choice of finishes for every skin type.
DRY: If your skin is parched, go for a foundation with added moisturising ingredients to prevent the finish from looking flaky.
BALANCED TO NORMAL: For complexions that are well-behaved and neither too dry, nor too oily, a light formula is all that is needed.
OILY: Oily skin should go for the oil-free formula to prevent breakouts and an overly shiney finish from developing during the day.
COMBINATION:Choose a base with oil-control agents to control breakthrough shine, and moisturising ingredients to prevent flaky patches.
ANTI-AGEING: Toning and firming ingredients will help give skin a gradual lift.
COVERING CONCERNS
Modern foundations have came a long way since the days of the thick pan cake sticks–while most have a texture that won’t hide skin, there are options for more coverage when needed.
LIGHT:Most of us only need light foundation during the day.” You don’t want to mask your face, as it looks more beautiful when you see the skin. And as you get older you need to wear less than more make-up.” To just even out skintones and hide imperfections, look for foundation described as a “sheer” or “veil”.
MEDIUM: If you have breakouts or a pale complexion with lots of ruddiness, opt forthe medium coverage of a stick foundation. Go any heavier and you’ll look unnatural, so use some concealer for the extra camouflagage. If you are going in the evening to somewhere with low lighting, you can also get away with medium coverage, as it will balance stronger make-up on your eyes and lips.
FULL: Avoid this unless you really need it. If you have a birthmark, there are tricks for minimising its appearance without using foundation that is too heavy. Have a consulation with amake-up artist that specializes in this area.
TO KEEP SKIN LOOKING FREASH AND NATURAL
Only apply foundation where you need it. Dot on to the side of your nose, then forehead, cheeks, and chin if necessary. Blend out from the center of the face.Only use powder on top, if you need to get rid of shine. There is also oil-blotting papers with no color or powder on them.
CHOOSE YOUR APPLICATOR
SPONGE: Quick and versatile, sponges can be used wet for a sheer finish, or dry for a heavier coverage. The sponges that come with compacts aren’t ideal. Wedge-shaped ones are usually better quality and get into smaller areas.
FINGERS: A women’s fingers are delicate enough to get into all the cervices. Your skin’s natural oils help give a smooth finish, but becareful not to wipe away the product as you apply it.
BRUSH: A brush will give you the most coverage. But it is also time consuming, so not ideal if your in a hurry.