While we fancy the appearance of poreless, perfectly flawless, blemish-free complexion, often times, we opt for foundation. For many women, the thought of wearing foundation invokes memories of a beloved grade school teacher who overindulged in creamy camouflage.
Perhaps the face was a totally different shade and undertone from the neck and it made her look like a Geisha... Maybe the finish was heavy and cakey. Whatever the reason, we find ourselves a bit traumatized when it comes to wearing foundation. Well let the healing commence as I walk you through the the how-to’s of complexion perfection.
Choose wisely
Foundation is widely available in several formulas and consistencies, most commonly:
Powder: Works well for oily and acne-prone skin because it helps control oil production and shine. Most oily skin types tend to desire a matte look.
Cream: Ideal for dry/ mature skin because rich texture also provides hydration and you can also find cream foundations that offer treatment benefits.
Liquid/Gel: Works well for most skin types, particularly in an oil-free formula liquid/gel foundations offer build-able coverage and a soft dewy look.
When choosing a shade:
Pick the shade that matches so perfectly it disappears into skin once applied. Foundation should never be lighter or darker than your current skin tone. It is important that the undertone is your natural undertone. There are 3 undertones that are most common. Pink, Neutral (both pink and yellow) and Yellow. Once you have chosen the right undertone and level of intensity it will blend into your skin effortlessly.
Cover your bases
Choose foundation coverage based on skin’s needs. Most women require a little coverage here and there, so a full coverage formulation will suffice and adjust to meet your coverage needs. Consider this: Full coverage gives you the option to increase coverage where you need it and decrease coverage where you don't. This ultimately leads to a natural finish. Try Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation, this gel cream foundation takes the cake in my book. It leaves a flawless finish and never appears caked or unnatural!
While selecting tinted moisturizer is tempting because the formulation is pretty much fool proof, tinted moisturizers are not particularly build-able, which can make it difficult to achieve increased coverage in areas that need a little more assistance (like: blemishes, uneven patches, sun spots, brown spots, etc). Try Chantecaille Anti-Smog Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15. This tinted moisturizer protects your skin from smog, free radicals, pollution and is build-able!
Ready, set, go!
For long-wear staying power, always remember to set your foundation with a loose powder. This also helps to control shine. Translucent formulas are great because they add no color, and are weightless. You can also find translucent powders in a compact for a delicate touch up when you get a bit too shiny.
Always remember to protect, hydrate and nourish your skin before foundation. This will not only prepare your skin for a flawless application, but it will help the texture and quality of skin resulting in a flawless and healthy look.
-Al xx
