4 foundation tips you need to know now
For the beauty addicts, we all know there’s nothing like the perfect base. If it’s done right, it sets the tone for a great makeup look or it can just help you glow on its own. And the key is to get your foundation right.
This doesn’t mean just picking the right colour - although that does help A LOT. There are plenty of other factors involved like tools and formula that can drastically affect how a the foundation makeup sits on your skin.
To help you get the most of your foundation, we’ve rounded up a few things to think about before buying your next one - or help you fix things if it doesn’t seem to be working for you with your current formula.
1. Pick a natural colour that complements your skin tone
There is nothing worse than having a foundation makeup colour that doesn’t match your skin. Trust us. You notice it almost straight away, especially if you’re in the habit of not blending it into your jawline and neck. Try to find a shade that compliments your natural skin colour and tone as much as possible. Don’t go darker because you want to look more tan - leave that up to the fake tan.
Quick tip: if you are planning on contouring you may want to try using foundation makeup that is a few shades darker and lighter than your skin tone. This is a great alternative if you don't have a contour stick. Simply apply in the same areas you would with your concealer and contour stick and enjoy the full coverage results!
There’s no other way of finding the right colour for you other than trying and testing a few different shades. Keep in mind that if it’s summer, you might be a couple of shades darker than you normally are for the rest of the year as well. Also, just because you’re a certain shade in one brand, doesn’t mean that you’ll be in another. So our best tip is to get some samples and really give it a go with your full face, and in different lights as well!
Which leads us to the next tip…
2. Test it on your face - not your neck
One thing we can’t stress enough is that you should really give the foundation a full day to show you how it works its magic - or how it doesn’t work for you at all. The biggest disservice you can do for yourself is simply swiping it on your neckline to see if the colour matches.
Often in stores, you’ll be standing unusually warm or cool lighting, which can completely change how a foundation looks on your skin. Plus if you don’t try a full face of it - like how you usually wear it - you won’t have any real idea of how it reacts on your skin. Does it oxidise and change colours? Does it dry your skin? Does it turn you into an oil slick? You won’t know for sure until you see it in action.
3. Pick the right formula
Building on the point above, it’s so important that you find the right foundation formula for you. Just because there is one that everyone is raving about, doesn’t mean that it’s the right one for you as well.
This is where you take into consideration your skin needs. Most of us will already know where we fall into the spectrum: dry, combination or oily.
Dry
The first thing to remember is always to apply moisturiser - and a primer - prior to foundation to prevent it from settling into any fine lines you might have. This will enhance all the things you don’t love about your skin. Also, stick to hydrating liquid formulas that will keep your skin nourished like Napoleon Perdis’ Sheer Genius Liquid Foundation. Count yourself lucky that you can wear sheer formulas without having to worry about it sliding off.
Combination
Maybe it’s oily in the t-zone yet normal or a little dry in other parts - you can still get away with skin tints but always remember to use a powder to set. The best result for these skin types will be a light-medium coverage liquid or stick foundation such as the e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation. And make sure to set it with a product like Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist as well.
Oily
For those of you who just seem to be seeping oil through your pores - don’t worry, we know the pain - then it’s best to stick with powder foundations. Long gone are the days of heavy and patchy pressed compacts. Instead opt for loose and light mineral powders like the Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation. These have been milled specifically to give the smoothest application and buildable coverage, so use sparingly and add more as required.
4. Pick the right tools
Contrary to popular belief, a foundation brush won’t always be the best way to apply your new base - although it does work wonders for a thicker stick or liquid formula. Sheer and lighter formulas will look more natural and blended if applied with your fingers. On the other hand, for a flawless liquid foundation look, a beauty sponge is the best applicator and can get into all those pesky corners like the side of your nose that you might miss otherwise. Beauty sponges are also better at giving your sheer coverage - even with a thick liquid foundation. For next level application, try a silicon jelly blender, which provides expert control AND it doesn’t soak up your precious product either.
For a powder, try a good kabuki brush that will evenly distribute the fine formula. The final word? The right tools can completely change your look, even with the same foundation.
Now that you’ve learned some key tips, shop the right foundation formula in Oz Hair’s wide selection of makeup and beauty tools to suit your skin and achieve your next perfect beauty look.
Did you love this post? There's much more where that came from! Read about all things hair and beauty including: how to take care of lips at home, the Yamco Skin clay mask benefits and what does toner do for your skin. Find all this and more on the Oz Hair & Beauty blog today!
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