TOP TIPS FOR FINDING THE PERFECT FOUNDATION!

It forms the basis of most makeup looks and is a staple in almost every makeup bag, but foundation can be one hell of a tricky purchase! Finding the right shade, texture and type is a kin to the search for the perfect pair of jeans and often leaves women frustrated and fed up. So we’ve come up with some top tips to help make finding a flawless foundation that little bit easier!

1.       Know your skin type: Everyone has different skin and knowing your skin type is half the battle when it comes to choosing a foundation. For example, oily skin will require an oil free foundation to avoid creating excess sebum on the skin which can lead to break outs, as well as resulting in your skin looking shiny and your foundation literally melting off your face. Skin types can be broken down into five different categories; oily, normal/combination, dry, sensitive and aging skin. If you are not sure about your skin type consult a beautician, GP or professional makeup artist, alternatively try google as there are loads of great guides to figuring out your skin type online.

2.       Think about your needs: Do you want a foundation that will give light or medium coverage? Are you looking for something to wear everyday, or something for night? Will you wear this product with false tan? Do you want your foundation to have an SPF?  There are so many things to consider when choosing a new product. Take some time to think about your lifestyle and your needs. This will help to ensure you buy the right product based on what you want to achieve from a foundation.

3.       Consult your friends: Although you friends might not have the same skin tone or skin type as you, they can offer advice on the products and ranges that they have tried and tested. This can act as a great starting point. Chat to your friends about what you’re looking for in a foundation and see which products they find work based on their needs. You can also ask your friends if they have tried different types of foundations, for example mineral based foundations, air brush technology or rollerbrush applicators, their feedback can be an invaluable source of unbiased information that might end up saving you time and money.  

4.       Consider your budget: There are foundations on the market to suit every budget, so before you begin your search decide how much money you are willing to spend. You want to find a product that fits in to your price range and that you can afford to buy on an ongoing basis. There is no point buying an expensive product that you end up falling in love with but then can’t afford to replace. A good tip is to buy an inexpensive foundation for day to day wear and then spend a little more on something for night time or special occasions.

5.       Ask the experts: Most make up counters are staffed by makeup artists who know their stuff, so be sure to ask for advice! The sales assistant should be able to recommend products from their brand that will work with you skin type. They will also help you find a match for your skin tone and will suggest a foundation that will give you the level of coverage you want.

6.       Bare all: If possible, to make the purchasing process that bit easier, arrive at the makeup counter or chemist without any foundation on. This will help to ensure you find the perfect shade for your skin tone. Test the product on your lower cheek or jaw line (not the back of your hand as is widely believed) and then take a mirror and head towards a window, or even go outside, to view it in natural light. Sampling three different shades will give you the best opportunity to find the right one for you. The colour that fades into your skin without too much blending is the one you should go for!

7.       Try before you buy: If you are investing in a high end foundation (i.e from a makeup counter rather than a chemist), you should always ask for a sample of the foundation you are considering. While chemists can’t usually accommodate this, makeup counters can and should! Foundation can be expensive, so don’t be shy and ask for a sample to take home. Most counters will give you a small pot of the product to try, this should be enough for you to use for at least one, if not two, applications and will give you an opportunity to see how it looks on your skin and how it wears throughout the day. If you’re investing in a new foundation ask for samples from several different make up counters and try them all to see which one you like the best!

Happy searching!