How to choose a foundation based on your complexion

The basis of high-quality makeup is not only eye shadow, blush and lipstick. An even and natural complexion is very important. Various tonal products help achieve this. They are a real salvation for modern women. Properly selected concealers will help even out skin tone, get rid of age spots, hide unnecessary rashes, give your face a rested look, eliminating bruises, swelling and other consequences of stress and lack of sleep.

Types of foundation for the face

Choosing the right foundation is not an easy task. It’s worth figuring out what features you need to pay attention to.

Currently, you can find various types of concealers on sale. Understanding what end results they are suitable for and how different consistencies work with each skin type will greatly reduce the variety of choices.

There are the following types of tonal products:

1. Cream powders and mousses. These products have a dense coverage, which allows you to mask redness and smooth out skin tone. Thanks to their texture, they do not clog pores, allowing the skin to breathe. The cream powder additionally gives a matte effect that lasts for several hours. Such products are suitable for both young and mature women, with oily or combination skin. It is worth noting that young girls are advised to avoid using such products on a daily basis.
2. Classic foundation - This is a liquid product of varying consistency. Often foundation creams contain particles of powder, which allows them to cover the skin of the face with a fairly dense layer, it is better to last until the evening and give a matte finish. Classic creams allow you to hide imperfections well: dark circles under the eyes, spider veins, redness and age spots. These creams are suitable for women with normal and combination skin.

1. BB creams. They have a light texture and do not provide a dense coating, which allows the skin to breathe and are easy to apply. Although BB creams contain coloring pigments, which make it possible to hide minor skin imperfections, improve and even out the complexion, their main task is still protection from harmful solar radiation, as well as maintaining hydration. Such creams are good for regular use and for the summer. They are suitable for women with dry or normal skin. Those with oily or combination skin should not use BB creams.
2. Sticks, concealers, correctors have a very dense coating. It is better to use such products to disguise spot imperfections: under the eyes, with minor rashes and redness. They have very low consumption and are economical to use.

It is better not to use sticks for dry skin, as the product will not adhere well and over time can ruin the appearance of the face.

They should be used with caution under the eyes. To prevent overdrying of the skin, apply a layer of foundation with correctors to pre-moisturized skin, and powder on top, which gives durability and prevents the product from crumbling during the day.

We select according to skin type

Different types of foundation suit different skin types. By making the wrong choice, you can cause serious harm to your skin, which will lead to additional problems and financial costs.

When choosing a concealer, you should focus on the following recommendations:

1. For dry skin, you should choose foundations with a moisturizing effect. It is best if the product is liquid and not powdery. It will not focus on dryness and will help avoid early wrinkles. Products from the BB cream line are recommended for use specifically for dry skin. The skin will not only be moisturized, but also protected from ultraviolet radiation, which will prevent premature aging.
2. With oily skin, the face acquires a noticeable shine, which does not look very attractive. When choosing a cosmetic concealer, you should avoid creams containing various oils. It is better to choose products with a mattifying effect (or apply a light powder as a final layer - this will eliminate unattractive shine and will not clog pores).
3. For problem skin, you should select anti-allergy creams and avoid applying products to the area under the eyes. In terms of consistency, you should give preference to denser products for maximum camouflage effect. But they should not create a film after application, otherwise clogging the pores will further aggravate the situation and increase the number of blackheads and pimples.

1. To avoid irritation of delicate skin, you should try to select products with natural ingredients. Ideally, they contain protective substances.
2. Those with mature skin are advised to pay attention to foundations with a lifting effect, anti-aging components, and containing vitamins and minerals. It is necessary that the product has a protective effect against harmful environmental influences. The main task of foundations for mature skin is to disguise wrinkles and uneven skin texture, as well as intensively nourish the facial skin.
3. Combination skin is quite common. With this type of skin, certain parts (forehead, nose, chin) have increased oil content, and in other areas the skin is dry. For this type of skin, the foundation should be creamy-powdery, contain vitamins and mandatory protection from sun rays.
4. Those with normal skin can choose any product, focusing only on the color and the desired effect.

Determining the color type

Any type of foundation has a palette of different shades. To choose the right color, it is important to know about the color type of your appearance. There are several recommendations for determining it:

1. It is better to carry out testing in a well-lit room with natural light. Light that is too bright, dim, or electric can misrepresent skin tones.
2. If your hair is dyed, it should be pulled back into a ponytail or under a scarf.
3. It is advisable to carry out the test in clothes of calm colors.
4. You can use the help of friends or relatives.

There are four appearance color types in total: “Winter”, “Spring”, “Summer” and “Autumn”. “Winter” and “Summer” refer to cold color types, “Spring” and “Autumn” – to warm ones.

Girl-"Winter" has a contrasting, catchy appearance. There are two types of skin: either light, porcelain, which easily burns in the sun, or has a dark tint, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation a uniform tan is obtained. Such girls do not have freckles. Hair black or chocolate. Eyebrows and eyelashes are similar in color to the strands. The lips of representatives of the “Winter” color type are most often not very bright.

Girl spring" light, warm and airy. The skin has cream and peach shades, the tan has a reddish tint, there is a slightly noticeable blush on the face, and there are freckles. Hair the color of wheat or chocolate. The eyes are light in color and the lips are pale pink.

Girl - "Summer""has a cold and not very expressive appearance. The skin is light or dark, with a bluish tint. Light skin of this color type is susceptible to burns. The hair is light gray, blond, and has no copper notes. Eyes predominantly have gray tints. Lips are pale.

Girl - "Autumn" has a bright appearance, often so expressive that you can do without makeup. Warm-toned skin, tan does not stick well. The hair is often curly, with a reddish tint. Representatives of this color type often have freckles all over their body. The eyes are always bright and contrasting. Lips of warm peach and pink shades.

When purchasing foundation, the first thing you pay attention to is the shade. But other characteristics must also be taken into account. After all, foundation today is more than just a makeup product.

1. Foundation: who needs it and why?
2. Stages of choosing a foundation
3. How to choose a shade to match your skin color
4. How to choose a foundation shade in different lighting
5. How to choose a foundation for your face
6. How to choose foundation for different skin types
7. Review of foundations

Foundation: who needs it and why?

Foundation is a category of products that give the skin a beautiful, even tone. They will be useful for those who want to improve their complexion, and at the same time disguise such imperfections as:

dark circles under gases;

spider veins and spider veins;

Modern foundations have many advantages over their predecessors:

a wide range of textures designed specifically for different skin types and needs: cream itself, fluid, emulsion, etc.;

different forms of release: in a tube, a bottle with a pipette, a cushion and even in a spray.

large selection of pigments: tint, reflective, light-diffusing;

innovative formulas based on silicone oils and wax-like substances, thanks to which the products literally merge with the skin.

Now foundation is a complete skin care product. © iStock

And most importantly: a modern foundation can easily compete with day or night cream in the quality of skin care.

Foundation is becoming a universal product that can not only even out skin tone and texture, but also provide it with the necessary care.

So, the main properties of modern tone:

evens out skin tone and refreshes complexion;

smoothes out small wrinkles;

with proper selection and application, it provides a tanning effect;

protects the skin from negative environmental factors, and in the presence of SPF, also from photoaging;

thanks to the caring components in the composition, it supports the effect of the day cream.

Stages of choosing a foundation

Yes, many girls can easily buy foundation in an online store without trying it on. But if you are not an advanced beauty user, it is better not to take risks and be guided by this selection algorithm.

Determine your skin type

For those who do not yet know what type of skin they are, we have prepared a special test

Dry: light texture with moisturizing ingredients.

Oily: product with a mattifying effect.

Problematic: “non-comedogenic” labeling is required.

Combined: it is advisable to add powder to the foundation and apply it to the T-zone.

Find out which shade suits you

Usually you only need one foundation - and then choose a shade based on your natural skin tone (more on this below). If you are going to do contouring, that is, to emphasize the cheekbones, then a foundation 2-3 shades darker will come in handy.

Assess the required level of durability

The most durable textures are produced for oily skin: they allow makeup not to “float” a couple of hours after applying cosmetics. As a rule, these are quite dense creams and cream powders. Dry, thin and especially aged skin do not need them, because they can highlight all the wrinkles and unevenness of the relief.

Decide on the effect

Foundations, in addition to masking imperfections and evening out the complexion, can provide several effects.

Mattifying due to the content of sebum-regulating components.

Radiant: this effect is achieved thanks to reflective and light-diffusing pigments.

Moisturizing – hyaluronic acid and/or glycerin in the composition are responsible for this.

Read also:

How to choose a shade to match your skin color

Ideally, the shade of foundation should match your natural skin tone. The latter depends on the ratio of the following colors:

white — the original color of human skin;

black - color of melanin pigment;

yellow — the color of the carotene pigment (found in the skin itself and subcutaneous fat);

red - the color of hemoglobin protein (colors blood red).

In addition, complexion also depends on your state of health, time of year, place of residence, lifestyle and other factors.

The composition of the foundation may include moisturizers and nutrients. © iStock

How to choose a foundation?

The once popular theory of color types (you probably remember this division into the types “Spring”, “Autumn”, “Summer”, “Winter”) has now lost its relevance. In the 21st century, dividing girls by color type means limiting their choice and causing them to lose their individuality. Therefore, makeup artists advise focusing on other parameters when choosing a foundation.

Original skin tone

Light with cool undertones: light beige.

Light with warm undertones: peach.

Olive: beige, golden.

Very dark: terracotta, bronze.

How to choose a foundation shade in different lighting

Lighting changes both the natural skin tone and the color of the applied foundation. Therefore, when choosing a tone, consider several factors.

Season

in winter shades one tone warmer than the natural color of the skin are appropriate - this will provide a visual rejuvenating effect. Foundations with shining particles will also come in handy in winter, since you will spend most of your time indoors under artificial lighting.

In summer Thanks to tanning, the skin becomes darker, which means the shade may be a little darker. True, this rule does not work for girls of phototypes 1 and 2, for whom it is quite difficult to tan, and even if this succeeds, the skin tone will not be dark, but reddish.

Times of Day

During the day, a foundation with a matte finish will come in handy. For evening events - with shining particles that will “illuminate” the face and help you look advantageous in the photo. In go-out makeup, it makes sense to use foundations in two shades: natural and darker. They are useful for contouring and sculpting.

Apply foundation with a sponge or wide brush. © iStock

When choosing a foundation shade, consider your skin tone, lighting, and location. © iStock

Your location

Here we consider two options: outdoors or indoors. Everything is more or less clear on the street (see the point about the time of year). And indoor lighting comes in several types.

Office. Here the lamps are usually bright - this light emphasizes warm shades. So we choose a cream that matches the skin tone, without additional radiance.

Dim lighting in homes, museums and theaters, as well as neon lights, make skin tones appear cold and dull. The situation will be corrected by foundation in a tone darker than the natural color of the skin, with reflective particles.

How to choose a foundation for your face

Foundation should become your “second skin”. This means that the requirements for it must be appropriate.

Comfortable texture - the product should not tighten the skin, leave an oily sheen, or feel like a mask or film.

Uniform distribution is the key to the desired result.

Composition - it is important that it matches your skin type.

Choosing foundation texture

When it comes to choosing the right texture, consider your skin type, condition and needs. Dry skin will benefit from a light texture with a moisturizing effect. Oily and problematic - denser, but not oil-based, but water-based to avoid the appearance of comedones. For aging skin, the texture of a thick cream containing nourishing oils is suitable.

If we talk about the types of foundations, they can be like this.

Cream – a classic of the genre, suitable for almost everyone.

Cream powder – if the skin needs matting.

Serum – for skin prone to dryness or with signs of age.

Fluid – very light and comfortable to apply, but it’s unlikely to cover all imperfections.

Mousse – has a delicate texture.

Cushion – convenient to carry, has the option of moisturizing and sun protection.

BB cream - a fairly dense foundation with caring properties, it is described in great detail in this article.

CC cream – combines caring components and corrective pigments, how it differs from BB cream, read here.

How to choose foundation for different skin types

The number one rule when choosing foundation is to consider your skin type. We remind you what characteristics and components you need to pay attention to.

Dry skin

Delicate, slightly oily textures (fluid, emulsion) are suitable. Products should have a moisturizing effect. The composition contains microglitters that will add additional shine.

Oily skin

Combination skin

Ideally, those with mixed skin types can combine two different foundations:

Apply a tone with a mattifying effect to the T-zone;

for the U-zone - with a moisturizer.

Review of foundations

In our review, we provide examples of foundations with different textures and various optical effects.

Long-lasting foundation Infaillible 24 hours matte finish, L’Oréal Paris

Despite its good covering power and super durability, it allows the skin to breathe due to technology that provides a “second skin” effect. Shake vigorously before application. where to find?

Foundation Alliance Perfect “Perfect Fusion”, L’Oréal Paris

In addition to a complex of 7 pigments, the formula contains essential oils for skin care, vitamins E and B6, which are responsible for anti-aging and antioxidant effects. The lightweight texture adapts to the skin for comfort and longevity. where to find?

BB Cream, SPF 15, for normal skin, Garnier

Evens out tone and hides imperfections. Among the advantages are light texture, moisturizing properties, protection against free radicals thanks to grapefruit extract and prevention of photoaging due to UV filters. Designed for skin without any special problems. where to find?

BB Cream anti-aging, Garnier

In addition to an even tone and masking of imperfections, it promises excellent hydration, increased skin elasticity and smoothing out wrinkles - all thanks to the formula with proxylane and apricot oil. where to find?

Corrective care with tonal effect for skin prone to redness, Rosaliac CC Creme, SPF 30, La Roche-Posay

Hides redness of any origin and soothes the skin due to the ambophenol component and special “smart” pigments. An additional function is sun protection. where to find?

Foundation “Ideal tone” Teint >

A suitable solution for dull skin with signs of fatigue. Liquid light technology is responsible for radiance, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and thermal water are responsible for hydration and restoration. Has a velvety texture.

An unsuccessfully chosen shade of foundation can highlight skin imperfections or make your face look like a mask. How not to make a mistake with your choice?

takes 3 minutes to read

Text: Makeup.ru editors April 4, 2017

How to choose the color of foundation depending on skin color?

If your skin has a grayish tint, you can make it look fresher with an orange tone.

If your skin is dull, you can give it a healthy look with a peach-toned foundation.

1. Advice! If the acquired shade differs from the color of your skin by more than two shades, unfortunately, you will have to abandon it. Such a difference in shades is almost impossible to smooth out, even by diluting the foundation with a lighter one.

If your skin periodically breaks out, then you need to use a cool shade of foundation with an olive undertone. It is not recommended to use pinkish shades of foundation.

For a special occasion, a foundation with shining microparticles is suitable. It will illuminate the skin, giving it a healthy look. This cream can be applied either to the entire face, or only to a prominent part - the cheekbones. Be careful, unless you have dark skin, you don't want to go overly bronzed.

Foundations in chocolate, coffee and caramel shades will suit you.

1. Advice! If you have pale skin, then you should not try to tan it with dark foundations. You risk looking ridiculous. For a tanning effect, use the shade of foundation that suits you, and apply a loose layer of bronzing mineral powder on top.

The choice of foundation should be approached with all responsibility. The best option would be to choose a foundation together with your familiar makeup artist. If you don’t have any, then a specialist at a cosmetics store will help you. They should help you choose not only the correct structure, but also the shade of the product.

The ideal option would be to get (or purchase) a foundation sample. After application, observe during the day whether the foundation gives you any discomfort. If not, then feel free to buy it. How do you choose the shade of foundation yourself?

1. The shade of foundation you have chosen must be checked in this way: apply a little product to the lower jaw line, as close to the neck as possible, and compare its shade with the skin on the neck. If both colors match and the transition between them is not visible, then you have chosen the right shade of foundation.

1. You need to test the foundation on the jaw, and not on the face, for one reason: its color may be reddish (due to the close proximity of the vessels) or, conversely, too dark - for example, if you have age spots or intense tanning.

1. Even if it seems to you that you have chosen the right shade (especially if a consultant helped you with this), do not make a purchase right away. Check how the product looks on the skin in daylight: go outside the store or at least go to the window with a mirror. Better yet, ask your consultant for a tester and use the product for a while - this will help you finally decide on your choice.

1. Another way to check if a given shade of foundation is right for you is to test it on your hand. Apply it on your wrist: if the product looks like a “foreign” stain, this is definitely not your option.

You can find more tips on choosing foundation here. What do you usually pay attention to when purchasing? Leave a comment.

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