Sunday 17 March 2013

Makeup Beginner 101: Foundation


Foundation helps us to even out our skin tone, making it smooth and bright; creating a flawless canvas for makeup. It is important to select the correct shade and type to match your skin tone and type in order for foundation to look natural. It should be applied in moderation to avoid caking and an unnatural "mask-like" look. As I have mentioned in my previous post, one of the best methods to select the correct shade is to swatch foundation on your jawline area to see if it matches with your neck color. In this post, I will be discussing the different types of foundation that I, myself, have personally used. 



(from left to right: Burberry Velvet Foundation, Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation, Anna Sui Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation)


Liquid Foundation: This is my favourite type of foundation as I find that they are the most natural looking and easily blend-able. Liquid foundations come in a variety of shades, coverages (sheer, medium, full) and finishes (dewey, matte, semi-matte, satin). I find that they are best applied using a foundation brush or sponge as it gives the smoothest texture. Liquid foundation is generally better suited for those who have dry skin, but acne prone and oily skin can still work with it by using an "oil-free" formula. I personally use this type of foundation in the winter and dryer months as I feel that they are quite moisturizing.



(Orlane Teint Absolu Foundation)


Cream Foundation: generally the same principal as liquid foundation, but these tend to be thicker in texture and provides a fuller coverage. As it is a thicker formula, only a tiny amount should be used to avoid looking unnatural. Dryer skin types would appreciate the moisturizing effect that this type of foundation gives. Oily skin types may also be able to work with this by selecting an "oil-free" formula. 




(Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Cover Stick) 


Stick Foundation: Stick foundations usually provide a higher coverage and are great for touch ups and spot correcting.  They are easy to blend, buildable and are good for "on the go" makeup. A lot of these double up as both a concealer and a foundation so they are a great asset to any starter makeup kit. These may be used for all skin types.




(left to right: Kate Lasting High Coverage Powder Foundation, Menard Tsukika powder foundation)


Powder Foundation: Powder foundation is another favourite of mine, as they are great for all skin types except with the occasional exception of dry to very dry skin. Powders usually help control oil and gives a matte finish, but they also come in moisturizing formulas. Depending on the amount of powder you use, powders can achieve coverages from sheet to full. I personally apply a thin layer of powder to my whole face and spot apply them to areas which need higher coverage (dark eye circles, acne, scars, etc).  They are convenient, and easy to use for touch ups. The downside to powder foundations, however is, that they sometimes cake up and stick to dry patches of skin, so it is especially important to moisturize your skin well before applying this type of foundation. I usually wear  powder in the summer or hotter months. 


While choosing the correct foundation will give you a look of flawless skin, it is also important to have a good skincare routine. Be sure to keep your face well moisturized before applying any foundation to give it a better finish. If you are having trouble choosing a foundation by yourself, be sure to as the sales associate for help. Furthermore, you may want to test and try out a few different kinds of foundation to see which one you prefer the best before committing to a full sized bottle of it.  I hope you found this post informative and should you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section :)

-MakeupMacaron 

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