Foundation was created a while back after having lighter skin color was considered luxurious and fashionable. When looking for the right foundation, you need to know the undertone of your skin. The undertone of your skin should determine the type of foundation you should use. The cosmetic industry varies when it comes to naming foundations and their shade. You have to know the different naming methods used.
As you get older, your skin matures a lot, and so should your cosmetics. You might have a history of acne, dry skin, or oily skin in your teenage years and currently suffer from dark spots, wrinkles, or fine lines in your 60s. Using the right makeup will help you look younger and beautiful.
Use Lightweight Foundation
Using a hydrating water-based foundation will ensure your skin remains moisturized for a long time. Some people prefer satin-finish foundations, and other people think water-based foundations are the best. The secret to a perfect foundation is understanding your skin and knowing the outcome you want to achieve.
Avoid Matte Cosmetics
Matte does not have the shiny glow that other cosmetics have. They tend to be thick and with a few shades to choose from. Matte foundations are made for skins with an uneven undertone, spots, or wrinkles, meaning they do not blend in enough with your skin to achieve a natural look. As your skin absorbs the ingredients in the foundations, you tend to look cakey or overdone. Instead of using matte foundations, you can use a good moisturizer or hydrating primer with glycerine.
Avoid Foundation with Harsh Ingredients
If your skin is sensitive to a particular foundation, ensure you double-check the ingredients. Different foundations are made for different skin types, meaning that if you have dry skin, it is not advisable to use foundation meant for oily skin. Find the most suitable foundation for your skin to avoid breakouts and damaged skin.
Figure Out Your Undertone
Your undertone does not get affected by age or the sun as you get older; it remains constant. Foundations have a tone too. They can either be cool, warm, or neutral.
- If you have a pinkish, rosy complexion, you have a warm undertone.
- Greenish or olive, blue, or purple mean your undertone is cool.
- If you do not see a tint, then you probably have a neutral tone.
Check the veins in your wrist to know your undertone, then match your foundation with your undertone to achieve a perfect look.
After deciding on the type of foundation you want, you can go ahead and test them out to see which shade is perfect for your skin tone. Below are several ways you can test the different foundations.
Test Out Different Shades Before Buying
Foundations look very different in bottles as opposed to how they look on your skin. Some retailers let you test the different shades on your skin, which is an essential thing to do, or you will end up buying the wrong tone.
If you are having issues picking a shade, many shops have people working there who can help you. Makeup is not one of the cheapest things in the market, so you might be tempted to buy more affordable items on the Internet. This is a terrible idea as some foundations change color or oxidize when exposed to air. Ensure you visit a reputable shop once in a while to get clarification.
Visit a Makeup Artist
Just as it is essential for you to see your doctor regularly, so is seeing makeup artists. Some foundations need more attention than others, be it the application tools or maintenance; a makeup artist will advise you on these issues.
You can ask about your skin allergies if you have any, inquire about brushes, and ask for tips. Bring along pictures of looks you might want to achieve for further clarifications from the artists. Make sure you understand every product before using it.
Have Your Mini-show
Ladies have a habit of creating looks using different shades and palettes of makeup when they are bored or during their free time. This habit is beneficial as they get to understand their skin better and perfect their skills. If you did not have time to test your make up across the counter or you already had makeup on, find time, and test out the foundations.
The jawline is among the best places to test your foundation shade, but if you had already baked your face, your chest is also a good option for this test. The color of the skin on your hand might slightly differ from the shade of your face, so testing the foundation on your arm might not be a good idea.
Try Different Shades at the Same Time
Trying out different shades at the same time will help you compare the look and feel of each of them. You can apply a few different shades on your jawline or neckline, then you can decide which one suits you best.
See How You Look In Natural Light
Fluorescent light in most stores or even your room can alter how the foundation looks on your skin. After finding the right shade for your skin, apply a more substantial amount on your face, then step out in the sun with a mirror and check out how you look in natural light. This will help you see the real shade of the foundation and how it makes you look.
Bring a Friend Along
Sometimes makeup professionals might persuade you to buy the foundation just because they want to make sales. Bring a friend who knows you well and is honest with you all the time so they can help you pick the right foundation for your skin.
Finding the right shade of makeup for your skin will ensure you always look good, and it will help you boost your confidence. Ensure you follow the tips above to achieve the perfect look.
