Foundation?

What Foundation?

What Foundation do I need?  This is the question I am asked the most and this month I thought I would follow on from a time to change, to exploring skin type and Foundation.  We have so much choice in the shops and online where do we start?

Foundation in particular is just an extension of your skincare regime.   If you have changed your moisturiser to a richer formula for hydration and elasticity then your foundation needs to be light in texture, not a matt or a dry foundation such as mousse or a creme compact.  However if your skin is particularly oily, you will  need an oil free foundation.   You should take into consideration how much coverage do you like or require and what is the right shade of foundation for you.

So where do we start?   I mentioned in my previous blog about one to one makeup lessons or workshops.  These would be my first recommendation.   I would also recommend that you consider regular facials  every 4 to 6 weeks.  This will improve your skin and you  will have an expert in skincare who will advise you of your skin type.   Lastly if none of the above appeal to you here are some questions to ask yourself.

There are four common basic skin types:   Dry, Combination, Oily and Normal

After you wash your face and do not apply products,  does is feel taut and tight?   You have dry skin

Or does it the forehead, nose and maybe chin start to feel a little greasy and become shiny whilst the cheeks remain either comfortable or taut?   You have combination skin

Or after you have washed your face it feels very clean but then becomes greasy quickly?  Do you have large pores?  You have oily skin

Or does your skin feel soft and smooth and supple?  Lucky you!!! You have normal skin

Once armed with your skin type, you need to decide what foundation type and colour is right for you.   Foundation needs to be matched to your skin in natural daylight.   So when going shopping for foundation take a handbag mirror and tissues to the brand of your choice.   Note the different foundations they sell and select the one for your skin type.

For Dry skin use a hydrating liquid foundation.  I would recommend Charlotte Tilbury’s Light Wonder Foundation or Mii Illuminating  Face Base

For combination skin, a liquid foundation could be illuminating or matt but must be oil free to keep that shine at bay. My favourite  for combination skin is mineral foundation.   Mineral foundation is like a facial for the skin.  It is light weight and can be used for light coverage or a heavy coverage where need.  It mixes with your natural oils producing a smooth look that looks better throughout the day but does not produce shine.    I would recommend  Mii Mineral Irresistible Face Base, or Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation.

For oily skin always use a matt primer with an oil free foundation and a HD finishing powder.   I would recommend Bobbie Brown Matt primer with either Mii Mineral Irresistible Face base, Absolute Face Base or Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Foundation.  Finishing with Charlotte Tilbury’s Genius Magic Powder.

For normal skin take your pick it would depend very much on the look you like.  Maybe a dewy  look or maybe a matt look.

Once you have decided on the type of foundation, you need to choose the right colour for you.   Take 3 or 4 samples of your chosen brand on the back of your hand.  Go outside the shop into daylight and apply a little of each colour onto your forehead, look in the mirror and see which one disappears.   Thats your match!

I have linked the website pages to the products, just place your cursor on them and click.