Fundamentals to Foundation

At times, trying to find the right foundation can be a daunting task. With so many choices nowadays how do you really know what is the best thing for you?? To help narrow down your search, I'll share with you a few tips I've learned along the way.

It all begins with understanding your skin.  This will enable you to pick the right formula and avoid a cakey mask or foundation running down your face.  For instance, if you have oily skin, choose a foundation that says it is oil-free or oil control formula.  The same applies for dry skin too; there are formulas that are hydrating or "moisture rich" that will help rejuvenate your skin.  By understanding you skin needs, you have a better chance of achieving that flawless finish.

Next, it's all about coverage. The end result we want to achieve is a flawless face, but some skin will need a little more tlc than others.  For those lovely faces that have no breakouts or blemishes and have been blessed with no bags under their eyes, opt for a tinted moisturizer to help balance out the depth of your skin. That being said, let's discuss what are some of the options available!

Photo from Oprah.com

Tinted Moisturizer
This is a great buy for those who feel like they do not have enough time to spend on themselves in the morning since it is a moisturizer with a bit of color to help even out the skin.  It is the sheerest application out of all the options which means it will give the most natural look. Also, it works will all skin types as long as you pick a formula that matches your skin type.

Liquid
It is suited for most - if not all - skin types as long as you pick a formula that matches your skin type.  Depending on the pigmentation used to create the formula, coverage ranges between sheer to medium.  It's the happy medium between a tinted moisturizer and a cream foundation since it gives more coverage than a moisturizer but a softer finish than a cream.

Mousse
Think of a cream formula that has a whipped consistency but leaves a lighter and sheerer finish than a cream foundation.  This tends to be a richer formula that gives a medium coverage, so if you have a lot of redness or blemishes that you want to conceal, this will help.  The formula tends to blend really well into the skin, more like sinks in instead of sits on top of your skin.  Why is this important? Well when our skin matures and we have those awesome lines of wisdom (wrinkles) lingering on our face, it won't leave fine lines behind.

Cream
This smooth and creamy texture is fabulous for dry to normal skin. It has a natural finish with the most coverage.  For oily skin that would like a full coverage, it's better to opt for a cream-to-powder finish since it with help absorb some of the oils left on your skin.

Stick
This foundation acts as a cream and concealer at the same time.  Again, because of the richness of this formula it is better for dry to normal skin and will give full coverage.  This should be used sparingly, apply only in areas that need it and blend outwards so that you don't look like a cake.  It's a really thick formula which means it's easy to end up looking like you put way too much on.

Powder
Super simple to use and hard to mess up, well kind of... Really dry skin should stay away from a powder foundation because it sits on top of your face and doesn't provide the moisture needed for a smooth finish.  On a happier note, you have less probability of your pores clogging with this formula.  The coverage ranges from sheer to medium depending on the tool you use.  A brush will help achieve a sheer coverage where as a sponge gives more.

Coverage Skin Type Advantage  Tinted Moisturizer Sheer All skin types Most natural finish Liquid Sheer - Medium All skin types Light and blendable Mousse Medium Dry - Normal Sinks into skin, so great for mature skin Cream Medium - Full Dry - Normal Hydrating Stick Full Dry - Normal Foundation and concealer in one Powder Sheer - Medium Normal - Oily Less probable of clogging pores