Choosing the right foundation can be a pretty hefty task. There are usually too many shades, or not enough, especially for women of color, and to further complicate things, you have to choose between tons of different brands and different foundation types. Foundation is your make-up base; it evens out your skin tone, covers your blemishes and more. How do you know what type is best for you, when there are so many options in the market? Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:
DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE: There are 5 basic skin types (normal, dry, oily, combination, and sensitive) that each have different problems and need different formulas. Dry Skin should use oil-based foundation, where Oily and sometimes Combination Skin should not. Sensitive Skin should go for oil-free, fragrance free and non-comedogenic foundations. Why? Well your skin is a little bit more prone to breakouts.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR UNDERTONES: In order for your foundation to look natural, your foundation's undertone must match your skin's. Well, what are undertones? Glad you asked. Beneath your specific skin tone, there is a subtle hue of cool (pink, red or blue), warm (yellow or golden), or neutral (balance of cool & warm) undertones. There are many ways to determine what your undertones may be (i.e: vein test), but I can explain that at a later date.
CONSIDER THE CLIMATE WHERE YOU LIVE: Foundation with SPF is ideal for warmer climates, and maybe even waterproof foundation. For colder climates, you may want to use a moisturizing formula while also keeping your skin type in mind. During the summer, when you're tanned, choose darker shades.
WHAT ABOUT COVERAGE?: For lighter coverage, choose a tinted moisturizer, BB/CC cream or sheer liquid foundation. For full coverage, choose a cream, stick or full coverage liquid foundation.
SHOPPING FOR FOUNDATION: Always, always, ALWAYS test your foundation before purchasing, which means to shop in a physical store. If your budget permits, go to your local Sephora, Ulta, or beauty counter at department stores. Unfortunately, you're not given the opportunity to test drug store foundations; it's kind of a trial and error testing situation. When testing the foundation, swatch the colors on your jawline. Swatch multiple shades (2-3) alongside one another, and make sure the shade matches your body as a whole. Allow the foundation to warm and mix with your complexion before making your final decision.
*TIP* Sephora has a really cool color matching tool, based on your skin complexion and undertones, to help determine the right shade of foundation for you. This is a great option for those who are still a little clueless.
Have a favorite foundation? Share below!
XO, Deanna
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