The Foundation: The Flawless Canvas
Foundation comes in many different types but the aim of them all is the same: to hide the blemishes and uneven pigmentation on the skin and create an even canvas for the makeup to be applied on. The most important thing when choosing foundation is to make sure that it matches the skin tone exactly. This can be harder than it sounds as each brand has a different way of dividing up skin tones - for instance, MAC foundations are divided into "cool" and "warm" ranges, and some brands definitely cater for people of mixed race or darker skins more than others. Prescriptives, Becca and Bobbi Brown are all excellent choices for women with darker or mixed skin tones.
The widest range of shades is available for those with traditional Caucasian skin tones, and excellent foundation ranges can be found at Chanel, Dior and Lancome. Counter staff are trained to help you to find the right shade, but it is very important to try some on your face (as opposed to your hand or wrist, which can be a completely different color to your face, due to sun exposure), and then to check it outside in daylight, as the light in department stores can distort your perception of the color. The color that disappears into your skin is the right match.
As with cleaners and moisturisers, foundations are sold according to skin type. If you're not sure what your skin type or colour is, just ask one of the helpful makeup artists. They're always happy to help. Here are a few of the different makeup foundation types:
-Tinted Moisturizer
The lightest form of
coverage is the "Tinted Moisturiser", which provides a small amount of
coverage and generally a sunscreen, for those who feel they don't want
a heavy foundation.
-Liquid
Liquid foundation is easy to use and
comes in bottles. It's available in oil based and water based formulas
and made for all skin types. Liquid foundation covers the skin smoothly
with a light sheen and can be best suited to cover blemishes and scars.
-Cream
Cream is usually the heaviest foundation
and is useful for those seeking to completely blank out their skin
texture, such as freckles.
-Powder
Powder foundation controls shine and
provides oil-blotting. Compact powders are heavily formulated as they
contain a certain amount of foundation. Powders are used during the day
for touching up and help to reinforce coverage.
-Waterproof
Foundation can often disappear quite
quickly, especially in the summer when it can melt off your face! This
is when waterproof foundation comes in handy. As it's water resistant,
it won't melt even if you're sweating- you'll be glowing instead! (Also
useful if you're going to the beach, or a synchronised swimmer.)