Makeup Advice
The right foundation formula for flawless skin
Jul 31, 2019
A great foundation is an absolute must for any makeup routine. But, with all the different types and textures, it’s tricky to find the best one to fit your unique skin type and preferences.
Even if you find the perfect hue to match your skin, a host of other things to consider come up again and again: finish, texture, base makeup, and seasons. Luckily, we’ve put together this guide for everything foundation. Keep reading to learn how to prime your skin for every season and find the perfect foundation.
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Find the right foundation for your skin
The first thing you should know is your skin type. Do you have dry, oily, or combination skin? Choose the right foundation according to your skin type:
Dry skin: Cream or liquid foundation with moisturizing sensation.
Oily skin: Powder foundation with a matte effect.
Combination skin: Powder or liquid foundation with a high-water content—at least 55%.
A proper finish
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For a natural finish:
An emulsion type foundation—liquid or cream—is best. Compared to powder foundation, an emulsion type spreads well over the skin and has a clear finish.
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For better concealment:
Powder emulsion foundations conceal better than liquid or cream types, especially for blemishes or pores. Go with a powder foundation if you want a rapid, easily-achievable finish. Since powder spreads evenly with a sponge, these foundations are the best for retouching when you’re out and about.
New season, new foundation
Your complexion is not the same all year round, so remember: When the seasons change, so should your foundation.
In some regions, rising temperatures come with higher humidity and glaring sunlight. Humid weather can make your pores more visible and cause makeup runoff, while strong UV can burn the skin. Which means in the summer months you should choose a longer-lasting foundation with a high SPF and strong resistance to oil and perspiration.
In drier seasons, switch your foundation to a moisture-rich formula to give your skin a hydration boost.
Choose the best color for your skin
Start by selecting colors that come as close as possible to your natural skin color. Ocher-based foundations tend to be compatible with most skin types, but if you’re concerned about adding a reddish tinge to your skin—a yellow-based foundation is best.
Go for a pink-based foundation if your skin is fair.
Select a color that blends best with your natural skin color. The least noticeable color will eliminate any unwanted color lines around your neck or the side of your face. Make sure to apply foundation to the face line, near your neck.
How to apply base makeup that stays on
It doesn’t take too much effort to ensure long-lasting base makeup that leaves the skin with a smooth finish—without conspicuous pores or roughness.
First, condition the skin with skincare products. After cleansing, spread a generous amount of lotion onto the entire face and gently pat the skin until it feels refreshed. This firms the skin and controls excess oil, which helps prevent makeup runoff. Check your skin’s condition and be sure to apply less emulsion or cream to oily areas, especially around the T zone.
Choose a long-lasting makeup base and foundation. Avoid thickly layered makeup by spreading the foundation to cover the entire face and then adding more as needed. A pore concealer will create an even more beautiful finish.
If you’re using a liquid-type foundation, remove excess oil by pressing and patting the skin with an unused sponge after applying foundation. The makeup will last longer if you carefully pat face powder on the areas prone to makeup runoff—under the eyes or around the nose, for example.
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