Secrets to Flawless Makeup Application

Secret #2

Now that we have a healthy canvas, we're off to find the perfect foundation. The foundation of our dreams, matches our skin color, is the right formula for our skin type, and makes our skin look flawless (and how about ten years younger?). The wrong foundation can make you look made up, accentuate fine lines, clog your pores, dry out your skin, or make you oily.

• If you have a dry skin the best foundation formula is a liquid or cream, and if you can't live with out powder, loose powder is best.
  

• If your skin is combination you will want to use an oil free liquid or a powder foundation. Use a translucent pressed powder to touch up.
  

• If your skin is oily choose a powder foundation and use a translucent blotting powder for touch ups. Blotting powder is oil absorbing and cuts shine without layering color.
  

So, how do you choose the right color? First get a piece of white printing paper, hold it under your wrist along your forearm. Standing in natural light, look at the back of your forearm in contrast with the paper. What undertones in your skin do you see? Does the hue of your forearm appear yellow, green, pink, or blue? The tone of your foundation should favor the dominate color you see.

Now that you have found your tone, it's time to choose a color! Pick out three foundations in your tone range that appear to match your skin color. Place a stripe of each color on your jawbone. Grab a hand held mirror and hit some natural light and go compare the colors. Which one blends best with your skin? Which color matches your neck? (You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a mask). Which foundation appears the most natural? The one that possesses all three qualities is the best foundation color for you.


Try before you buy. Most make up counters give out samples or assist you in finding the right color and formula. If no samples are available ask to try it on, wear it around to make sure it looks right in all lighting, Make sure it does not change color as you wear it. Liquid and cream foundations can oxidize after they are applied, making the foundation color darker. Once you are satisfied with how a foundation looks, wears, and feels, you can confidently make a purchase you will be happy with. Some cosmetic companies have a no return policy on open cosmetics for health safety reasons. So if at all possible try before you buy.


Yes it took some effort to find the right base. But hey, we got to play at all the makeup counters, got a few free make-overs along the way, and found the perfect foundation! (Until next season).