How to choose a foundation for your face

The negative impact of the environment, constant stress and poor nutrition forces the fair sex to hide imperfections under cosmetics and spend a long time solving the problem of how to choose a foundation that matches the color of their skin. By evening out the tone, it is the first assistant in makeup. Eyeliner and mascara, exquisite lipstick on the lips, ideally shaped eyebrows will not be able to hide minor defects or a sickly complexion. Naturally healthy skin can sometimes look dull, so it also needs to be disguised with foundation cosmetics.

How to choose the right foundation for your face

Choosing the right foundation is not an easy task. Important characteristics are the shade, density and durability of the product. There is a more significant factor, depending on which they conclude whether the cream is suitable for the skin type: this is the reaction to the components of the cream. Particular attention should be paid to it by those who know about their tendency to allergies. Before buying a foundation, you need to familiarize yourself with its composition and determine whether it contains substances that are aggressive to the skin.

To identify sensitivity to ingredients, you should try a small amount of the cream, but not on your face. Select the crook of your elbow, the back of your hand, or your wrist. If there is an allergy, it will definitely manifest itself within 3-4 hours. This may include redness, a feeling of dryness, or other irritation. Such signs reflect the fact that the type of foundation you are testing, although you like it, cannot be used on the face. The best foundations are determined based on the following characteristics:

1. The manufacturer and his authority in the product market.
2. Ingredients used.
3. Composition density.
4. Shade and its correspondence to skin tone.
5. Type of packaging: aesthetically attractive or economical.
6. Best before date.

Which texture to choose?

Each skin type requires the use of certain foundations:

1. So, for masking significant areas with pigmentation, a basic cream base is suitable - it is thick in consistency, and thanks to the powder in the composition, it can hide large areas of problem skin.
2. Sometimes defects do not require the application of a continuous base, in which case a spot-on product in the form of sticks or pencils is an excellent solution. Their high density effectively masks minor defects.

1. Another type of foundation is liquid tone. The liquid texture when applied is not sufficient to hide facial imperfections. With the help of such a product they only improve the skin tone, giving it a matte appearance, or moisturize it.
2. For more durable makeup, compositions are selected in the form of creams on a compact base, which are fixed with a layer of powder. The latter can be used independently on top of both day cream and already applied foundation. Hides excess fat and evens out the shade.
3. A type of powder is a product with the addition of cream components. Any skin can be camouflaged with a quick application of cream powder using a special sponge.
4. For lighter makeup or just daily care, tinted day moisturizers have been developed. A light matte tint and softness of the skin, masking slight fatigue - all this is the effect of such a cream.

Selection of foundation based on skin type

Incorrectly selected cosmetics can harm healthy skin or worsen the situation of already problematic skin. For this reason, any type of hair needs proper care and makeup. To do this, you need products suitable for a specific skin type. Do not use a foundation that adds shine if your face is too oily or apply powder to dry skin. Such actions will not hide shortcomings, but will only highlight them.

For dry skin

When the sebaceous glands are disrupted, dry skin appears. In the future, this leads to a thinning of the protective layer of the face. The process of aging and wrinkle formation accelerates. To prevent this, dry skin types must be provided with additional hydration. Using a rich foundation helps to get protection. It has a light structure and a large amount of nutritional components and vitamins type A, E. Thanks to application in a thin layer, it remains imperceptible and perfectly smoothes out peeling.

For fatty

The previous version of the foundation is not suitable for oily skin. It needs to remove excess shine, so mattifying products are better suited. You should be careful with oily skin, the pores of which may become clogged due to the wrong foundation. Among these, the first place is occupied by compositions that have some kind of oil as an ingredient. Special wipes with a mattifying effect are popular in use: they do a good job of removing oily shine.

For combined

Here is a simple algorithm of actions:

1. Apply a small amount of foundation to the surface of the skin from the middle of the cheek to the neck, passing along the jaw line.
2. The invisible boundaries of the applied composition indicate that it suits you completely.
3. If spots appear or the foundation is difficult to blend, it is better to leave it on the store shelf.
4. Do not rush to draw a conclusion, wait 5-8 minutes until the product fully manifests itself.

According to the recommendations of experts, one should not give preference to dark shades, because they slightly increase age. For girls with different complexions, important recommendations are offered:

1. Foundation for fair skin has pinkish or neutral shades.
2. If you have a dark complexion or a dark tan, beige shades of foundation are more suitable.
3. In spring and autumn it is better to give preference to warm colors, in winter – light, and in summer – darkish.

Also read and watch a detailed review of how to choose Maybelline foundation, its types and tips for use.

Video tips: how to choose foundation color

Wrongly chosen tonal products can worsen the health of the skin of the face and deprive you of the desired beauty. Only professional makeup artists have extensive experience in selecting cosmetics. For beginners, the problem of how to choose a foundation that matches your skin color is not so easy, because people get confused when they see a wide range of products. If you are also choosing a foundation for the first time or just want to strengthen your knowledge in the field of makeup, then watching the video will be useful. It has a lot of information about choosing, testing and matching foundation to your skin type.

Read also: L'Oreal foundation - all about its types and shade palettes.

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The right tone for the face makes the makeup perfect and gives it completeness. But among the many cosmetic products, it is sometimes difficult to decide on the right product.

Advice from makeup artists, convincing advertising of new products, online reviews and the experience of friends are worth taking note, but you will still have to search for the best foundation option on your own.

It's not about the shade

Many people mistakenly believe that foundation should be chosen solely by matching the same shade with the skin. In fact, it is not enough to focus only on the color scheme. Now many cosmetics manufacturers are releasing new beauty products with additional properties: a lifting effect, ultraviolet protection, skin nutrition, and so on.

Therefore, cosmetologists recommend first setting a goal - why do you need foundation? Perhaps with its help you need not only to give an even complexion, but also to moisturize the skin.

It is important not to skimp on your purchase, otherwise the desired product will not only not be beneficial, but may also cause harm. In some cases, an incorrectly selected product causes skin problems, which will subsequently take a long and expensive time to eliminate.

Types of foundation

• Cream
The most common base option has a creamy texture. It contains fats, which make the application quite dense. With the right shade, the cream can mask almost all skin imperfections. However, this option is recommended exclusively for evening makeup. In the daytime, especially in summer, a foundation based on a cream will “block” the pores - and a feeling of a “mask” will appear on the face.

• Cream powder
The product is a universal combination of two products in one - cream and powder. It perfectly masks skin imperfections, but at the same time it applies more easily and does not close the pores, allowing them to “breathe”. This product is most suitable for those with oily skin. For those who have problems with dryness, it is better to choose another product, otherwise unattractive shedding of excess powder may appear on the face, which has the effect of drying out already dry skin.

• Fluid
Unlike regular foundation, the fluid has a lighter and more delicate texture, while it applies evenly to the skin and does not give the feeling of a “mask” on the face. This is ideal for daily use, especially during the hot season. It suits absolutely all skin types. However, it should be noted that such a remedy will not be able to fully mask all the shortcomings.

• Mousse
The mousse-based foundation is a soft foam that is easy to apply to the skin even with your fingertips. Makeup artists recommend this product for those with combination skin and older women. The product does not clog pores and is suitable for daily use, including in the summer. However, the mousse, alas, cannot hide too strong imperfections on the face.

• Spray
This type of foundation is not very popular, but makeup artists believe that it is underestimated. The spray is applied directly to the skin or first on a brush, after which it is shaded onto the face. The advantage of the product is its ease of use and the ability to get a perfectly even tone without a “mask” effect. Thanks to its weightless, almost imperceptible texture, it is ideal to use in hot weather.

• Stick
Foundation in the form of a pencil is most often used for spot application to disguise certain pronounced skin imperfections. Makeup artists advise using a sponge or a special brush to subsequently carefully shade the tone on your face. As a rule, the stick is used in combination with powder.

• Concealer
This product can be classified as a tonal product, but it differs from most in that it has a greenish tint, which is aimed at masking and removing inflammation and redness from the skin. It is applied directly to the problem area, after which it is “covered” with a second layer of stick, which already has a shade close to the complexion.

• BB cream
Several years ago, this new product shocked the beauty industry. Foundation and moisturizer in one bottle - this is how a BB product can be characterized. Its main functions are moisturizing and nourishing the skin, as well as giving the face an ideal, but most natural tone. BB cream will not be able to disguise major imperfections, but it will make your complexion even. The product is suitable for daily use, especially in hot weather, when it is very important that the texture of the products is almost invisible and does not clog pores.

Choose by skin type

Not all representatives of the fair sex pay attention to their skin type when choosing foundations. Meanwhile, this is very important in order to find the most suitable product.
In total, makeup artists distinguish four types:

• Normal
• Dry
• Oily
• Combined

Those with a normal type are the luckiest. Firstly, such skin, in principle, does not need foundation. If you need to give it a glossy shine, you can use just a highlighter or powder with shimmering particles. And if you need to disguise small pimples or imperfections, just use a stick, fluid or mousse.

For those whose skin is prone to dryness, it is necessary to choose products with moisturizing, or apply cream first and only then tone. The ideal option is products that contain vitamins A and E, as well as hyaluronic acid. If the skin is clearly flaking, it is not recommended to use foundations, as they will only further emphasize the flaw. However, without them, makeup will be incomplete, so you should choose the most oily texture and avoid using powder.

For oily skin, on the contrary, it is necessary to choose foundations that have a dense texture and powder particles in the composition. This product will not only hide excess fat and unattractive shine on the face, but also normalize the level of sebum.

The combined skin type looks something like this: in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle the skin may always remain oily, while on the forehead and cheekbones there may be dryness. Makeup artists believe that it is most difficult for owners of such a “mix” to choose the right foundation, and sometimes it is completely impossible.

Therefore, they recommend purchasing two products - one for dry and one for oily skin and combining them when applying. In this case, it is important to find the same shade of both products. However, many beauty products include a “2 in 1” effect - they moisturize the skin, but at the same time remove excess fat, eliminating oily shine.

Foundation by season

For the hot season, it is recommended to select products with UV protection. Foundation is no exception. The tubes must be marked “SPF”, the level of which should preferably be chosen at least 15.

In addition, a summer foundation should have a light texture, preferably water-based. As a rule, such a product also contains added moisturizing components and minerals.

Since after the holiday season many return from the sea or the countryside tanned, the foundation should be selected a shade darker than the natural color of the skin. Bronzers with a creamy texture will also help solve the problem of optimal tone.

Tips for choosing

• A suitable tone is selected by applying the tester to the area between the chin and neck, and not on the wrist, as is erroneously common. Also, do not forget about lighting, which can distort color.

• In order to understand whether the chosen shade is suitable, you should wait about a minute after testing for the product to be absorbed into the skin. And if it lays evenly, then the color matches.

• If there is any doubt between two shades of foundation, it is recommended to choose a lighter shade. They will give your face freshness.

• You can apply the product in several ways: using finger pads, a sponge or a cosmetic brush. It all depends on the type of product and the desired effect. If you need the product to lay down in a thin layer, you can slightly wet the sponge, which, when wet, will collect excess from the skin and eliminate the “mask” effect after applying the foundation.

• The foundation should be washed off with a special makeup remover lotion using a cotton pad. If some amount of the product still remains on your face, you need to use a gel or foam cleanser, they will help completely rid your face of makeup.

The foundation helps create a unique look, giving a smoothness and even tone. Take care of your facial skin by choosing the right care and moisturizing products, including a special tone. And then the makeup will be exactly like the models on the covers of glossy magazines!

Most women use dozens of cosmetic products every day, of which foundation is considered the most popular. Every representative of the fair sex dreams of a perfectly smooth facial skin texture in order to look like she’s on the cover of a magazine. But many, unfortunately, fail to achieve a similar effect. You shouldn’t immediately be disappointed in foundations, because often this happens not because they don’t work, but because they were chosen incorrectly. Modern foundations can hide almost any imperfections, as if Photoshop had worked hard on the skin. Today we will talk about how to choose the right foundation.

The best manufacturers of foundation for the face - which company to choose

Cosmetics are produced by a variety of manufacturers, from small private enterprises to huge companies with workshops scattered around the world. Some brands have been on the market for more than a hundred years. It is in such brands that users have developed special trust. Their products are usually luxury products, although there are also representatives of the mass market.

If you do not have the opportunity to read all the material to the end, then check out the list of the most famous companies:

The listed companies develop and produce a large number of foundations for different skin types. All products contain exclusively high-quality ingredients. For those who are looking for a specific product, we suggest going to our rating of the best foundations.

The principle of operation and structure of facial foundation

Foundation is a special product containing color pigments that help even out skin tone, thus hiding imperfections. Acne, freckles, redness, age spots, dark circles under the eyes - all this can be easily covered with the right foundation.

The foundation also protects the skin, protecting it from external adverse factors. Many products have an SPF factor, which allows you not to worry about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation even in sunny weather.

In addition, foundations are distinguished by the presence of useful ingredients, for example, vitamin complexes, oils, moisturizers and more. All this allows you not only to hide imperfections, but also to take care of your face, preventing premature aging, removing peeling, and so on. Today's products do not clog pores, so they are suitable for daily use.

You can apply foundation in different ways. First, you need to prepare the skin by cleansing it of impurities and moisturizing it, for example, by applying a base (primer). For a dense coating, use a flat synthetic brush, and for a thinner coating, use duo-fiber.

You can get the thinnest layer if you use a special beautyblender sponge. It is pre-wetted in water, so it distributes the base evenly, making it almost invisible. This method is perfect for natural makeup.

Types of foundation for the face

Cream fluid

The base of this liquid cream consists of less oils, but more powder. Thanks to this combination, it is perfectly applied to oily skin, absorbing excess sebum. It is invisible and not felt on the face, distributed evenly in a thin layer. Contains nutrients and components that ensure its durability. The cream does not accumulate in wrinkles. A great option for spring and summer.

Advantages:

1. ideal for mature skin,
2. does not clog wrinkles and pores,
3. light texture,
4. nutritional components included,
5. absorbs sebum well.

Flaws:

1. emphasizing peeling,
2. does not cover serious imperfections,
3. It is not recommended to use in winter due to the water content.

This is a cream with an airy texture. It has a powdery finish, so it does not require additional fixing. Suitable exclusively for smooth and healthy skin to slightly even out the shade, add freshness and radiance. It is especially popular in “nude” makeup among young girls. It is usually sold in convenient glass jars.

Advantages:

1. gives a natural effect,
2. evens out tone
3. not felt on the face.

Flaws:

1. does not mask noticeable imperfections well,
2. emphasizes peeling,
3. may get stuck in wrinkles.

Cushion

Cushions appeared relatively recently, coming to our market from Korea. They are a sponge soaked in foundation, which is in a package resembling a powder compact.

During application of the product, the sponge loosens the creamy texture, which is why even in several layers the product becomes a light and weightless emulsion that does not clump for a long time. The finish of the cushion is wet, so it can be used for the strobing technique (wet shine).

Advantages:

1. "3-in-1" product
2. compactness,
3. Lots of moisturizing ingredients.

Flaws:

1. may not be suitable for oily skin types,
2. the price is above average.

Cream powder

A fairly dense creamy product that fits in a powder compact. Applies evenly to the face and blends easily. After a certain amount of time, the base dries, leaving the effect of applying powder. The product is convenient to use outside the home to apply makeup or touch up it. In this case, you do not need to take additional fixing cosmetics with you.

Advantages:

1. "2-in-1" product
2. good durability
3. masks most imperfections,
4. compactness.

Flaws:

1. emphasizes peeling and wrinkles,
2. a little heavy for the spring-summer period.

Liquid foundation

Classic foundation. Most often sold in soft plastic tubes. It is optimal in thickness, not too liquid. Has excellent covering ability. Depending on what and how to apply the product, you can change the thickness of the coating. It is easy to achieve a thin and invisible layer with a damp sponge, and a dense layer with a dry brush.

Advantages:

1. Suitable for all skin types,
2. easy to regulate application,
3. perfect for the cold season.

Flaws:

1. may collect in wrinkles,
2. usually requires setting with powder.

Compact stick

Thick consistency product. The packaging resembles a lipstick and unscrews in the same way. The sticks vary in size.

For use on the entire face, thick rods are best; for targeted use, small, thin pencils are best. Foundation in a stick provides the strongest coverage of imperfections. In this case, the layer turns out to be loose, but not weightless.

Advantages:

1. especially ideal for pronounced problems,
2. suitable for all skin types,
3. has good durability.

Flaws:

1. not recommended for daytime makeup,
2. can emphasize wrinkles and peeling.

Options for choosing a foundation for the face

Skin type

First of all, when choosing a foundation, you should decide on your skin type:

Light to medium consistency is best suited for normal skin. The foundation can be enriched with moisturizing or nourishing additives.

Liquid foundations and fluid creams, as well as products with a matting effect, will work great on oily skin. The product should lie evenly, not drip during wear and not clog pores or wrinkles. It's best to have a powdery finish.

For dry skin, on the contrary, a richer foundation is important, which contains many moisturizing components. The main thing is that it does not emphasize peeling, which is often a problem of this type.

Hue

The next step is to determine the shade. From the dozens presented on the store counter, the easiest way to choose the most suitable one is by testing.

The foundation should be applied to the cheek, in the area where it transitions to the neck. The more the color blends into the skin, the better. If you like two options, light and dark, and you can’t figure out which one to buy, then choose the first one. Many foundations tend to darken a little after application. Never try to tan your skin using foundation, as this can lead to the appearance of an unsightly mask on your face, where the boundaries are clearly visible.

For skin with pink pigment, you need to choose a beige shade, with yellow, beige-pinkish, and for dark-skinned skin, beige-apricot and dark beige shades are ideal.

Durability

Foundations are long-lasting and regular. The first option is different in that it remains on the skin for 12-18 hours, even if you are in extreme conditions, for example, exposed to rain, snow or hot sun. This foundation is recommended for special occasions. With it you can be sure that your makeup will last until the very end of the day.

Products with normal staying power last no more than 4-6 hours on the skin and are suitable for daily use.

Effects

Foundations have many effects, but it is worth highlighting only two main ones:

Mattifying foundations contain special particles that, when they come into contact with the skin, absorb excess sebum. Such products allow you to remove unnecessary shine and maintain the effect for several hours.

Light-reflecting foundation products give the skin a noble glow, reminiscent of healthy skin. These products contain tiny elements, invisible to the human eye, that can refract the light falling on them, due to which the glow appears.

Which face cream to choose?

1. For mature skin, it is best to choose a classic foundation or cream fluid.

2. For oily skin, a mattifying product is suitable; mousse or cream powder would be a good buy. If there are imperfections, then buy a stick.

3. Those with a dry type should pay attention to cushions and abandon dense textures. They can not only moisturize and smooth out flaking, but also give a dewy glow, which is so popular in makeup today.

4. Save long-lasting foundations for special occasions or for photo and video shooting. Wearing such products daily is not recommended because they do not allow the pores to breathe normally. Such products are not suitable for daytime makeup either, since the dense texture will be noticeable in bright light.

5. Choose regular foundations for everyday use, because they can stay on the skin throughout the working day.

6. When choosing a shade, consider the pigment present in your skin. Avoid pink if your base pigment is the same. For correction, it is better to take a neutral beige color.

7. If yellow pigment predominates, then give preference to a beige-pinkish shade.

8. For those with dark skin, beige-apricot or beige-dark is perfect.

How much does foundation cost?

1. Foundations for the face from the mass market will cost from 300 to 1,500 rubles. Everything will depend on the components included in the composition, durability, packaging and brand.

2. Fundamentals from luxury series will cost much more. For one tube of foundation you will have to pay from 1,500 to 7 thousand rubles. These products justify their high price with beautiful packaging and small batch production. There is no point in chasing luxury, since the compositions are similar to cheaper alternatives.

3. Professional rulers are usually used by makeup artists. Foundations are often intended only for photography and video shooting, so they are not suitable for everyday wear. Their prices fluctuate around 2 – 5 thousand rubles.

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