How to choose the right foundation for you!!!

Yes there are so many different types and colours of foundation that it can be overwhelming choosing the right one.

Don't be fooled by marketing and great advertising- Remember the girls in the photo's are 1) models & 2) airbrushed!!!

1. You need to know what skin type you are? Here are the main skin types: Normal- Even skin with closed tight pores and  is Ph balanced. Dry- Looks flaky, rough to touch and can look patchy. Can have fine lines. Combination skin- Has an oily, shiny t-zone (this is the nose and either side of the nose, under the chin and in between the eye brows) and dry cheeks. Oily- This looks very shinny everywhere and is prone to breakouts. Acne- This skin has a lot of breakouts and tends to look red and is flaky around the breakouts. Mature- This skin can be more dryer but in some cases the skin is still very soft but lacks elasticity and has lines. Sun Damaged- Pigmentation which is brown spots, may appear red and can be very dry. 
2. Establish what coverage you want? Foundations come in sheer coverage like a tinted moisturiser,  a thin or light coverage ( you can still see freckles scars and pimples through it), a medium coverage (this covers most discoloration), and thick which is a full coverage and covers just about everything. If you have pretty even skin and don't get blemishes than go for a thinner coverage. If you have uneven skin and blemishes go for a more thicker coverage so that you don't have to use too much. It saves you a lot of time and money if you get this right!!!
3. What finish do you want? Matte which means no shine at all or semi matte that gives you a slight glow, Pearl tends to have a more luminous look or dewy this gives you and all over shine like you have just got out of the water. You need to make sure the finish suits your skin type e.g. a dewy finish doesn't really suit an oily or acne prone skin type as it wouldn't stay on long. As for a Matte finish it doesn't look good on a very dry or dehydrated skin as it will make it look dryer.This also applies to the mineral powders out there keep them away from dry or mature skin as it just makes them look worse.
4. Now its time to go for what texture you want? There are so many of these on the market. Here are the main ones: Liquid, Mousse, cream (pan stick) and loose powder or pressed powder. They all are either water based or oil based. The texture you choose really depends on the finish you want and what skin type you are. If you need hydration or moisture for the dryer skin types than go for an oil based foundation as it will make the skin look more balanced.
5. Many things can effect our skin and there are ways to prevent and fix some types. Drink plenty of water. Make sure that you remove all makeup before you go to bed because while you sleep your skin rejuvenates. Cleanse, tone and moisturise the skin morning & night using the right products for your skin type (see a beauty therapist or skin advisor). Avoid the sun! This is so important because not only does the sun dry your skin out its starts its aging process faster. I have avoided the sun all my life, and yes I am very white and fake tan is my friend but I am over 30 and have the skin of a women in her early 20's. Genetics also effects your skin, cultures and environment.
6. The Occasion:You need to look at when you will wear the makeup up and where? This is very important because it will effect how your skin will look and how long it will stay on? If you are a chef that works in a kitchen under extreme heat then you need to choose a waterproof foundation. If you work in an air conditioned office than a water based makeup if fine. Think, does it need to be waterproof of not?
7. Colour choice- What colour foundation am I? Choosing the right colour foundation to match our skin is often a tough one for many. There has been so many times when I have felt like walking up to someone and saving them from there tragic orange Ompa Loompa face or there Gothic white face  (Except for those who clearly are Gothic!). Our skin throws either pink (beige) or yellow in colour and many people have both colours in there skin. Your english rose tends to be pink based whilst your   mediterranean women is yellow based. You need to try before you buy!! NEVER choose a foundation colour by placing it on the front of your hand or the back of your wrist, and certainly don't try it on your neck!!!! You ask why ?well simply these parts are not the same colour as our face. Our hand sees more sun than our face does and our wrist and neck see less. The best way to colour match is from the side of your nose down to the jawline. Stand back and look at yourself in the mirror. Don't examine yourself up close or with a magnifying glass, no one sees you that close, not even you! By standing back you can see how your face matches the rest of your body. This is so important especially if you have a Tan as the face may be whiter than the rest of the body. If your foundation is too dark it will give you a more orangy muddy look and if it is too light your skin looks dull and grey looking. Don't be scared to go 1 shade darker because it makes your skin look healthier and more flawless. If you foundation is too light it shows any imperfections on your face and gives emphasis to any hairs and fine lines, you don't want that!!!

Next blog, flawless foundation application!!!

Signing off,

Justine V