How to choose the best foundation for your skin type? This can be a real challenge, especially since there are countless shades and formulas to choose from. Choosing the right foundation is critical as it can either give you that dreamy, flawless complexion, or you can get it completely wrong. Don't worry we are here to help you understand your skin better and help you choose the right foundation, without making you look like you are wearing one. We have got some very handy tips and recommendations to help you choose the best foundation.
The point of wearing foundation is to hep your skin look its best and not to make it look unnatural. Here is what you need to do
1. Understand your skin type
This is the most important step in choosing a foundation. You need to know your skin's needs and dislikes, to help pick a formula best suited for your skin.
If you don't know your skin your skin type. Click here to know how to find out your skin type.
a. For Normal Skin
If you have this type of skin then you are one of the lucky few. You should just choose a foundation that gives your skin that extra glow, even skin tone and hides any blemishes or dark spots.
My recommendations:
The Ordinary Foundation - Click here to buy
SHISEIDO Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF 30 - Click here to buy
b. For Oily Skin
For oily skin you should choose an oil-free liquid foundation. These formulations tend to contain ingredients that absorb oil giving your skin a smooth matte look. You can even use mineral foundations they have ingredients that absorb the excess moisture preventing your skin from looking excessively oily.
My recommendations:
Maybeline FitMe Matte + Poreless Foundation - Click here to buy
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - Click here to buy
c. For Dry Skin
If you are someone that has dry skin like me then you should choose a formula with hydrating ingredients. These foundations usually have a creamy consistency which moisturises your skin with complete coverage.
My recommendations:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Liquid Foundation- Click here to buy
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation - Click here to buy
d. For Combination Skin
If your skin has oily and dry skin- this can make it difficult to choose any one product. So, how does one choose the right foundation? There isn't any one product that can give you that magic, you will have to strategically mix and match products; and try to avoid using foundations that are emollient or oil-rich.
My recommendation:
Maybeline FitMe Matte + Poreless Foundation - Click here to buy
This product is not only known to hydrate your skin and keep the moisture locked but is also designed to erase all the extra oil from your face, especially your T-zone area.
2. Choosing the right shade for your skin tone
If you are new to using foundations and you don't know what shade to buy. The best way to select a shade is to try and get a color that matches your neck or jawline. When you do this, you will see that the right shade will make your skin look radiant and not too white or ashy. If the foundation is leaving a whitish cast or making you looking ashy or darker then it is the wrong tone for you. In some cases it might be difficult to find the right shade for you and you might have to mix and match to get your color.
3. What finish are you looking for?
Ok so if you are new to this you must be wondering what is this 'finish' and isn't it enough that I just select the right shade. The answer is no. It is important you be comfortable in what you are wearing. Choosing the right shade with a matte finish which you don't like might make you feel uncomfortable and trust me I have been there. So a finish is the kind of look you want or the amount of sheen you want. It can be dewy-summer glow, semi-matte- get the perfect look or luminizing with radiance finish, each one is good. But you need to decide which one you are most comfortable with.
The dewy-summer glow or luminizing with radiance finish
If you want either of this finishes make sure your make-up is subtle. Don't go for over the top glittering eye shadows, high color or shine lipsticks. Instead use a matte lipstick that brings out your features and go for glowing make-up looks that don't make your skin look oily.
The semi-matte- get the perfect look finish
This finish makes you look flawless with a poreless finish. If you get it right you can get a smooth, silky and gorgeous look.
4. TEST it before you buy it
Always, always buy a tester before you buy the product, especially if it is the first time you are buying the product. Use it once or twice and then buy it and no! testing it on your hand does not count. Use it on your face, see how you look and feel the entire day and then purchase the full product, that ways you are also not wasting money buying products you will not end up using. This is how I bought my first foundation. Sephora almost always gives you a small tester if you are buying the product for the first time if not make sure you ask for one.
Kaye's Beauty Book is here to help you choose better products that suit your skin, hair and lifestyle. All of the products mentioned are carefully researched and selected to ensure that the most credible information comes to you. If you do buy a product from one of our links, Kaye's Beauty Book may earn a commission.
II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II
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