Beauty Foundation Tips and Options

Are you at a loss to which foundation is best?

Foundation has come a long way since the days when beauty seekers put up with thick, unmanageable creams. These days, there are numerous options to choose from and plenty a tip to try. Hope the tips here can help you on how to make the right choice!

Shopping for foundation

It can get a little overwhelming when there's too many to pick from. First, determine your skin type. Dry skin often feels uncomfortable and tight and may experience flaking or dehydration. Normal skin won't have dryness or oiliness, it's in perfect balance. If you have combination skin, skin may be slightly or very oily on your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), and normal to dry on cheeks.

If it is oily, it is oily all over your skin and makeup tends to slide off. To determine if you have oily skin, wash face and check it. If it's shiny all over, you have oily skin. If it's just on the T-zone, you have combination skin.

For dry skin

Your skin will benefit from a moisturising liquid or cream foundation. If you're not looking for much coverage, use a tinted moisturiser made for dry skin. Look for words like ‘moisture’, ‘soothing’, ‘smoothing’, ‘comfort’ or ‘dewy’ on the label. They often have a bit of sheen to make skin glow. Begin by applying a regular moisturizer. Allow it to soak into skin for about 5 to 10 minutes, and then apply foundation on top. Avoid using a powder foundation as it can cause skin to look even drier.

For normal skin

Normal skin-types can use any foundation labelled ‘normal’. Stay away from foundations made for dry skin that can cause it to break out or those for oily skin that could dry it up. If you don't want coverage, a tinted moisturiser will do; or use a regular liquid foundation or powder foundation. I suggest one that is oil-free as it won't cause breakouts. Look for words like ‘illuminating’ or ‘radiance’ on the label.

For combination skin

The combination skin-type is the most common and has the most options available too! Look for word like ‘balanced’, ‘oil-free’ and ‘non-comedogenic’. Avoid anything that says ‘dewy’ or ‘illuminating’ as it will make your oily T-zone greasy. Use an oil-free, tinted moisturizer, a liquid, long-wearing foundation or powder foundation. If you are not using a powder foundation, top your liquid foundation with a dusting of powder, especially on your T-zone, to keep the look together for the day.

For oily skin

Oily skin has specific needs. Look for words like ‘acne’, ‘breakouts’, ‘matte’ or ‘clarifying’. If you have a lot of breakouts or are prone to them, use a foundation that contains medicated treatment. Look for products with salicylic acid that help prevent breakouts. Try liquid or powder formulations. A liquid foundation, topped with powder, will do the job but you will need touch-ups.

Foundation dos and dont’s

• Do use a foundation brush as it provides coverage to the hard-to-reach areas: every nook, cranny and pore on you face.
• Do apply foundation to areas concealed with concealer.
• Do invest in a mineral foundation as this helps maintain moisture in skin.
• Do dilute your foundation with oil-free moisturizer as it may help to fair better in your weather.
• Do change the colour of your foundation if you develop a tan.
• Don't go for full foundation coverage for daily use. Apply only on spots that have an uneven skin tone and blend.
• Don't apply foundation throughout face and then blend. Apply area by area. For example, blot some foundation on your right cheek and blend. Then do your left cheek. Check to see if both sides have equal coverage and one is not heavier than the other.
• Don't use a shade lighter than your skin tone. You'll look like you are indeed trying to look fairer or have a tonne of makeup on your face.
• Don't forget to apply foundation on your eyelids and lips.
• Don't be stingy with moisturiser: apply a decent amount before applying foundation. Focus on the eye area especially.

Application Tips

Choose from these three techniques when applying foundation:

The Sponge - The sponge gives you a light, sheer application. It also makes it easy to blend, a necessity for foundation. The downside: a lot of foundation gets absorbed by the sponge so it tends to be wasteful. You need to clean your sponge after every use.

The Brush - This is the best tool for a flawless finish. The one problem: you have to clean it every time you use it or you'll ruin the brush. If you re-apply foundation during the day, the brush is the only way to go.

The Fingers - Fingers are the least expensive way. It can be a little difficult to blend so be careful not to leave patchy areas. You'll need more time to blend it in thoroughly. Do apply in a well-lit area.