Foundation and You

Some advantages of applying foundation are:

cover imperfections

give the appearance of flawless skin

even out skin tone

helps conceal open pores

overs blemishes

hide little pimples and discoloration

give a smooth texture to the skin

protect your skin from the sun and environmental pollutants

reduce shine

cover dark circles under the eyes

There are various types of foundation on the market including liquid, powder, mousse, stick, creamy and oil-free foundations.

Liquid foundations: These are appropriate for all skin types and are especially good for those with dry and sensitive skin. They offer good coverage and provide a natural look. Most of the liquid foundations are oil-free and contain sun protecting ingredients with SPF 15.

Powder Foundations: A powder foundation is a combination of a powder base mixed with colouring agents. This type of foundation is especially effective for those with combination and oily skin. The powder foundations provide good coverage for blemishes, pimples, marks, spots. They can be applied as cream or powder foundation with a dry sponge. The powder foundations don’t clog the pores and allow your skin to breath naturally.

Mousse foundations: The mouse foundations are the newest trend in the beauty market. A mousse foundation is combination of liquid foundation and a powder. It provides a good coverage, hides blemishes and discoloration. A mousse foundation doesn’t settle in fine lines and that’s why it works best for those with older skin.

Stick foundations: The stick foundations are easy to apply and very comfortable. Stick foundation can also act as a concealer since they can provide a precise application and even touch-ups. These are appropriate for normal to oily skin.

Applying foundation correctly:

Step 1 Cleanse and tone your skin: Always apply foundation to a cleansed and toned skin. Tone your skin with a toner that suits your skin but make sure and cleanse each day, especially if you’re going to be using makeup each day. But make sure and apply cleanser and toner with cotton pad and wipe until clean.

Step 2 Moisturise your skin: Always moisturise your skin before applying the foundation even if your skin is oily. Make sure and apply a moisturiser that is appropriate for your skin type since this is another step to improving your skin quality since the moisturiser acts as a protective layer to help trap the moisture in the skin and stop it from evaporation. Apply the moisturiser and let it soak in at least three minutes before applying foundation.

Step 3 Concealer: Apply concealer to problem areas. Dot the concealer only in places you need to. Start with slightly darker tone and blend in with a sponge to match the lighter foundation in order to avoid creating light spots. Don’t use too light a concealer to hide dark circles under the eyes; it should be just slightly lighter than the foundation colour. However, to hide pimples or spots, use thick concealer that matches your skin tone. Apply it using either your finger tips or a small makeup brush directly on the spot and blend slightly till it disappears.

Step 4 Application: A trick I learnt from an expert makeup artist is to warm up the foundation in your palms – this way it will penetrate deep into your skin and will last longer. The best way to apply it is using your fingertips or a makeup sponge. Using your fingertips will give the heaviest application, but a sponge gives a thinner application. Put a little foundation on a makeup sponge, or on your fingertips. A sponge provides more control and a smoother application.

Step 5: Start applying foundation in the centre of your face and make sure the colour matches your skin tone. Dot foundation on your cheekbones, chin, forehead, nose eyelids and lips. With the help of the sponge or your fingertips blend well, please understand that the foundation must never show.

Step 6 Blend: Start blending at your forehead and slowly spread all over your face, moving in circular motions. Don’t forget to apply foundation to the neck, especially if you are using darker shade of foundation otherwise your face will look like a mask and unnatural.

Step 7 Set the foundation: To set the foundation, apply loose powder immediately after the application. The powder will hold the foundation in place for a longer period of time. Dab the powder brush into the powder and shake off the excess powder.

The brush will help you to apply the powder evenly to facial contours for a well blended powder finish.