How do you find the right foundation for your skin? It’s a common question. We all struggle finding the perfect foundation. Even for me that I’m a Makeup artist and have tried different products and brands, it’s a challenge to figure out which is the right foundation for my skin. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you need to become an artist to find yours, but there are some key factors to consider before jumping into a specific product or brand.
1. See your foundation as an investment to keep a great looking skin
The last thing we want in our skin is breakouts or dark spots! It doesn’t matter the brand or coverage of the foundation, just look for signs of reaction AFTER you try the product for a few days. It’s all trial and error so don’t be afraid to return the product if it doesn’t work out! Many of the stores will give you a full refund if the product didn’t work out.
2. Prep your skin
It doesn’t matter if the foundation you have is from a luxury brand. If you don’t prep your skin you will not fully enjoy the benefits of the product and your makeup will only last a couple of hours. I hate to waste product, especially when I invested a considerably amount of money! The secret to achieve a long-lasting makeup is to apply a primer.
If you would like to learn which primers I recommend and how to select the best one for your skin type, read The best 5 makeup primers that I can swear by post.
3. Have a clear goal on the look you want to achieve
Think that foundations work as an outfit – You can’t wear an evening gown for a pool day! I mean, you can, but it won’t look appropriate. Same concept with foundation, that’s why the best case scenario is to have different foundations for different purposes:
- Light coverage/water-based/mineral: This will give you a natural finish. I recommend it for daily use so our skin will look nice and our pores will still breath
- Medium coverage: For acne-pron skins and for a casual event
- Full coverage: This will give you an opaque finish. It can be used in all skin types for a night out or a formal occasion.
4. Match your foundation to your chest and not to your neck
I can’t stress enough my clients to stop matching the colors to their necks, as we have always been told. You’re probably be wondering why? Well, if you notice, our neck is covered by our jaws and is lighter than our chest. If you get a tan chances are you will barely get it on your neck, but you will get a whole lot on your chest. Therefore, applying foundation on the neck as well will match the chest and everything will look even and seamless.
5. Use the right tool or brush with the right technique
I know this should be basic, but it is a common mistake. Below is a list of the tools that I use when applying foundation:
- Beauty blender: Don’t drag it on the skin, but instead just dab dab dab.
- Kabuki brush: This is perfect for powder foundations. Just press it onto the skin and it will give you the perfect canvas finish!
- Kabuki Buffer brush: This one comes with feathery light bristles and it can be used with liquid and cream foundations. The technique, as its name indicates is buffing it into the skin.
- Stipple duo-fibre brush: This is my favorite brush because you can choose any technique from stippling, buffing to blending. It gives a natural sheer finish on the skin!
- Duo-fibre bristles brush: For liquid and cream foundations. Apply small dots of foundation on your skin first and then use this brush with a buffing technique doing small circular motions to blend it out.
Products I recommend:
I am listing my favorite foundations and foundation brushes below. Please note that links provided are affiliate links and I do receive a small commission if you decide to purchase the products. However, all opinions and recommendations are based on my own experience and I only list products that I trust.
