Foundation, as the name suggests is the basic and the first step of makeup for creating different looks and therefore must be perfect to allow for a seamless platform to carry on the rest of the makeup. A flawless foundation application will not only smoothen out the skin but will also hide away blemishes, marks and even out skin tone. Some foundations can even provide additional protection to the skin.
It is imperative that the opted foundation is according to your skin type and matches perfectly with your skin shade. Now, this is the difficult part, how to choose the right foundation shade.
With so many different types of foundation available in the market, choosing the right foundation can be an overwhelming task. Following are some of the factors that must be considered when you want to know how to choose the right foundation shade. On the basis of these factors there are different types of makeup foundation.
How To Choose The Right Foundation Shade According To Your Skin Color
For beginners as well as pro makeup artists, the first question that comes in the mind is how to choose the foundation color for my skin. For this, it is important to understand your skin tone first. The skin on your face in exposed to sunlight so the apparent color may vary from the actual color which are actually the undertones. You must know your undertone in order to choose the right foundation. You can lie in any of three undertone categories which are:
- Cool- the skin will have pinkish red or blue shades,
- Warm- the skin will have yellow or peach color or a slight golden touch or
- Neutral- the skin will be have both warm and cool shades.
Before heading off to buy your foundation, know your undertones and some of the shades that will go with it. Porcelain, rose or cocoa are some of the shades for skin shade with cool undertones. The best foundation shade for warm skin tones include tan, caramel, beige and golden. Praline, nude and ivory are some shades you can select from if you have neutral undertones. Porcelain and ivory are a good choice of foundation shade for fair skin.
How To Choose The Right Foundation Shade According To Your Skin Type
Choosing the right shade is very necessary, but choosing the foundation that suits your skin type is equally significant. Choosing the wrong foundation for your skin type can not only make you look a mess but can also damage the skin and result in breakouts. Here are some points you can consider helpful in determining the perfect foundation according to your skin type.
- People with sensitive skin should choose hypoallergenic foundation and one that is free from any scent (hence, unnecessary chemicals). The best choice would be to go with a brand that is all natural.
- Powder foundation or a water base foundation that results in matte appearance should be the choice for oily skin type.
- Dry skin people should opt for foundation that are hydrating and have a creamy and moisturizing texture. Choosing the right foundation will prevent formation of dry patches or cakey appearance of skin.
- Combination skin calls for a powder foundation. This skin type is the trickiest in terms of choosing the right foundation
These small guidelines can help you choose the right foundation that will help you give a perfect natural look.
How To Choose The Right Foundation Shade According To Your Need
The foundation that you choose according to your skin type and skin shade may vary according to where you have to use the foundation. That is why, it was mentioned earlier that there can be more than one perfect foundation for your skin.
- For everyday usage, you may prefer to use a light weight foundation that provides partial coverage to give a natural look. Moreover, you will want to go for a foundation that has some additional protective measures like SPF that will help protect the skin from sun damage.
- For a party or a formal event, a medium or full coverage will be best because it will help you give a more sleek finish and thus a better appearance. It will help to clear away all skin flaws and gives an extremely smooth and clear look.
A medium to high coverage foundation can also be used for uneven complexion to give a uniform skin appearance.
These were some of the major factors that must be considered while choosing the perfect foundation. However, knowing all the above rules will not make you a pro to choose the right foundation. You should always go to a professional makeup store to buy makeup products and essentially a foundation so that the salesgirl can help you out in deciding and choosing the perfect foundation for you.
If you cannot seek professional help then you must have knowledge on how to choose your shade. Most of the stores allow for swatches, so you can simply match the shade of the foundation with your skin by applying it along your jawline or make a line from your cheek to your neck. The shade that matches both your cheek and neck color is the right shade for you. For a natural look, it is important that the shade you choose must disappear in your skin. Do not shade test on your hand, you will end up buying the wrong shade.
