Which Foundation is Right for Me?

Applying makeup can be likened to an artist creating a masterpiece on canvas. Just as an artist preps and primes his canvas before starting his painting, so too do we need to apply makeup on a well prepared base. In order to do this, skin imperfections and blemishes need to be concealed and covered up. But choosing the right foundation can be quite a daunting task as foundations these days come in a wide variety and are available in an array of formulations. Incorrectly chosen and applied foundations cake, exaggerate problem areas and draw attention to imperfections. Correctly chosen and applied foundations, hide and blend skin imperfections leaving you with a dewy and youthful look. 

When shopping for the correct shade of foundation, always test or swatch foundation on your jawline.  Stand back and see that it blends into the skin- rule of thumb here is that the neck and face needs to match. Also read the labeling of the foundation- it needs to be hypoallergenic(will not irritate the skin) and noncomedogenic(will not clog the pores).

So how does one go about choosing the right type of foundation???

The important thing to know when choosing a foundation, is your skin type and what type of finish you want your product to give you.

Foundations generally come in 3 broad categories....

1. Cream foundation- these include your stick foundations, mousses, pancakes etc
2. Liquid foundation- foundations that come in bottles
3. Powder foundation- these include your loose powder foundations and pressed(compact) foundations

Cream Foundations

- generally for dry skin
- medium to full coverage depending on how you build it 
- has emollients that helps to lock the moisture in
- gives you longer wear through the day
- matt finish

Pancake foundations are reserved for theatrical use

Liquid Foundations

- also for dry skin

- buildable  medium to full coverage

- creamy, moist consistency

- a sheer, light, invisible, weightless and satin finish

Powder Foundation

- for oily skin

- natural matt, sheer finish

- has oil absorbing properties for greasy skin

- light to medium coverage