Strong Makeup Always Starts With The Right Foundation(s)

Foundation. The clue to its importance is in the name; it’s the very basis of how we feel about our beauty regime. If our skin doesn’t look good, we don’t feel good.

For something so important, it’s somewhat mystifying how so many of us struggle. It’s a common refrain from beauty lovers that they can’t find a foundation that’s just right for them. It’s too dark; it’s too light; it’s too powdery; it’s not powdery enough. You can end up with several different products for their individual appeals. It’s 2016 – how have we not cracked this yet?

If you’re fighting with your foundation, then there are a few tricks you can use to win the battle. A little persistence goes a long way.

Be Realistic

The makeup ad shows a woman with radiant skin, every pore covered, utter perfection. You’re not going to look like that. If you expect that perfection – which is almost certainly digitally altered – then you’re going to be in trouble. Getting in the right frame of mind is essential.

Look At Your Base

Layering foundation on top of bare skin is rarely going to work well. Use a primer to help it adhere to the skin. You don’t have to spend a fortune in this department; some argue that using a cheap male aftershave balm is just as good as a high-end product. I personally love the Hangover primer from Too Faced, but if that’s out of your price range, try one from elf or NYX which won’t break the bank!

Get Your Color Right

When we swatch things we tend to do it on the back of our hands. This is a problem, as the skin on our face is usually a little lighter. Try and swatch on your jawline. If you’re buying online and don’t have this option, be prepared to give the colour a tweak. You can use a white foundation/color mixer or buy two shades at once to test them out and see which works. You can always sell the second on and keep the one that matches. (I need to use a white foundation to mix in with my regular foundation to create the perfect color for my pale skin, so if this sounds like something you need to do – it’s worth the investment!)

Use A Foundation For Your Skin Type

In days of old, foundation was just foundation. Now most brands bring out specific lines depending on skin type; wherever possible, use them. You can buy Chriszen Moist Cake or similar brands that are designed for a range of skin types. Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea is formulated for dry, dehydrated skin, ABH Stick Foundation is formulated for oily/combo skin – so search around to find one that suits you!

Think About Coverage

The infamous “layer on with a trowel” look tends to be due to product that offer heavy coverage. If this is an issue – or you have fine lines the product is gathering in – then try using a lighter coverage. You can always build it up, giving each layer time to dry, which should reduce the impact. I find that packing on powder makes me look too cakey, so I only use powder on areas that I usually have issues with makeup stayed there all day. I use the Wet N Wild setting spray to finish my look and it does a good job of making me look fabulous!

Application Is Everything

There are three common ways of applying foundation: brushes, sponges or your fingers. Each have different results and will depend on the finished coverage level that you want. Oval brushes have gone through a surge in popularity due to their ease of use and are preferable to stippling brushes. If you’re having issues, it’s worth changing your application technique to see if you can find something that suits you better. I used to swear by my Real Techniques sponge but now I’ve been using an elf brush for my foundation, since I need a little bit more coverage. I have yet to delve into the oval brush world, have you? Let me know your thoughts!

Foundation Isn’t Everything

To create a finished look, don’t expect your foundation to do everything. It’s a base, not the finished impact. You still have highlighters, concealers and contouring to go – combining it all together is what gives the best results. 

 

I hope you enjoyed the post and will feel a little bit more comfortable with your foundation and foundation application!

Thanks for reading, as always <3

Xoxo, Rae