Finding a formula

Foundation comes in different formulas, like tinted moisturizer, liquids and powders. When selecting the best kind for you, consider your skin type and desired coverage.

• Tinted moisturizer. This product moisturizes and contains special tinted pigments to even out skin tone. Try MD Skin Care All-in-One Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 for sun protection and sheer color. Some women who are foundation-phobic or don’t like heavy foundation go with this option. It’s also a good choice for those with oily skin. However, note that it only provides light, sheer cover. If you have severe pigmentation or inconsistent skin tone, a tinted moisturizer won’t provide enough coverage.
• Oil-free liquid. Some liquid foundations are oil-free. They won’t make skin feel greasy or worsen acne. The downside? Caking on too much actually draws attention to pores and blemishes. Also, because liquid foundations can be sheer, some flaws may show through. Still, oil-free liquids can be your friend if you have oily skin or acne. Try Joey New York Pure Pores Minimizer Foundation Bronze. You’ll get a natural, flawless finish.
• Anti-aging liquid. These foundations fight signs of aging like dryness or loss of firmness. They’re made with oils, so they go on easier and provide more coverage than oil-free liquids. If wrinkles and sagging are a concern, try Dr. Michelle Copeland Ageless Foundation SPF 15. It moisturizes and firms, minimizes the look of wrinkles and gives skin an even tone. Sunscreens and moisturizers in foundations are great for aging, dry skin, but they can create acne breakouts if you’ve got oily skin, warns makeup artist Valerie Sarnelle in Marie Claire.
• Powder. You’ll get more coverage with powder foundations than liquid ones, writes makeup expert Sonia Kashuk in Ladies Home Journal. Powder is her foundation of choice for oily skin. Try Colorescience Retractable Foundation Brush SPF 20 for coverage that looks and feels terrific. Powder foundations often contain minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to calm irritated skin — they’re often recommended for rosacea or sensitive skin, writes Melissa Foss in Shape magazine. However, Marie Claire warns that powder can age you — its matte finish doesn’t work well on dry, wrinkled skin.

Still can’t choose a foundation formula? Try Philosophy Supernatural Air Brushed Canvas SPF — Bronze. It gives you the coverage of foundation, the finish of powder and the protection of sunscreen. It's safe no matter your skin type.

Shade selection

Are you ivory, porcelain, buff, beige or mocha? Consider these tips when selecting a shade.

• According to Helen Foster, author of The Beauty Book, many women make the mistake of testing a foundation shade on the back of their hand. But, this area isn’t the same color as your face. Besides, you’re not going to be wearing foundation on your hand. Want a better way? Test foundation around your jaw. Your perfect shade will seemingly disappear because it’ll blend in with your skin color. Make sure you also examine the makeup in natural light, instructs Marie Claire.
• Another common mistake? Choosing dark foundation to fake a tan, says makeup artist Terry de Gunzburg in Allure magazine. Darker-colored foundations tend to dull skin and make you look older, she says. So, you won’t fool anyone.
• When seasons change, so should your foundation shade, Kashuk explains. More sun exposure in the summer means that skin will tan and become darker. You’ll need a darker foundation shade to match.

Application advice

You’ve found your formula and selected your shade. Now, how should you apply your foundation to get that flawless face?

1. Start with freshly-washed skin and gently pat dry with a towel.
2. Use moisturizer for your skin type. Experts emphasize the importance of primer, particularly if skin is mature, dry or wrinkled. Primers promote a smooth, even look. They also"prevent foundation from creeping into crevices, thereby making facial lines less noticeable," writes Foss. Try Skindinavia Face and Eye Makeup Primer, which helps foundation adhere, allowing for easier blending and longer wear. This is a wise choice for hot, humid weather because higher temps make foundation run.
3. If using liquid foundation, gently shake the bottle. You can apply liquids using your fingers, sponges or brushes. An advantage of using your fingers is that "the warmth [of your fingers] helps it to blend better," writes Foster. Unfortunately, because fingers carry bacteria and oil, they can contribute to oily skin and acne. Also, if you opt for a sponge, keep it clean. A terrific choice is Illuminare Fast Application Sponge. Because it has an antibacterial core and can be tossed in the washing machine, you won't be adding dirt to your face.
4. When using powder foundation, apply with a sponge. Kashuk notes that a wet sponge provides deeper coverage, whereas a dry sponge gives more sheer coverage. However, "wet sponges can streak," cautions Carol Straley in Ladies’ Home Journal.

5. Apply a small dot of foundation on forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Starting at the forehead, use small downward strokes to blend. Be especially careful blending foundation along facial edges like cheeks and hairline for the most natural look.
6. Avoid thick layers of foundation. Heavy makeup can add years to your face. Stay away from lines or wrinkles because makeup will actually accentuate these creases. If you want deeper coverage, apply multiple thin coats of foundation instead of one thick coat, advises Kashuk.
7. If you need concealer, apply it after your foundation. Concealer works well on dark under-eye circles or acne blemishes. It’s generally thicker than foundation and provides more coverage for trouble spots.
8. Finish with a light dusting of powder to set foundation (skip this step if you wear powder foundation, says Straley). Foss suggests a powder puff for normal/oily skin and a powder brush for dry skin. Because the brush uses less powder, it provides a softer, less-matte finish compared to the puff.
9. Wash off foundation and other makeup with cleanser at night.

   With these tips and techniques, there’s no need to fear foundation. Simply choose the right formula and shade for your skin’s needs, and you’ve got yourself a flawless finish.

   See also:

   The Beauty of Natural Lashes

   Makeup around the World: Asian Women

   Boost Your Night-time Routine for Beautiful Skin