Here are your Top Tips on Getting your Make-Up Perfect

The most controversial beauty topic I’ve come across, foundation.

More than half of you reading this have probably encountered the same problem as me – selecting the ‘perfect’ foundation in accordance to your skin tone, type and condition. Walking into large department store such as Selfridges or Debenhams, or even a smaller one like Boots is pretty overwhelming when you’re new to makeup. About 20 different colours to choose from, 15 brands to decide between and 10 types to select from. My first experience couldn’t possibly have been any worse (or amusing, now that I think of it). I picked up any foundation that looked ‘more or less’ like my skin colour by quickly dabbing it onto my hands, didn’t even think about whether I should use liquid, powder, a stick, etc. and literally picked the third brand I saw because there was just way too many to choose from. Thankfully, I’ve passed all that plava and now I simply just need to re-order or repeat the one for me (Maybelline Pure Foundation Mineral). Applying foundation is the single most important factor of your makeup routine as it’s mainly applied to your whole face. However, it’s not as tricky or daunting as some make it out to be.

                                                      Determine your skin type

Is it oily? Dry?  A combination of both? Sensitive or just normal?

Oily or combination skin types work better with an oil-free and water based foundations, a ‘matte’ foundation generally tends to work well

Dry skin types work well with creamy foundations as it applies the moisture that your skin doesn’t naturally have

Combination skin types need an oil-free and hydration foundation so that your skin doesn’t look ‘too oily’ or ‘too dry’ once the foundation has been applied

Sensitive skin types needs fragrance-free and allergy tested foundation.

Normal skin types are pretty lucky as a translucent power does the trick, unless you want a heavier coverage, whereby I suggest a matte-type foundation. 

                                                                      Determine your skin undertone

This bit isn’t too difficult as most of us have a ‘yellow’ undertone. It’s rare for people to have a different colour other than yellow because it’s the natural undertone for most humans

                                                                               Choose the right shade

As I mentioned above, this is where I went awfully wrong! The most common mistake people make is to test a foundation colour on their hands – the complexion difference between a persons hand and face is surprisingly pretty different. Always test your foundation colour on your jaw line and ensure that it blends in perfectly and looks natural. If the foundation makes your skin look a different colour, you’ve simply chosen the wrong one. If it’s the first time you’re really really finding it tricky, ask an assistant at the store to direct you to the right range of colours for your skin – don’t be embarrassed, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

                                    Decide which type of foundation you want to choose

Stick and spray foundations are great for touch ups if you ever find that you need some during the day. However, stick as a heavier coverage so if you’re looking for a light touchup, put a little spray directly onto the area needing to be covered and blend with your fingers in a circle motion (or you may use a sponge – either way is perfectly fine)

Those who have oily skin, I recommend a powder foundation as it doesn’t combine any oil from the foundation and your skin as the power will soak up any oil 

Tinted foundations give you a light coverage and, as the name suggests, a tint of colour and they tend to give great glow 

Liquid foundation gives a natural appearance and can either be used for either a heavy or light coverage, depending on how much you apply. Use a brush for heavy coverage and fingers for lighter. Cream foundation is also great for a heavy coverage as the consistency is much thicker. 

Mineral foundation I find great as it’s able to provide both light and full coverage. It works well with spot/acne prone skin as it doesn’t clog any of your pores up. 

I always advice my friends to apply a primer before applying foundation as it acts like ‘super glue’. However, if you have oily skin it’s better to leave out the primer because it’ll only make your skin react against and produce more oil. 

Witten & Reported by  Unsah Malik