Photo: iamtheo / Flickr

Foundation is just that: the starting point in your make up application – the point from which your look is built.  It is important to find a foundation that is not just the right shade but also the right texture to offer you the effect you are looking for.  A person with a dry skin will likely want a radiant effect where that would be absolute horror for a person with an oily skin.  So often make up looks caked on; we look at how to keep your foundation natural.

Shade selection

First you need to find out if you are a warm tone or a cool tone. This isn’t too difficult, really.  If you find you look better in blues and greens you likely have a cool skin tone, while if reds and yellows work for you, you likely have a warm tone.

Most foundations are made according to tones. Ask the beauty advisor at the store to assist you in choosing foundation according to tone.  Choose three colours that look as though they may match your skin tone and do a test line of each colour on your jaw line. The colour that ‘disappears’ is the right shade for you.  This can be best observed when standing in natural lighting.

Application

For the best finish you can use either your fingers or a foundation brush to apply your foundation to a clean and dry face.  The trick is to apply foundation only where you need it and not to paste the product over your face.  Apply the foundation where you have imperfections or an uneven skin tone, blending it into the areas without foundation for an even result.  Finish the application by setting with a powder dusted light over the face with a powder brush.

To mattify or radiate?

Choose your foundation according to your skin type.  If you have an oily complexion, choose something that offers a matte finish. If your skin is dry, rather opt for a radiant finish.  Make use of beauty advisors in the store and use make-up samples to find the best possible foundation for your own unique set of needs.

When you have finished applying your foundation, you should look and feel like you have nothing on.  Foundation should be your secret weapon, not your worst nightmare.

Tags: make-up application, make-up tips