Selecting the Right Foundation for Your Skin Type and Skin Tone

Have you ever met women that cover their face with the wrong color or type of foundation? It is a shame that women will take the time to apply foundation and take care for their skin and end up with an unnatural appearance. Additionally, too many women think that they need a heavier foundation to cover wrinkles and discolorations. However, heavy makeup and powders only accentuate fine lines and wrinkles and gives a cakey appearance.

The purpose of foundation is to smooth out skin and create a flawless finish. Foundation is not supposed to be used to change the color of your face but is used to create a natural canvas for the rest of your makeup.

To achieve beautiful makeup you must have the correct foundation suited for your skin type and skin tone. When the correct foundation is applied the rest of your makeup such as eye shadows, blush, etc., will be enhanced and promote a natural appearance.

A key step in your makeup routine is moisturizing. Prior to applying any foundation, always prep your face with moisturizer. Moisturizing is one of the fastest, easiest ways to give your face a youthful appearance and helps with blending your foundation.

Foundation Colors:
Basically foundation falls into two categories; they are bases with yellow tones and bases with pink tones. The most common yellow toned or known as a warm skin tone are Asian, sallow and black skin. Those people with a pink skin tone also known as a cool skin tone are usually fair skinned. If you are not sure of your skin tone, read my article "Tips to Determine Your Skin Tone".

Always try and select your foundation in a natural light and test the color on the jaw line. It is important to select your foundation based on your skin tone; otherwise your foundation will not look natural and will not blend well no matter how well you apply it.

Foundation Types:
Cream-to-powder foundations: this foundation is applied with a sponge and dries to a powder like appearance and provides better coverage and longer wear than regular pressed powder. Not recommended for those with oily skin due to the creamy formulation which adds more oil to the skin. This foundation is not recommended for dry skin because the powdery finish will dry the skin even more. Therefore this type of foundation should be used for a normal skin type.

Liquid-to-powder foundations: This foundation is applied with a sponge, are fast drying and quick drying. They are lighter than the cream-to-powder foundation and are good for oily and combination skin types.

Liquid foundations: a water based foundation and flattering for most women. They create a natural glow and smooth finish. Furthermore, an application of pressed powder can be applied to reduce shine to your liking. These foundations are good for normal to dry skin.

Oil-free liquid foundations: Although these foundations claim to be oil free, most foundations do contain some oils. Oil free foundations are similar to liquid foundation but have a tendency to be heavier and leave no shine. These types of foundations are best for those with oily skin. On dry skin, they have a tendency to make the skin look dryer and flaky.

Oil-based foundations: as the name implies these foundations contain a significant amount of oil. They tend to be thick and greasy however they do blend nicely and provide a flawless finish. Oil based foundations are best for very dry skin and aging skin.

Pressed-powder foundations: Similar to pressed powder except it is applied with a brush or sponge and provides longer wear. They tend to be drying so those with dry skin or aging skin should avoid this type of foundation.

Stick foundations: As the name implies this foundation is in stick form. They are considered a cream to powder formula. These are good for spot coverage and concealer.

Ultra-matte foundations: This type of foundation dries fast and therefore needs to be applied quickly and well. Additionally they tend to be heavy and leave the skin feeling dry.

Foundation for Skin Types:
Oily Skin: An oil free foundation is recommended for those with oily skin. Oil free foundations usually contain extra powder to dry any excess oil on the face.

Normal Skin: Almost all foundations will work with normal skin, however a liquid will give the best coverage without looking cakey or to heavy.

Dry Skin: Select a foundation that contains extra moisturizes qualities. This will keep the skin supple. Additionally applying moisturizer under your foundation will help soothe dryness. A cream foundation is recommended for dry skin.

Mineral Makeup - mineral makeup is the latest craze now in the skin care industry. There are those that love it and those that do not. I just wrote a post "What You Need to Know About Mineal Makeup Before You Buy It. So if you are considering mineral makeup you may want to read that post.

There is a wide variety of makeup foundations and finding the one that looks best on you will not be easy. However, knowing your skin type and skin tone will make finding your perfect foundation that much easier.

For more informative skin care articles, skin care recipes and how to videos visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Below are some exceptional foundations!

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup

Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup

Bare Escentuals

Benefit Cosmetics

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup Spf 10