Foundation shouldn't make you look older or "made up." Instead, this cosmetic can provide an even look to your complexion, and when applied correctly, can look incredibly natural. When done right, foundation application will look like your natural skin, only better.

30 Days of Beauty Day 17, Using Foundation

Which Foundation to Buy?

With so many different types of foundation available, it can be tough to know which one to buy.

Powder foundation is often a combination of foundation and powder, which makes makeup application quick and easy. It usually comes in a compact, allowing you to take it with you and touch it up throughout the day if necessary. These formulations usually provide medium to heavier coverage, although they're a big improvement over the cake foundation that was so popular during the 1950s and 1960s.

Liquid foundation comes in varying thicknesses, from thin and almost watery to thicker formulas that are designed to conceal blemishes better. If you only need foundation to even out your skin and don't require a lot of coverage, a thin liquid foundation is a good choice. If you prefer more coverage, opt for a thicker liquid.

Mousse foundations are lightweight and generally don't provide too much coverage. This formula is ideal for the woman who doesn't want to feel like she's wearing foundation. Airbrush foundation is the lightest weight of all. If you like sheer, nearly invisible coverage, this is perfect for you.

How to Buy

Of course, the top tip anyone will give is to find the right shade.  “Make sure your foundation matches your natural skin tone.”  Says Moxie of Moxie Reviews.  Cindy Ingalls from Prime Beauty echoes this, stating:

Visit your local cosmetic counters and try different shades—make sure to go outside and look at them in natural daylight, not only the store lighting. Ask your salesperson for the best formula for your skin type—dry, oily, combination and get samples to take home. There is nothing worse than the wrong shade for your skin tone!

It can be difficult to choose the perfect foundation match in a drugstore, where you often only see the product in a package. Until you get familiar with your complexion and undertones, you may want to purchase from a department store makeup counter. You can usually get help from a skilled professional, from choosing just the right shade and formula to additional tips to make sure your makeup looks perfect every time.

When testing the product yourself Jenn from Canadian Beauty and Fashion Blog- Spiced Beauty instructs: “test the colors on your jaw line. This will help you choose the correct color that matches your neck and face.” Alicia Mohr from Things to Cherish suggests that “if you can't test the foundation on your face, test it on the underside of your forearm where skins tends to be closer in color to your face than anywhere else on your body.”

Tips on Applying Foundation

You have several application methods for applying foundation, so the one you choose should be one you're comfortable with, and one that works with your particular foundation formula.

You can always use your hands to apply foundation, but make sure they're clean before you begin; otherwise, you'll work potentially blemish-causing bacteria into your skin. Begin with a dab on your forehead, chin and both cheeks. Blend outward and evenly, taking care around the jawline so that there's no obvious color change between your face and your neck.

You can also use a cosmetic sponge. Again, make sure your sponge is clean before using. Sponges can provide a more sheer look to your foundation. Either use it dry or dampen it very slightly to provide a lightweight look to your makeup.

Foundation brushes are another application method. This is a good method to use if you have more time and want to be more detailed. These brushes work best with liquid or thickly-textured foundation, although they can even out an airbrush finish as well.

Of the three, many beauty bloggers and makeup artists suggest using a brush method. Heather Adessa of *Gloss & Tell, Makeup By Heather A. says:

When applying foundation, use brushes rather than sponges. Sponges
suck in a lot of product and end up wasting it because you can't get it all
out onto your face. Plus they are bacteria magnets, so if you decide
you still want to use a sponge, they should be one use only then
dispose for sanitary purposes!

For choice of brush, Emily Hudspeth of Emily Hudspeth-Bringing the Beauty to You recommends using a stippling brush, stating:

There are a few reasons that I love this brush. You can see that it is multi-layered, the 2 different lengths of soft bristles pick up the perfect amount of foundation (so you waste less) and softly blends the product onto your skin for a soft, airbrushed look. I also love that you can use this brush with both liquid and powder foundations. You can use the same brush to apply your liquid foundation, then set with a loose powder

Whichever application method you use, make sure to blend foundation thoroughly so no one sees tell-tale color changes along your hairline or jaw. See also our previous article on How to Apply Foundation.

Finally, Amanda Raye from Broke and Chic gives this great tip for keeping your perfect foundation look intact:

We all hate the eye shadow that falls under our eyes after perfectly applying our foundation, concealer and powder. Prevent that by A. Doing your eye makeup first. Then go ahead and make your skin flawless. If it's too late and you already applied your foundation. Place some loose powder underneath your eyes.The loose powder will "catch" any eye shadow that falls while doing your eye makeup. Once finished, simply sweep away the excess powder!

Favorite Products

Here at Beauty and Fashion Tech our favorite foundations are from Make Up Forever.  Read our Make Up For Ever Duo Matte Review and Make Up For Ever High Definition Foundation Review. Or, check out this syndicated Total Beauty post rating the Best Makeup Foundation for a look at reader favorites.

Tomorrow, Day 18: Using Primer

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