By E Stylez
When I started off in makeup, I thought foundation was the lowest part of a building. I was right, when it came to buildings, but I was a little ways off when it came to makeup. I soon learned that just like a building, makeup foundation is the building block for the entire look that you want to achieve. The perfect flawless look doesn't come easy. Most women stay away from foundation because there's so many variations and colors. If i was a woman, I would run too! But now, there's help. I've come up with sure ways to achieve that polished look, so you can stop running and start looking your best.
Step 1
Knowing you skin type
Understanding what type of skin you have will make the process much easier. If you have dry skin, look for products that say "moisturize" or "hydrate". If you have oily skin, look for products that contain "oil free" or water-based" formulas. Do you have combination skin? Creme-powders generally work best. If you have sensitive skin, your may preferably want to stick with mineral foundation, but there are other types of foundation you can try. And for those of you who have "normal skin" creme-to-powder is preferable, but you typically can use anything.
Step 2
Know your skin tone
Knowing your skin tone is very important. Good foundations come in a variety of colors to match your tone. Normally, foundations are broken up in two categories: "Warm" and "Cool". A basic approach to tell if your warm or cool is to look at the veins on your arms. If you veins are green, you have a warm skin tone. If your veins appear blue you have a cool skin tone.
Step 3
Figure out the look you want
When shopping for foundation, you want to consider the type of coverage you want. Coverages are available from sheer, light, medium, and full. Sheer gives the most transparent look. Most loose powders provide sheer coverage. If your face is flawless, this is the foundation you may prefer. Light covers uneven skin tones, but won't cover freckles. A medium coverage can cover freckles, marks left from pimples, and discolorations. Full coverage is the most opaque. It's used to cover birthmarks, hyperpigmentation, and scars.
You may also want to consider the types of finishes provided. The types of finishes are satin, matte, and semi-matte. If the label does not state what type of finish it provides, it's most likely semi-matte. Semi-matte gives you the most natural look and it works on almost any skin type. If your skin is oily, you may want to try a matte finish. Matte finishes absorb oil on the skin, leaving your skin with an even, powdery finish. Look for "shine-free" or "pore-less" on the label. If your skin is dry, mature, or sallow, try a satin (luminizing) foundation. Satin foundations generally have light-reflective particles, that diffuse fine lines and wrinkles, which will help you achieve that flawless look.
Step 4
Choose the right color
Now you should be down to a couple of products that correspond with your skin type, skin tone, and proper look. Now for the fun part; finding the right color. Choosing the right color takes time, but with a little effort, you'll find exactly what your looking for. The easiest places to choose the right color are boutiques that specialize in makeup, a department store that has a makeup artist, or an online store that sends you free samples. The first step you need to do is make sure you don't have any foundation on. Next, you'll want to take 3 colors that match closest to your natural skin tone (face and neck), either to a well lit area or outside if the store allows it. Don't forget to ask for a hand mirror and cosmetic sponges. Apply the color to your jawline. Don't apply it to your wrist or forearm. The color that blends well with your face, should be the color you choose. Also, don't try to tan your face with a foundation. Here are some other simple steps to get the right color:
Caucasians Click Here to get free samples
Very Light to Light (Fair)
- If you have a pinkish or clear undertone - Choose a Cool Tone Foundation.
- If you have yellowish/golden undertone - Look for a Warm Tone Foundation.
Asians Click Here to get free samples
Light(Fair)/Medium/Olive
- If your light with a pinkish, reddish or clear undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If your light with a peach or golden undertone - Choose a warm tone foundation.
- If your medium with a pinkish or reddish undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If your medium with a golden undertone - Choose a warm tone foundation.
- If your olive with a reddish undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If your olive with a golden undertone - Choose a warm tone foundation.
Hispanics Click Here to get free samples
Light(Fair)/Medium/Olive
- If your light with a pinkish, reddish or clear undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If your light with a peach or golden undertone - Choose a warm tone foundation.
- If your medium with a pinkish or reddish undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If your medium with a golden undertone - Choose a warm tone foundation.
- If your olive with a reddish undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If your olive with a golden undertone - Choose a warm tone foundation.
African American Click Here to get free samples
Medium/Olive/Dark/Very Dark
- If your medium with a pinkish or reddish undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If your medium with a yellowish or golden undertone - Choose a warm tone foundation.
- If your very dark with a bluish undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If your very dark with a golden undertone - Choose a warm foundation.
- If your dark with a yellowish or golden undertone - Choose a warm tone foundation.
- If you dark with a reddish undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If you have an olive undertone - Choose a cool tone foundation.
- If your olive with a golden undertone - Choose a warm tone foundation.
I hope this post helps you on your journey to find that perfect foundation. Don't be afraid to try until you find the right combination.
