find your foundation

A good base is key for all other make-up you wear. Also, the better your base the more youthful you will appear, after all no-one wants to have flaky or in contrast a shiny face. Just like choosing skincare, you should match your foundation too your skin type. This post will try to break down (hopefully) some key points on choosing the right foundation!

1. KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE!
There are lots of skin types, and much like choosing your skincare routine, you should be equally as aware of your skin when choosing foundation.

Normal - neither too dry nor too oily. If you have barely visible pores, a radiant complexion and little sensitivity you would have a 'normal' skin type. You are lucky as you can choose almost any foundation to wear (you lucky thing you!)

Combination - a skin type which is dryer in places and more oily in others. It tends to be that the cheeks are drier and the T zone (nose, forehead and chin) are oilier.  This skin can look shiny with overly dilated pores with increased risk of blackheads.

Dry - dry skin can look almost dull, with almost invisible pores. It can feel tight and there is greater risk of lines and wrinkles.

Oily - this skin type is prone to more blemishes. With more open pores and increased sebum production spots and blackheads are more easily formed. Excess oils mean skin can appear shiny.

Sensitive - sensitive skin can show up through redness, a burning sensation and itching. This may be due to a medical issue and if you are unsure of why your skin is so sensitive then seek medical advice.

2. CHOOSE A FOUNDATION TO MATCH YOUR SKIN

Cream Foundation - ideal for normal, combination and dry skin. Perfect for more uneven complexions as it provides heavier coverage. The finish of these foundations is dewy with a medium to full coverage. For application use a sponge or stippling brush. A brilliant cream foundation is the MaxFactor Whipped Creme Foundation which provides a demi-matte finish whilst also giving hydration as well. At £9.99 it is also decently priced.

Liquid Foundation - ideal for all skin types but best suited to dry and mature skin. With a light to medium coverage this foundation comes in a variety of finishes from matte to satin. If you have oily skin then choose a matte finish and if you have drier skin then go for a more satin finish as this will provide more moisture. Apply with a foundation brush. I love the MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation. It is a creamy, gel-based foundation that provides medium buildable to high coverage with a natural satin finish. It is long-wearing and water-resistant. As with many premium brands this foundation is pricey at £25 but you do get 40ml for that which is 10ml more than most foundations so cost effective!

Pressed Powder - perfect for oily skin types. They provide a matte finish with light to medium coverage. They absorb excess oils whilst evening the complexion. Apply with a densely packed powder brush for great coverage. I don't tend to use these so this was hard for me to review, but the one powder foundation that keeps coming up is the Bobbi Brown Illuminating Finish Powder Compact Foundation. At £32 this product offers a lasting full coverage with no oil - so it is perfect for oily skin. It also has light reflective pigments which help mask imperfections thus evening out the complexion.

Mineral Foundations - great for all apart from oily skin. These foundations are great for those with sensitive skin. They provide a demi-matte finish in a light to medium coverage. For best application I would suggest using a kabuki brush to buff it onto the skin. Bare Minerals has the best mineral foundations out there. The "weightless foundation provides adjustable sheer-to-full coverage for a flawless look". It is, like the MAC foundation £25 for a 8g. It is definitely worth the money though. Your skin will look great. 

Tinted Moisturiser - for normal to dry skin. Suitable for those who need extra hydration with a hint of colour. A sheer to light finish with giving a 'no make-up' look. Apply with a foundation brush. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 20 is a great tinted moisturiser. It evens the complexion without hiding the skin beneath. Coming in at £33 for 50ml it is the priciest product on my list but after trying a sample of it I would definitely recommend it as it feels and looks great on the skin. 

BB Cream - ideal for all skin types, but especially good for blemish prone skin. The active ingredients in BB creams help to reduce blemishes whilst providing a light to medium coverage. Apply with a foundation brush. Garnier have produced (and correct me if I am wrong) the first British BB Cream. At £9.99 at Boots this product instantly ‘perfects’ the skin giving a light and sheer coverage meaning imperfections look blurred with fine lines being softened. Your skin will look luminous, smoother and more even. Definitely a more dash than cash product - it is brilliant value for money!

3. COLOUR

Pink Undertones - choose a yellow based foundation to counter-balance the cooler tones in your skin.

Yellow Undertones - and (surprise surprise) in contrast choose a pink toned foundation to counter the warmer tones.

It may also seem obvious but don's choose a shade too pale, or too dark. This will look false, the perfect base should just disappear into your skin.

Most premium brands will stock more shades than high-street brands. If you cannot justify or afford a premium brand and can't find the right shade from a high-street make then buy a couple a mix them! I am a firm believer in mixing foundations, this was you will get a truly personalised shade to match your skin. 

Always test a foundation on your jaw, as this is the 'truest' representation of your skin colour. Always double check this in daylight, shop lights skew colour terribly! If in doubt ask a friend you trust!


Well, I think I could go on and on but I will leave it there. I hope this has been helpful, let me know of any products you like and I will try and review them if I can.
Comment below. Much love,
R x