Thursday, March 15, 2007

Foundation Facts

Foundation is used to even out skin tone and give your face a smooth appearance. Choosing the correct color is crucial, so be sure to test a product before you buy it. When selecting foundation, test the color on the skin of your entire face and not just along your jawline. Don't test it on the back of your hand because this skin is a differ­ent color and texture from facial skin. To do this, have the makeup consultant apply the foundation to your entire face, and take a good look at your skin in natural light. If the foundation blends in and disappears, thus appearing natural, it's the right color. A too-light foundation may make your skin look ashen. Take a closer look to make sure the foundation's undertone is not too red, orange, or yellow. If the color does not match, keep trying other shades, either from that line of cos­metics or from an altogether different line, until you find the one that most closely approximates your skin tone.
The next step is to make sure you've chosen a foundation for your skin type. This is important because the wrong type can make the skin look dull or too shiny—or worse, like you're wearing a mask. Foundations come in different forms—liquid, cream, cream-to-powder, and stick, matte and moisturizing formu­las. If you have acne, you'll need a light oil-free foundation that doesn't clog your pores and trigger a breakout. Avoid oil-based products, such as those often found in compacts, and opt for nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic products instead. Whatever your skin type, you may need to switch products when the seasons change or if you move to a dry climate.
For oily skin. Look for oil-free or water-based foundations, or a foundation and powder in one compact. Matte or semi-matte formulas will look best on your skin. If you have very oily skin, don't forget to use a toner before applying any makeup and blot oily areas during the day with tissue.
For normal /combination skin. A water-based foundation should suit your needs. If you have T-zone skin and your cheeks become especially dry, experiment with water-and-oil combination products. Semi-matte formulas will look best.
For dry skin. Opt for moisturizing foundations that contain some amount of oil or a combination of oil and water—but only if you are not acne-prone. These often come in cream or liquid form. For acne-prone skin, oil-free foundation is still best. Just apply a moisturizer before applying your foundation.
For sensitive skin. As always, choose hypoallergenic products that are free of poten­tial irritants. A light, water-based foundation should do.
For hyperpigmenting skin. Since this skin type is prone to the development of dark marks, camouflaging the marks with foundation is essential. A foundation stick should suit your needs.

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