How to choose the correct foundation

When it comes to choosing the correct foundation, many people think they know how to but they actually make some common mistakes. Unless you have studied makeup or are a makeup junky, its most likely you do not know how to correctly match your own foundation. 
I have compiled a couple of pointers for you to follow when you go out on the search for a foundation. I know this is a long post, but it covers all you need to know about foundation application. Remember, if your foundations is not right, the rest of your makeup will suffer. 

1. To start off, you must identify your skin type. Is your skin dry, oily, combination or normal? This is very important when choosing a foundation because nowadays there are foundations to match skin types. This is important if you want a foundation that will suit your skin type. Imagine if your skin is dry and you get a foundation for oily skin..you will end up with even drier skin!Why? Because the one for oily skin is designed to prevent shine and will mattify. Get it? :)
2. Identify your skin tone/ethnicity. This is important. You need to know what undertone your skin has. Most ethnicities are of a yellow undertone. Fairer skins usually have a more pinkish or warmer undertone. Once you have determined this, you can correctly choose the color of foundation. I prefer using yellow undertones because they are more naturally found in the skin. If you are fair, your skin usually looks more pink. To tone this down, a yellow based foundation is best. Once you have determined your undertone, you can proceed with a dark or light or anything in between which fits you.
3. Decide what texture and finish you want. When you know what colour is best for you, you now need to decide what type of finish you want. There are many different finishes and textures now out on the market

Finishes

• Matte- no shine finish, usually looks very flat and is best for oilier skins. Normally it gives the most coverage. This is best used in photography or on film/tv
• Satin- a semi matte finish but still shows some skin. Its good for most skin types if you want that natural look but with coverage.
• Glow- this was made famous by Jennifer Lopez, the J lo glow. Its usually a satin finish but with a more natural finish that captures light and gives you a healthy radiant look. Perfect for the summer months.
• Shimmer- this is normally a high shine foundation look best kept for fashion/editorials. Its got a shine shimmer pigment in it and if you have oily skin, it will enhance all your pores and you will look like a disco ball 
• Tint- the sheerest of them all, usually in a tinted moisturizer. Its extremely light and just evens out the skin tone giving you an even finish but no coverage. Best for normal clear skin that don't need coverage

Textures

• Liquid- the most popular. From really sheer to full coverage. 
• Cream- the highest amount of pigment, therefore has the most coverage. Good for photography/film and drier skins
• Cream to powder- relatively newer on the market. It has a creamy consistency, but dries to a powder finish. Great for combination skins 
• Powders- these are powder foundations. 2 in 1 where it does everything in one application. It gives coverage and sets. Usually good for everyday use and is great for oily skins. If you have a drier skin, you may not like this. 

      4. Decide the amount of coverage you want. Do you want a sheer one? A full coverage? A medium natural coverage? Or maybe just a tint? This can be determined by identifying whether you need to cover any blemishes, discoloration or if you want a heavier look.

• Always match your foundation to the rest of your body. The most common mistake is matching it to your face or the neck. The neck is the lightest part of your body because it doesn't catch any sunlight therefore remains much lighter then everywhere else. 
• When you match a foundation and it completely disappears into the skin, it means its the right color for you.
• Foundation is supposed to be your second skin. It must not be obvious. If it is, it defeats the purpose. 
• If you need to conceal any blemishes or discolorations, use a concealer after you apply foundation. This way you wont cake it on!
• Remember, if you need to take photographs, be wary of foundations with too much spf. The titanium dioxide will reflect the flash in the cameras and give you a ghost white face!
• Always blend it to perfection! There is nothing worse then seeing foundation streaks and marks where it hasn't been blended in!
• Use a brush to apply it. If you use a sponge, make sure to wet it, this will prevent it from absorbing all the product in it and wasting it.
• If you choose to apply it with your fingers, please make sure you wash your hands to prevent from spreading germs onto your skin. Using fingers can be amazing due to the heat production from skin to skin. Great for blending it in to a natural finish.
• Always set with a light dusting of powder to keep the foundation in place all day. 

Hope this helps and if you have any further questions, send me a message and i will do my best to answer them!

Ciao bellas!

xoxo