Saturday 20 October 2012

Back to Basics


Foundation Flounders

Foundation is undoubtedly the most important tool in your makeup arsenal, but also the hardest one to get right. 

Finding the perfect foundation is like finding the man of your dreams. There is bound to be a lot of disappointing dalliances along the way.

The first step towards meeting The One is recognizing your skin type.

Normal
- Even Complexion
-Suffer neither overly oily or dry skin
-Pores are small
-Have supple skin with few lines, creases and wrinkles
-Few breakouts

Oily
- If you have all over shine
-Which is fast appearing and constant
-Large and open pores
-Frequent breakouts
-Minimal lines and wrinkles (every cloud has a silver lining!)

Combination
-T Zone Oily
-Cheeks normal to dry
-Break out on chin, nose, cheeks, or forehead
-Pores enlarged on chin and cheeks

Dry
- Pores undetectable
-Face looks and feels dry and tight
-Ruddy appearance
-Cheeks or chin flaky and dry
-Fine lines and wrinkles around eye and mouth

Sensitive
-Blotchy patches
-Suffer from Rosacea 
-Skin delicate and thin
-Sensitivity to products
-Regular burning or flushing sensations

The next step is deciding on the level of coverage you are after; light, medium or full, and the finish; dewy or matte. Generally speaking matte textures tend to make dry skin look lack lustre,  whilst dewy finishes only add to the oiliness of oily skin! Normal skin has the luxury to choose, and sensitive skin could ask for samples of foundation before committing to buy so you can ensure your skin agrees with the ingredients.

There are four main types of foundation; cream, liquid, powder and tinted moisturizer. 

Here is my pick of the best low end and high products for each skin type on the market.

Normal
High End- Nars Sheer Glow £29.50 from Space NK

Imparts a sheer glow, which isn't too shimmery so it does not settle into pores. Blends easily, providing a medium to high coverage, yet still looking like skin. Lasts all day with a natural lit from within look.

High Street- Revlon Wake Me Up £8.99 from Boots or Superdrug


An anti-fatigue foundation which does what it says on the tin by really waking up the skin. The subtle shimmers provide a radiant glow and dewy finish. A medium coverage, long lasting foundation.

Oily
High End- Cover Expert By Terry £44 from Space NK


Airbrush in a bottle from the creator of the world acclaimed Touche Eclat. Long lasting, medium coverage, velvet finish. An expert at covering all those imperfections.

High Street- Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation £5.99 from Boots and Superdrug


This coverage in this purse friendly formula really packs a punch, and the matte texture negates the need for powder touch-ups throughout the day.

Combination
High End- Laura Mercier Silk Creme £33 from Space NK

An oil free formula which provides a luminous and radiant shine free glow. A medium coverage product perfect for evening out skin tones. 

High Street- Revlon Colourstay £12.50 from Boots and Superdrug



A matte finish foundation which provides medium to high coverage without feeling heavy on the skin. Lasts all day, but dries very quickly so make sure to do your face one section at a time.

Dry
High End- Vitalumiere Aqua £32 from Boots
An industry favourite for a reason. A medium coverage foundation which provides the perfect healthy shine for a fresh, energized look without accentuating dry patches

High Street- Bourjois Healthy Mix £9.99 from Boots and Superdrug


Smells like a fruit salad and is crammed full of antioxidants. A medium coverage foundation with a satin finish that won't budge all day.

Sensitive
High End- Bare Minerals Original SPF15 Foundation £24 from bareminerals.co.uk


Award Wining mineral foundation which provides fantastic coverage yet still feels light. Say goodbye to foundation cake face forever more.

High Street- Urban Decay Surreal Skin Mineral Foundation £17 from Debenhams

An ultra gentle formula free from talc, oils, fragrance and artificial dyes. The perfect makeup for achieving that no makeup look, providing a sheer to medium coverage.


Remember skin changes with the seasons and age so make sure to reevaluate your skin type and foundation choices ever so often!

Colour testing on your hand is just asking for a disaster, try the product out on your jaw line and go outside to check what it looks like in natural light!

If you moisturizer doesn't provide SPF think about getting a foundation with one, but beware that it will flash back in photographs.

Because a flawless face will never go out of fashion

What's your skin type and which foundation best suits it?

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