Sunday, May 16, 2010

Choosing the right foundation

Choosing the right foundation is an important part of your makeup routine. The type of coverage you choose is just as important as the color you choose. The various textures will cover in different ways, and as a result even choosing a color of the same name can appear to be different colors on the skin. Foundation is a constantly evolving beauty product and there is a formula available for every skin type and tone.

Coverage Types

Generally speaking, there are three major types of “foundation weights” available. The term “weight” refers to the opacity of the foundation and is directly correlated to the coverage results obtained when applied to your skin.

  • Sheer – Sheer coverage is lightweight and provides minimal coverage of the skin. This type of coverage will be the softest and least noticeable.
  • Medium – Medium coverage is the standard coverage formula. It provides light to medium coverage and can be used sparingly for less coverage or built upon with other products, such as powder, for a more opaque, heavy coverage.
  • Heavy – Heavy coverage will cover almost any imperfection in the skin, and is usually on par with the texture of a concealer. Color match is especially important in this category.

The Most Popular Foundation Types

Tinted Moisturizers – All Skin Types

Sheer coverage. Tinted Moisturizers are moisturizers with a slight tint to them, often contain sunscreen, and are the lightest and easiest to use. Use with clean hands or foundation brush when applying this type of makeup

Cream Foundation – Dry to Normal Skin Types

The less popular type of foundation, but is the best choice for dry or mature skin. It falls into the medium to heavy coverage areas and it's rich and luxurious consistency keep skin look soft and smooth, without drawing attention to fine lines and wrinkles. Best applied with a foundation brush or with a makeup sponge.

Liquid Foundation - Dry, Normal, or Combination Skin Types

The most popular foundation makeup. For medium coverage, that covers few fine lines or wrinkles, or basic, ever day coverage. This type of foundatioin is best applied with a foundation brush or damp sponge.

Powdered Foundation - Combination to oily skin

Powdered foundation osten appear semi-matte/matte, making it the best choice for oily skin. Provides a medium cover, the powdered foundation is best applied with a thick powder brush (or even the kabuki brush). Alternatively, one can use a sponge as well. Oily skin types may wanna use a foundation primer before applying their makeup to help control shine and touching up.

Mineral Foundation - All Skin Types

One of the hottest newest trends in beauty. Designed for all skin types, and can be used in its original powder state or by adding a little water to make a liquid foundation. When applying mineral powder foundation, use a kabuki brush. This will give a medium-heavy coverage. For a lighter coverage, use a bigger powder brush. The liquid form will create a sheer to medium coverage. Use a foundation brush or clean hands when applying.