How to Choose The Right Foundation

Hiya Gals!

When choosing a foundation, there is so much more to consider than just selecting the correct shade. Of course shade is important as you don't want to sport a mismatched look, but there are so many other factors that need to be considered. 

So today, to assist you in the process of selecting the right foundation, I thought to share with you my guideline.

Skin Type: The first important thing to consider before you buy your foundation, is your skin type. Knowing your skin type is key as you want to be sure that the formula you select will benefit your skin. 

• Dry Skin - Look for foundations that include words like "Hydrating", "Moisturizing", "Luminous" and "Moisture-rich."

• Oily skin - Key words like "Oil-free", "Shine-control" and "Mattifying" are a clear indication that this formula is for you.

• Mature Skin - Similar to dry skin descriptions like, "Hydrating", Moisturizing", "Luminous" and "Moisture-rich" also apply to mature skin, in addition to descriptions like "Radiant" "Sheer Glow" and "Anti-Aging"

Formula: When thinking about formula, consider the results that you wish to achieve  eg. long lasting, full coverage, sheer coverage, dewy finish, matte finish etc. and select your formula accordingly. 

My Picks:

• Sheer Coverage, Dewy Finish: 
• Nars Sheer Glow - This foundation formula is perfect for dry and mature skin types. It glides on easily and provides medium coverage. It leaves the skin looking healthy and hydrated.

• Long Lasting, Full Coverage:  
• Revlon ColourStay - This formula is amazing and has been a staple in my kit for years. This foundation stays put from the time it is applied to the time it is removed. It comes it two formulas; normal/dry and combination/oily.

• Matte Finish: 
• Milani Cream to Powder -  This oil-free formula glides on as a cream and transforms into a powder, leaving behind a soft matte finish.  Excellent for combination/oily skin types.

   

Skin Undertone : Skin undertone and shade are two aspects that go hand in hand. Knowing your skin tone is equally as important as selecting the correct shade. For instance if you choose a cool toned foundation and your complexion is of warm tones, even though the shade you have chosen may initially match, after a while your foundation is going to look more pink on your warm complexion and vice versa.

Once you have determined your what your skin undertone is, select shades based on it. Not sure of your skin undertone? Take a peek at my printable guide here

Most manufactures will label their foundations with a "C" or "W" or "N" to indicate whether the formula is cool, warm or neutral. L'oreal is definitely one of those companies that do and it really makes the foundation selection process so much easier.

• Warm (W) - Select shades with names that have key words like, "Warm", "Golden",  "Sun" or "Honey" eg. "Golden Sand"

• Cool (C) - Select shades with names that have key words like "Cool",  "Soft" "Rose" eg. "Rose Sand" 

• Neutral (N)- These are shades that are neither warm nor cool, they fall right in the middle so anyone can wear them, whether their tone is cool, or warm. In most cases in the shade name words like "Warm", "Golden", or "Cool" will NOT be included. eg. So instead of "Cool Sand" or "Golden Sand" it may just be labeled "Sand"

If you are ever in doubt about what your skin undertone is, always select neutral.  

Please note, this image was taken from the internet.

Shade Selection: When selecting your foundation, always remember that the shade that you pick should not be visible on the skin, it should melt into the skin to enhance your complexion. 

Once you have selected your shade, apply a little your jaw line and blend. If you feel that this could be the shade for your, step outside with a hand mirror to see how it looks in natural light. Of course testing a shade out at a drug store is not always possible, so my suggestion would be to hold the bottle up to your neck to see if it is a match.

Thanks for reading!  

I hope this information makes the whole foundation selection process a little easier for you.

Keisha xo