Foundation, just like the name suggests, is the basis on which one’s make up look is built. Finding the right foundation for you is about finding the right product formula for your skin type as well as considering the type of finish you want for your makeup look. We also take a look at how to find the right foundation shade even with covid-19 regulations and restrictions. Finding the most perfect foundation can be overwhelming. Here is what you should consider when searching for that foundation
Formula
The right foundation formula is largely dependent on the type of skin you have. Don’t know what type of skin you have? Here is how to figure out your skin type.
The common types of foundation formulas are liquid, cream, stick and powder formats
The liquid foundation is arguably the most common formula. Liquid foundations are versatile and can cater to a wide variety of skin types and conditions based on the ingredient formulation pf the product.
Matte liquid foundations usually cater to oily/combination skin, while dewy foundations cater to dry skin
Cream foundation is suitable for dry and mature skin due to it’s creamy and hydrating properties. They are not recommended for oily skin however those with combination skin may benefit from its hydrating properties while making sure to set their t zone area to prevent it from breaking down
Stick foundations come in a stick format that makes for easy application. Stick foundations just like liquid foundations can be suitable for any skin type depending on the ingredient’s formulation of the product. Stick foundations tend to be thicker in formula therefore one must take care when applying so as to not look cakey
Powder foundations are usually suitable for oily skin due to its powdery dry formulation. Powder foundations are not suitable for dry or mature skin as they can settle into fine lines due to their formulation. Powder foundations usually come in a compact which makes for easy touch ups
Coverage
Foundations can be available in light, medium and full coverage.
Light coverage covers very little imperfections and is suitable with little to no skin problems or imperfections.
Medium coverage can cover more than a light coverage as it can cover light discolorations and freckles. Medium coverage foundations are usually build-able to be full coverage.
Full coverage foundations cover most imperfections on the face including hyper pigmentation and scarring.
Finish
Your make up look can have one of three finishes. Matte finish, dewy finish and demi matte finish.
Matte finish dries down flat and is mostly suitable for oily and combination skin as it minimizes shines and usually has oil controlling properties that help makeup stay in place for hours. Those with dry and mature skin types should not wear foundation with a matte finish as it will dry up their skin
Dewy finish provides a radiant glow and is mostly suitable for dry and mature skin as it has hydrating ingredients in it’s formulations that does not allow it settle into fine lines. A foundation with a dewy finish
Demi matte finish is ideal for combination skin as it falls somewhere between matte and dewy finish. It has oil controlling properties without drying out the skin. The finish is still matte but with a natural skin like finish and is suitable for long wear
Shade
Knowing the desired formulation, coverage and finish is only one half of finding the right foundation for you. Finding the perfect shade is equally as important to finding that perfect foundation. You need to figure out your skin tone and your undertones to get the best possible colour match for you.
Skin tone is the colour on the surface of your skin. Skin tone is usually categorised as fair, medium or deep tones.
Undertones are tones under your skin surface that affects the overall complexion. There are warm, cool and neutral undertones.
The veins on skin with warm undertones appear green on the wrist and gold jewelry looks good on people with warm undertones. Cool undertones look good with silver jewelry as the veins appear blue and purple while neutral undertones look good with both silver and gold jewelry and the veins on the wrist look green and blue
Buying the right foundation
Usually, the best practice for testing foundation shades in store would be applying it on your jawline too see if it not only matches your face but your neck too. Due to covid-19, regulations don’t allow for the use of testers.
If you shop for foundation at department stores such as Edgars Beauty, Foschini Beauty, Woolworths you can ask for a sample which you can apply on a whole day test if you choose. Pharmacies however do not provide for samples however brands such as Maybelline, Avon and Catrice have foundation shade finders where one can take a quiz and even upload a selfie to get the best colour match as possible.
If you have had a good foundation colour match you can reference that colour with a Youtube search and find foundation twins who may have a good colour match in the foundation you’re interested in
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