Makeup Basics: Finding The Perfect Foundation

We have all seen this, and some of us even do this without knowing- walking around with a dark foundation line across our jawline/neck. Not only is this embarassing but it makes us look sloppy. You would think only preteens and older women fall guilty to this, but finding the perfect foundation can be a daunting task, and almost as hard to find as finding the perfect bra for us. . I don't know how many times I have tried to find the perfect shade for me and coming home to open and apply it, it is either way too dark or is a sickly yellow color. If you are not comfortable having a stranger swipe foundation across your face or spent too much money on the wrong shades take these steps to find what works for you

If you are shopping in a department store, remember you always want to test before you buy. And remember to moisturize before you leave your house. If your picking it off a local store aisle make sure it has a liberal return policy. Before you pick the foundation, you need to find the right formulation for your skin type. If you have oily skin look for foundation that says "Oil Free", "Oil Control", or "Matte."  If you have dry skin, go for a moisturizing foundation usually these say "Hydrating" or "Moisture-Rich" Reading the ingredients is also a plus. Foundations that contain glycerin glide on a lot more easier. Cream-to-Powder bases are great for combination skin. Mineral foundations are wonderful for all skin types especially sensitive skin.

Now that you know what type you need for your specfic shade, now you need to decide what type of coverage you need. Many foundations come in various type of coverage; sheer, medium, full. And also the type of finish you would like either matte, dewy, or luminous. If you have good skin and just want to even out a few iffy areas go for a sheer finish. For women with slightly uneven skin tones consider a medium finish. Women with really uneven skin tones and slightly more blemishes try a full foundation.

Now comes the actual selection for your perfect foundation. It can be VERY tricky and slightly intimidating if you are unsure. If you are scouting it out in a department store, do not apply foundation before hand, you always want to test on a nice, clean, moisturized face. A good trick is to bring a type of makeup remover with you so you can easily remove the testing colors. While testing, apply a small strip on your jawline down toward your neck. The best way to test is taking a mirror with you into the natural light outdoors but since you cannot do this without being charged for shoplifting simply test along the jaw. .  If your shopping at a local store makeup aisle this can be trickier because you don't get to test them. It's a lot like a guessing game. If you are fair skinned look for shades with a peach/pink undertone. Usually the bottles will say something like "Light Ivory", "Ivory" or "Porcelain." Yellow based foundations are flattering for just about every skin tone. People with medium shade skin can grab a yellow based shade, it should work well. Usually these are called "Buff Beige", "Early Tan", "Golden Beige." But avoid colors with a pink or orange undertone.

After you find your right shade and apply this remember what Peg Boggs from Edward Scissorhands said while finding Edward's perfect shade was; " The concealing cream goes on, then you blend, and blend and blend. Blending is the secret." Do not stop blending at the jawline. It creates a dark mask that is VERY visible. ALWAYS blend down toward the neck. If not you will look like the CoverGirl commericals with Drew Barrymore. Ick..

I truely hope this helps!