Before you even buy the foundation, there are a few things to consider to ensure that the shade you choose fits your face perfectly and that you get the most out of the formula you choose. What’s more, makeup brands are (finally!) offering a wide range of foundation shades. But with so much to choose from, it can be challenging to select the perfect product. Allow us to introduce you to your new best foundation friend.
Discover your undertone
“Your undertone is literally the colour that shows under your skin,” says the expert. You can have warm undertones (yellows, peaches, or golds), cool undertones (pinks or blues), or neutrals (a mix of both). Don’t know? Here’s a tip: look at the veins on your wrist. If they’re green, you’re warm. Blue or purple? You’re cool. And a mixture of the two? You’re neutral. If you can’t see your veins, take a photo of yourself in front of a white wall. Your warm or cool undertone will be easily recognisable.
Read reviews and look for photographic references.
Experts agree that trying on sunglasses in person is the best way to find the right glasses, but it’s still worth comparing online reviews of the brands you’re interested in first. This is especially true if you’re struggling to find a shade that matches your skin tone and undertone. Many sites, such as Amazon or Sephora, allow reviewers to leave photos so you can see what shades look like on other people, while other sites offer colour charts and model references.
Finding the right formula
Choosing the right shade is only half the battle: You also need to ensure that the product is suitable for your skin type. “If you have oily skin, look for a water-based or powder formula with a matte finish,” says the expert. “Dry skin needs extra moisture, so look for a product with natural oils for a dewy finish. Prone to breakouts? An oil-free foundation is the best choice.”
Think about your insurance coverage
Think about how much of your natural skin tone needs to be visible: Do you just want to cover redness and balance your skin tone? Opt for BB and CC creams and tinted moisturisers,” says the expert. Want more coverage? Opt for a powder or liquid foundation. Pro tip: Try a BB cream on school days and save the liquid or creamy foundation for the holidays.
Try shades on different parts of the face.
The most common tip you’ll hear is to apply a small line of foundation along the jawline (from jaw to neck). A renowned makeup artist recommends starting with two or three shades closest to your skin tone and blending them out gently. “The foundation should match the sides of your face and neck, so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing mascara,” the expert says.
If you’re having more difficulty finding a shade, the professionals recommend testing a different shade. “I test several areas: the jawline, cheeks, forehead and neck,” says the expert. “I tend to choose a product that works best on the neck and forehead, as that’s where I get the most colour.”
Let it be excellent – test for a few hours.
It’s worth taking the time to try and use it before you buy it. “A foundation in a bottle has a certain colour in its liquid state, and it can oxidise on the face and change colour as it dries or hardens,” explains the expert. “It can also change depending on personal pH and chemistry. It’s important to see how it adapts to your skin throughout the day.
Not only do you need to make sure the colour doesn’t oxidise, but also that what you’re applying to your face doesn’t irritate it. “True allergic reactions are almost immediate, while sensitivities can take a little longer to show up, so using throughout the day helps you understand them better,” says the expert.
Choose your foundation partner
Concealer and foundation work together to balance skin tone. But one product isn’t right for every situation: Want to cover up a pimple? Choose the same shade of concealer as your foundation. Want to lighten dark circles? Choose two lighter shades and blend.
Prepare your skin properly.
Sometimes what looks like a bad match has more to do with how makeup is applied to the skin. Applying foundation without preparation is like applying nail polish without a base. “Dead or dry skin gives foundation a dull finish,” explains the expert. “The foundation sticks to these areas and creates an uneven look. The most important thing is exfoliation, as your intense moisturiser can’t be effective if it’s clogged with dead skin cells.
Also, it’s worthwhile – literally – to apply foundation, especially if it’s going to be a long night.