Foundation

Foundation 

Perfect makeup begins with foundation.
It is the initial and basic layer of makeup which is applied on the face, for the purpose of either enhancing its appearance, or in covering up pimples and blemishes. There are a variety of types out on the market, each with its distinct finish or level of coverage.

It may come in different forms, such as in a spray canister, in a gel based consistency, in liquid or in compact powder forms.
If foundation is applied properly, it can lend the face that smooth, flawless look, while giving the illusion that it is not made up, but rather natural in appearance.

The foundation you should choose from should fulfill the initial requirement of including an SPF of at least 15, especially if you intend to use it often. In the summer, this is particularly important, since the sun contributes at least ten percent to the signs of premature skin aging.

Antioxidant additives also help in protecting the skin from premature aging; as much as possible, also choose variants with light-reflecting pigments, as this lends the skin its flawless sheen and luminosity, and diverts attention away from areas with dark spots and sallow blotches.

The first thing to consider before choosing foundation makeup or applying it is your skin type.

If you have a particularly sensitive skin, then choose those with which do not include irritants in the formulation, such as fragrance additives, chemically-based sunscreens, or alpha hydroxyl acids. If your skin is of the mature and dry type, then the rich and creamy variety is the best to use, as these contain emollient ingredients and antioxidants which help boost the skin’s moisture content and protect it from undue damage from the elements.

Those with oily skin will do best to use formulations which are not oil-based, but instead contain oil absorbers which help in maintaining the shine off of the face for longer periods. People with normal skin types are compatible with any foundation.

As a general rule, though, all skin types may be complemented with oil-free foundation.

Also important in the selection of the foundation variant is your skin tone; now this part may get tricky, and would require you several tries in order to get the shade which is most appropriate for your skin.

Try shades one at a time, applying it on the inside of your wrist, and not on your face (since this may be conducive to bacteria outbreaks), then try it by walking around with it on your wrist for some fifteen minutes or so.

This allows the application to set in on the skin, darkening and blending with the oil on the pores and the external air, and also lets you compare the effects of the shade under differing light conditions. Try to view the shade under natural light (artificial lighting which simulates that of natural light is a staple of makeup stores, though). If at second glance, the shade doesn’t quite match well with your skin, then try out different hues until you get the one which is right for you.
If you particularly intend to use foundation as a way of highlighting your facial contours, then you should go with a shade which is one level lighter than the one which matched your skin, at the same time being three levels darker than your basic color.

If at any point you begin to feel confused or frustrated about the whole idea, then the assistance of a cosmetician or cosmetic sales rep may be of invaluable help.

If at least you have your choices focused on a few select shades which may be compatible with your skin tone, then it is best if you try at least three and apply them in separate streaks across your cheek and your jawbone.

Choose the shade which has the effect of disappearing and blending into the skin on your neck (and not on your face), since this is the area where the base should complement with.

If after this trial, the shade still appears to be a bit off, then you can request for custom-blended foundations, which are also available.

If, finally, you have found a perfect match, application is an essential must-know, so that you can get the most out of the cosmetic. Upon applying foundation on the face, start with the center, dotting it on small areas on the cheek and on your forehead, and then smoothly blend it outwards (make sure that the applicator is clean, as any blemish will undoubtedly smear across your face – not the look you are aiming at).

Delicately blot the uneven areas with tissue, and DON’T use your fingertips to drag the skin in application, if ever you consider using them. Smooth the cosmetic over your lips and your eyelids before applying lip or eye makeup.

After the application is complete, moisten your fingertips and go over your neckline to remove any makeup bleeds on the area.