How to Choose a Foundation: An In-Depth Look

[JessnJesse3]

Hello beautiful mothers! I chose this topic as my first journal because I feel that too often we are given contradicting information. I noticed that many articles have helpful information but can be rather confusing and magazines like to spin everything in the interest of selling whatever brand or product they see fit.

First, I would like to touch on the subject of proper skin maintenance and care. Too often I have had clients come to me in the hopes of finding something to mask or hide a particular skin care concern or issue because they do not know how to fix or solve the problem. If you think that buying skin care products is daunting or expensive, let me remind you that there are great products for every purpose and budget. 

Remember the basics: Cleanse, Tone/Exfoliate and Moisturize! Always start with a clean slate and remember to cleanse your skin at night to prevent breakout. If you feel too lazy to do this step a great item to have is a packet of  $5 oil-free makeup removing wipes. Just swipe one all over to remove as much eye and face makeup as you can before going to bed.

One other very important step that many fail to do is exfoliate or tone the skin. There are many types of exfoliants out there so it can be used with virtually any skin type but one of my favorites is the seven day scrub by Clinique because it is gentle enough to be used daily. Exfoliation prevents breakout, keeps skin youthful by slowing the aging process, allows skin care products to absorb better and makes your makeup look better!

A moisturizer is the last step that you should never skip on especially before applying your makeup because it allows the makeup to go on smoother. If you have dry skin it will plump fine lines and impart a luminous glow and if you have oily skin the argument I hear often is that it may cause more oil. On the contrary, skipping on moisturizer will only cause your oil glands to overcompensate by producing more oil so you end up doing more harm than good. Just do yourself a favor and remember to keep up with these steps and pretty soon it will be like brushing your teeth.

Now for the good stuff!

Powder or Liquid??

Dry Skin:

For the most part if you experience severe dryness and or your skin feels tight remember to moisturize but also stay away from powder makeup because for the most part it will make you skin look drier and will just sit on top of your skin increasing the dullness. Dry skin tends to have/show more fine lines and wrinkles and powder settles into those lines which can be very unflattering! Many powders will also just absorb what little moisture you do have and need which will exasperate the issue.Liquid foundation is better suited for your skin type BUT Always READ LABELS carefully and I will tell you why! If it says Matte, oil-absorbing, balancing then it is not the right formula for you! 

Combination Skin:

You are blessed with the right balance of oil and water in the skin so powder and liquids are workable on you and your main focus would be to get a foundation with right coverage which I will go into shortly.Also, if you are looking for something with coverage or a luxurious feel, seek out a cream to powder foundation. remember to choose a foundation that says balancing not moisturizing or oil-control which could give too much or take away too much. 

Oily/ Rosacea

The reason why I have rosacea added to this category is because rosacea sufferers are supposed to use oil-free skin care and makeup only. If you have oily skin, you can use liquid or powder  depending on what you prefer or what type of finish you seek. I will go into detail on "finish" later. Powder obviously absorbs so most are aimed at your skin type unless they say otherwise. There are many liquid foundations out there specifically formulated for oily skin but of course you must seek out the key words and one I love is Superfit liquid foundation by Clinique because it is oil-free, absorbs oil, can be full coverage and feels like nothing.

Coverage

Light coverage:

This is for the ladies who just want to even the skin tone and don't like to "feel" like they are wearing makeup. I fall into this category because I am very sensitive to anything on my skin yet sometimes I need a little help around the nose and chin. Tinted moisturizers are the best example of light coverage because they are creamy and lightweight but loose powders also fall into this category. this type of coverage is just for evening out some redness or discoloration but it is light enough that if you had freckles, they would likely show through. 

Medium coverage:

This is the in-between of course and it is for those of you who need just a little bit more, maybe you want to hide those freckles or redness on the cheeks. Sometimes the occasional breakout just doesn't get covered with a loose powder so this is the next step for those of you that feel light coverage makes you feel too "bare".

Full coverage:

Those mama's that suffer from breakout, acne, skin discoloration and severe redness appreciate this type of coverage for the miracle producing results! This type of coverage can hide everything without a problem. One thing I would like to add: Dermablend foundations are full coverage but they are described as camouflage which is virtually the same thing but pretty hard core, that stuff can cover birth marks and is also waterproof. 

Finish

Dewy Finish:

Having a glow or lots of shine. This finish means that your skin will reflect plenty of light and usually foundations like this come in liquid form and are optimal for dry skin.

Natural Finish:

This is supposed to be the most natural look that reflects light from the skin but in just the right amount, like if you were not wearing a thing. 

Matte Finish:

The absence of shine. This is the look for those of you that may have oily skin or just like the powdery pin-up style makeup. 

Choosing the right shade can seem like the most difficult task of all since none of us want to have the mask look. If you have no help, choose at least three colors that you feel visually look closest to your natural skin color and apply a stripe of each color side by side (in order) on the side of your cheek. Having access to sunlight is most helpful because fluorescent lighting can really throw you off. The stripe that looks most invisible or fades into your skin is the best match. If you are not sure if you are warm, neutral, or cool, take not of what colors and shades you wear because odds are that if you are attracted to and wear cool colors like blues then that is your skin tone. Use this natural attraction to help you choose the right shades if you have a hard time eye-balling the colors. If you notice that you are attracted to warm colors then pick three shades from light to dark with a W-warm on the bottle or N-neutral (in-between) or C-Cool. 

Tips:

Try to get a sample of the color you think is right and wear it for a day, taking note of how it looks in different lights and different angles.

Do not be afraid to return something if it is not right because why waste money out of guilt? Better to keep trying than to give up!

Bare Minerals foundations do not match all skin tones as I have learned from plenty of experience and it is no more "pure" than other powder makeups. Try googling the side affects of Bismuth Oxide, if you seek a nice pressed powder try Physicians formula in the more affordable bracket or Origins brand which can be found at some Dillards dept. stores and stand alone stores.

I hope this answered all of your questions ladies! Add me as a friend or write to me with questions and I will try to get back to you as soon as I can. 

[JessnJesse3]

Nov. 24, 2009 at 12:58 AM

Too lazy to edit my post but two side notes:

Buildable coverage means you can add in layers from light to full coverage and a Matte finish is acceptable for all skin types when it comes to photo ready makeup. Lots of shine in professional photographs never look flattering so keep the shine to a minimum especially for weddings and special occasions. Always do a test run to see how your foundation photographs.

(Original Poster)

[dubnchix]

Nov. 28, 2009 at 12:59 PM

again, nice journal post~ I am one of those who's skin color is hard to match...foundation is my nemesis, and has been my whole life.  Thanks for posting this, I learned alot!

[Andarael]

Jun. 23, 2011 at 9:39 PM

Excellent advice! The only thing I'd add is be aware that your long wearing foundations sometimes do not look good in photographs. The can make the face look "washed out" in the photo. If this is something you care about, be sure to ask for a foundation that photographs well.