Did you know that the right foundation color, properly blended, can take years off of how old you look? The reason is this: an uneven skin tone makes skin look older than it really is – more so than wrinkles! Here are some tips and tricks for choosing the right foundation.
Tip #1: Always choose a foundation color to match your skin tone! Don’t be tempted to get a tan with your foundation or look darker than you really are. This is a common tendency for ivory or beige toned ladies.
Tip#2: Try it before you buy it. The only true way to find out if a foundation matches is to try it on. For liquid foundations, rub a little on your cheek – if it virtually disappears, you have the right shade. If you can see it compared to the rest of the skin on your face, it is not the right match.
Tip #3: If you have pink undertones to your skin, don’t use a foundation with yellow undertones. There has been much controversy on this issue. It was believed that a yellow foundation would help neutralize the pink on your skin. However, a foundation with a touch of pink actually evens out your skin tone better and doesn’t make your skin look dull and flat, but rather fresh and alive. Again – the secret is to find a shade that perfectly matches your skin. Try it on, don’t just guess!
Tip #4: Choose a foundation appropriate for your skin type. I have found that people with oily skin tend to enjoy the mineral powder foundations because of the oil-absorbing properties. Conversely, those with dry skin claim that the powder accentuates the look of their dry skin. If you have extremely dry skin, find a moisturizing foundation – it will feel like heavy cream, but your face will thank you. If your skin is normal, try an oil-free liquid foundation, or a cream to powder foundation – you may even like a mineral powder foundation. The secret is to not be afraid to try different forms of foundation to find the one you like and will use.
Tip #5: Use a good skin care program. This alone will make your foundation go on smoothly and give you that flawless finish you need. A good skin care program is designed for your skin type (dry, normal, combination, or oily) and consists of a cleanser, exfoliator, toner, and moisturizer. Your foundation always goes on last.
Remember that makeup on bad skin looks like makeup on bad skin. So take care of it so people will notice your beauty instead of being distracted by your skin’s imperfections!
