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Foundation: Choosing the best type for you
Types of foundation
include:
Pressed
Loose
Liquid
Whipped/Mousse
Cream
One factor in choosing a
type of foundation is your skin type: dry, normal,
combination or oily.
Pressed and loose powder
have a harder time staying on dry skin so if you choose
these, be extra sure to moisturize first. They are best
suited for combination or oily skin because they will
absorb the oil and keep the face looking natural.
Liquid foundations work
for any skin type although if you have an oily skin
type, you may want to select a thinner liquid. Drier
skin types will appreciate a liquid foundation that
moisturizes.
Whipped Mousse or Cream
foundations love dry skin. They will moisturize while
providing a smooth matt coverage.
The amount of coverage
you are looking for is also going to be a factor in
selecting foundation. Those seeking less coverage will
want a thin liquid or a loose or pressed powder where
the amount applied is easily controlled. Those seeking a
heavier coverage will prefer a liquid or a cream,
although do not let the word "cream" give you the
impression that just because it is a cream it is going
to be heavier, the newer lightly whipped creams provide
a light feel with excellent coverage. And remember, you
only need cover the problem areas if you choose, you
absolutely do not have to cover the entire face, just
develop your blending skills. Use a makeup sponge for a
fine, thin and even application.
Whether you want an SPF
in your foundation is going to be another factor.
But I’m going to go out
on a limb here and say that at different times we may
need different types of foundation. A physically active
day is certainly going to call for different coverage
than an evening out or a trip to the grocery store or
just lazing about at home. For really making up,
especially if you are contouring beneath, you are going
to want a liquid or a cream. For everyday use or lazing
about, just covering the basics, the new pressed mineral
foundations are so easy and provide fast, instant
coverage where you want it. Another option is thinning a
liquid foundation with your favorite moisturizer.
Seasonal changes make a
difference to most all of us to a degree, depending on
where we live. In the winter we may require a heavier,
more moisturizing foundation whereas in the summer we
may want lightweight, barely any at all, or none, or a
waterproof formula that can hold up to swimming,
perspiration and various warm-weather activities.
And what about sheen? My
advice is be careful. There are many foundations on the
market that do everything from shimmering to practically
glowing in the dark (an exaggeration) so be careful in
choosing these. And if you do select one, try it in
different scenarios where you can examine the results,
ask your closest friends and even take a photo because
unless you prefer to be sparkling in a photo, you may
not see the look you wanted. Glitter and sheen can
really show up weird in photos. Certainly glitter or
sheen is not preferable in the sun or at the office. It
is likely these should be reserved for evening wear
only. And some liquid foundations are just so
moisturizing that the very moisture they possess can
appear too shiny so this is another area of caution but
is easily corrected with loosed powder applied afterward
if you are happy with the foundation. If you have really
oily skin, try dusting first with a loose powder or
foundation then applying a liquid.
Lastly, there are many
makeup products you can skimp on when it comes to cost
however foundation is not one of them. Generally
speaking, the less expensive the brand, the less
quality, and in a foundation, quality is number one
because unfortunately it shows. And I realize that cost
may be, in may cases, a deciding factor on which
foundation to buy. Most foundations start around ten
dollars these days and you may expect to pay twenty or
thirty dollars for a really good one. Just remember,
whichever you choose, it’s going to last you for several
months so it’s really a worthwhile investment if you
choose to pay a little more.
Sampling is good whether
it be in a make-over, a salon, a department store, a
home party, try-it sizes, etc,. However it really takes
spending some time with a foundation to get to know it
and to allow it to get to know your face. One try is
good to help you decide but it really takes a good month
of use and wear to completely decide on a foundation
because by then you have worn it through most of the
scenarios in your life (other than seasonal) and you
will have a good idea by then if it is right for you.
Experiment with
foundation types, shades, blending, and see what works
best for you.
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