Now that you’re on the way to creating a good canvas for your makeup, it’s time to work on the magic of foundation!

Foundation – allowing for a soft healthy glow no matter what!

Besides acting as a great aid for smoothening out uneven blotches, foundation adds a dewy glow to your mien. The best type of foundation would look like its barely there, yet drastically improves your complexion.

But do take caution, foundation should be used to complement your looks, not as a mask. Do avoid caking it on, or risk waking up to skin irritations or worse, acne.

Here are a few commonly asked questions regarding foundation, and solutions to them!

Question: Is foundation really necessary?

Gwyneth looks not-so-bad with a bare face but it’s still a pretty far cry from the picture perfect babe we’re used to seeing, sans foundation and make up!

Once again, the wonders of what foundation and a slick of lipstick can do.

Check out the magic of foundation on Alicia Silverstone’s before and after pictures

Have we answered this question yet? ;)

Question: How do I pick the right type of foundation?

1) Mineral

Highly commended by celebs like Hilary Swank, the mineral foundation promises good coverage with less skin irritations

Foundations that are based on minerals work wonders for ladies with sensitive or oily skin. If your skin breaks out rather often, it might be due to the oil in your sunscreen. Minerals have been groundbreaking makeup wise, as they are inert and do not mess with the sensitive pH balance of our skin. Mineral foundation come in a variety of forms, namely  mousse, liquid and powder. Pick one that most suits your skin type.

2) Liquid

Yves Saint Laurent’s trademark Touche Eclat liquid foundation

If you have dry skin, liquid foundation is your answer. Liquids have a hydrating component, and can also provide more coverage than an average powder. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, oil-free liquid foundation will work for you as they possess oil-absorbing powder, allowing for a dewy and even finish. Liquid foundations are also known to last the longest!

3) Two-way cake

Two way cake by ZA – well loved by many ladies who have used this since teenhood

Two way cakes are conveniently compact and might even come with a sponge and mirror. Great for touch ups throughout the day! If you’re rushing for time, the two-way foundation provides relatively good coverage and requires less trouble than liquid foundation, which needs loose powder for setting.

Supplements/ Alternatives: Here are some add-ons that can be used before/ after foundation or even on its own if you just can’t seem to get the groove on foundation.  

4) Loose powder

Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder

Loose powder typically arrives in a sifting pot and meant to set liquid foundation. It allows for both sheer and medium coverage and is versatile enough to suit all skintypes. Apply loose powder with a big powder puff dipped onto the pot, tap out the excess and apply with a light patting action. If you can’t bring yourself to put on foundation, you can start off with just loose poweder.

5) BB Cream

BB Cream was first popularized by Korean stars who often used the product after facials or surgery

Blemish Balm Cream, popularized by Korean stars, has been deemed to be a wunderkind multi-tasker. Depending on type, it may include SPF, skin refining and moisturizing properties, anti-aging effects, and have an awesome concealing prowess! It’s known to be light on the skin as well.

6) Tinted moisturizer

Applying a tinted moisturizer – drastic before and afters

If you’re hard pressed for time and need to cut a couple of steps in your skincare routine, don’t! There are loads of cheats to get around time constraints i.e. two in ones! Tinted moisturizers provide a decent amount of coverage while simultaneously hydrating your skin. Great for those of you who have dry skin and aren’t looking for anything too heavy.

Question: How do I choose the right shade?

Here are three steps to take before finding that elusive shade:

1) Try it!

Remember, just cause it looks right in the bottle doesn’t mean it’s perfect for you! Dab some along your jawline, and take a step back from the mirror. If it blends flawlessly (without leaving any lines), you’ve got it.

2) Check it out in broad sunlight

Fluorescent lighting in the drugstore is overly harsh on the foundation, and will be pretty inaccurate. It’s best to take a step out in the sun and check out how it looks on a pocket mirror. The sunlight will reveal exactly how natural the foundation is on your skin.

3) Wear white

We all love dressing in a variety of colours, but when foundation shopping its best to wear white – it won’t reflect colour onto your skin, thus leaving your skin tone unaltered! Also, it’s a great idea to wear a top with an open neck line. This way, you’ll be able to judge whether the shade blends with the colour on your face and your neck!

If you’re still not sure, head down to a departmental make-up store where you can easily get professional help. A bit more costly, but worth it in the long run.

Question: Brushes, sponges, or fingers?

To finish up your look, don’t forget to use a foundation brush!

Yadim, Dior’s first international make up designer, suggests using your own fingers and a brush when applying liquid foundation. Purely using applicators like sponges would waste a lot of precious product by soaking it up, and anyway it’s better to use the heat from your fingers and palm to warm up the liquid before application! For a flawless finish, round off the edges with a foundation brush.

Question: How do I apply it on?

Remember to cover the four key areas when applying foundation!

Beauty editor Julyne Derrick advises applying dots of foundation on your cheeks, chin, forehead, and tip of the nose. Never apply foundation on the entire face or only on areas that have uneven tone! Using an applicator tool like a foundation brush, blend the dots together. Do take note of your jaw or hairline to avoid leaving obvious traces.

Question: What about the tough spots?

The concealer is perfect for even covering up the hardest spots like those dreaded eye circles!

Use a concealer – best for hiding dark circles and blemishes! Concealers are thicker than foundation and contain more pigment, which makes them optimal for dealing with tough spots. It can also be used a primer for eyeshadow, saving you more time. Sidenote: Concealers have to be a shade lighter than the foundation you intend to use.

Question: Should I put concealer before or after foundation?

Both ways work great, depending on your skin tone and what you prefer. We personally prefer the concealer first approach!

Concealer first, foundation second:

Suitable if you’re not one who needs heavy coverage or prefer not to. Begin by applying concealer on the tough spots. One benefit of putting foundation after is that it helps to smoothen over areas that have not been well blended by the concealer.

Foundation first, concealer second:

Dab on a layer of foundation as lightly as you can manage, smoothening out skin tone and blending in the product when necessary. Follow up with the concealer (again, very lightly!) on trouble areas. This really helps with any small make up mistakes. Note that concealing after foundation might leave trace marks, but you can get around this by using lighter strokes and with a good concealer brush on the edges of the concealed area for a seamless look.

Lastly, if you’re unsure on which shade, type or brand to choose, remember that you can always check for reviews on the internet or seek advice from the saleslady at the counter! All the best! :)

Sources from here, here, here, here, here, and Her World (Sept 2012)

About these ads