Foundation 101 - How to choose the right Foundation

Different types of Foundations

Foundation is one of those make up products that has created quite some confusion amongst us. Just like a lot of girls I know, it is something I don’t use everyday but most women I come across are confused about various aspects of foundations. Whether or not to use it, the type of foundation to use, what are the good brands in the market are just some of the mysteries that have been eluding us for a while. The common concern among all is that no one wants to look too made-up, cakey or obvious after using foundations and so most of the women get them wrong or just simply avoid them. In this post I’m going to try and demystify some of these theories and hope that it will answer some of the key questions that we have so that finally we can to a happy agreement about foundations and make the right decisions!

Who needs foundation?

I feel most of the women in their late 20’s require foundation be it light of full coverage. Even if we have good skin, as we age our skin’s ability to look even or radiant reduces. Depending upon the state of our skin, some women might require it every day but mostly we require them on important days when we might get photographed or need to look our best! On a daily basis though I for e.g. just use a tinted moisturizer but on important days I feel I need something that will even out my skin texture and bring about a clean face on which I can apply the rest of my make up.

How to choose the right foundation?

Formulation and texture - As important as it is to match the shade of foundation with your skin, you MUST match it with the type of skin you have. There are different types of foundations in the market for this exact reason: liquid, powder and cream, matt or dewy finish. So the formulation and the texture of the foundation are the 1^st thing that you must choose according to your skin type. Good news is that whether you have normal, combination, dry or oily skin, there is a foundation for everyone!

Combination and Oily Skin – Compact powders or Matt foundations like Lancome Tient Idole, Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup, Makeup Forever Mat Velvet Foundation, Revlon Colorstay Foundation, MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural

Dry Skin – Dewey finish foundations like Chanel Vitalumiere, Lancome Tient Miracle, Mac Face and Body  

Type of coverage - The second thing to consider is the type of coverage you need. Light, medium or full depending upon how much you want to cover on your face. I cannot stress enough on the importance of the above two points. I know its important to get the right shade but believe me getting the above two points is equally or even more important. Keeping these points in mind will help you in getting a foundation that not only blends very well in your skin but also stays on for the longest time! Remember these points and your foundation will never look cakey, too shiny or too obvious!

Light coverage – Mac Face and Body, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Lancome Tient Miracle

Medium to full coverage – Mac Matchmaster,

The shade –Once you have figured out the type of foundation and coverage you need you are ready to go shopping! Keep a small compact mirror in your bag when you go foundation shopping. It will be extremely helpful in getting the right shade. I feel its best way to pick the right shade is to go to a store and ask them to apply it on half of your face. Give it about 5 minutes to set and step out of the store in natural daylight. Now check your face in the compact mirror outside and see if it really matches. Natural light is the best light to check your makeup in and even if you like a shade indoors, outside, you will really know if it is right for you.            

I hope this post answers some of your questions about foundations and helps you understand how to make them work for you. Check out my post on Tips for flawless foundation and coming soon a post on My Favourite Foundations!