FOUNDATION & SKINTONES: Part 2 (Finding the Right Shade/Type of Foundation)

Let me start out by saying when you are buying your foundation if it’s your first time trying out that particular brand or shade, get it somewhere that has a good return policy such as Walgreens or Rite Aid.

Before you pick the formula, you need to find out the right formulation for your skin. If you're oily, look for words like "oil-free," "oil-control" or "mattifying" on the bottle.  Got dry skin? Go for moisturizing foundations with "hydrating" or "moisture-rich" wording on the bottle.  Foundations containing glycerin glide on easily.  For combination skin, determine if you're more oily or dry and go from there.  Cream-to-powder bases work great for combination skin.  Mineral foundations work well on all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

Consider if you want a light or medium-coverage. If you have good skin, but want to even out a few ruddy areas, consider a light coverage.  For women with really uneven skin tone or blemishes, consider a medium-coverage foundation.  Some women swear by mineral foundations, so you might want to try these out as well.

Show up to the store/makeup counter with a clean, fresh face.  It's OK to wear eye makeup or lipstick, even moisturizer on your face, but you don't want to show up already wearing foundation.

Select a few colors that seem close to your natural skin tone. Go for the yellow-based foundations, which look most natural on all skin tones especially warm or darker complexions.  However, if you're very fair, try a pink, cooler shade. 

Apply a stroke of up to three colors on a cheek (the inner wrist or hand aren't the best spots, contrary to popular belief). The one that disappears is the right shade.

Take a good, long look -- near a window. Ask to borrow a hand mirror and stand near a doorway, or step outside, to see which foundation looks best in the natural light. The right shade is one that you can't see because it blends in so well. If you are purchasing from a drugstore, take a couple bottles to a doorway, hold them up to your neck and see which one matches the best or if you have a favorite shade you want to match, match the colors of the bottles, never the swatch on the display.

Once you've bought the foundation, take it home and try it out.  If you don't like it you can return it.

A foundation with sunscreen is a safe bet, but you will still need to wear sunscreen under your foundation.  Also in the summer consider skipping foundation and opting for a tinted moisturizer instead.


When applying your foundation you can use a brush, sponge, or your fingers; depending on the form of foundation you will be working with.  For liquid foundation you can use any of the above methods, for cream-to-powder use a sponge, pressed or loose powder use a brush, or if it is a cream/mousse use your fingers.  


No matter what type of foundation you use, always apply it to a freshly washed, toned, and moisturized face; apply a facial primer if desired.  If you opt to use your fingers to apply the foundation make sure your hands are thoroughly cleaned !  You do not want to put bacteria and germs onto your skin causing breakouts and/or irritation.  


Always apply foundation using circular motions in the direction your facial hair grows.  & always, always, ALWAYS blend your foundation outside of the jawline onto the neck.  


Afterwards apply your concealer and then apply finishing powder, or any other loose/pressed powder that is either your skintone or translucent, all over the face.  This will set your foundation and concealer so it will last, as well as give your blush a better base.