A foundation serves as an essential first step for most makeup routines. With the right foundation, you can effectively even out your skin tone and create a base for the steps that follow. But how do you choose one when there are so many choices around? Read on as we break it down for you.
Types of foundation
The first thing to understand is that there are a variety of foundations you to pick from that vary on the basis of formulation and texture. Choosing a type of foundation is as important as choosing a shade and can be determined by identifying your skin type. The four basic skin types are oily, normal, dry, and combination. Select one of the foundation types from the list below, depending on your skin type.
Liquid foundations
These are the most common formulations you will come across today. These are versatile and are formulated for diverse skin types. They can be applied with brushes, blenders, and the best tool we all own: fingers.
Pro-tip: You can easily mix a liquid foundation with a highlighter, moisturiser, or sunscreen before application.
Serum foundations
These have a thinner consistency compared to liquid foundations. They are usually lightweight with lower coverage. A serum foundation is among the best if you prefer a natural, dewy look and is best suited for oily, combination, and sensitive skin.
Mousse foundations/foundation creams
As the name suggests, mousse foundations have a texture like whipped cream. They are also lightweight and are suitable for skin with dilated pores. Generally, mousse foundations are created for combination and oily skin. Blending them with your fingers is easiest since they're basically cream-like in consistency.
Pro-tip: Foundation cream is similar to serum foundation but is less transparent and more mattifying. Exfoliate thoroughly and rub in some moisturiser before you apply.
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Stick foundations
A stick foundation comes in a handy bullet shape, making it easy to apply and supremely travel-friendly. It is suitable for most skin types. Although lighter-duty than liquid foundations, stick foundations have the advantage of being hassle-free and can be blended within seconds.
Powder foundations
These generally come in a pressed compact form. They are more pigmented than compact powder and usually provide medium to full coverage. These are also best suited for oily skin.
Tips to finding the right shade of foundation
Once you figure out the best type of foundation makeup for your skin type, it is time to find the right shade. Choosing a foundation colour must be preceded by understanding your skin type and texture. Here is the best way to narrow down your choices:
Determine your undertone
Warm, cool, neutral - you've probably come across these different types of undertones while searching online for how to choose your foundation shade. An undertone indicates the primary hue of your skin which will remain the same whether or not you bleach or get a tan. Cool undertones are pinkish or bluish, warm ones are peach to yellow and neutral undertones are neither warm nor cool, thereby affecting your natural skin tone least. Whether you have light skin or dark, you can have warm, neutral or cool undertones. If you figure out your undertone, it becomes easy to choose the right foundation and concealer for your skin.
How does one do that? Easy. Check the veins on the inside of your wrist or elbow. Significantly blueish veins mean a cool undertone while greenish veins indicate a warm undertone. You have a neutral tone if your veins are neither noticeably blue nor green. Another easy way to tell is by noticing how jewelry looks on your skin. If silver looks significantly better than gold on your skin, you’re likely to have a cool undertone and vice-versa for a warm one. Both gold and silver look equally good on neutral undertones.
Swatch on the cheek
You've probably been swatching products on the inside of your wrist. But you can never select the right foundation by testing on the wrist as it is not the same skin tone as your face. Apply the three closest foundation shades side-by-side on your cheek to determine the exact match. Use a primer before to prevent patch testing on the bare face. Also, pay attention to any itching or burning sensations. If you are prone to either, make sure you are using products that are for sensitive skin.
Test under natural light
The best time to go foundation shopping is in the morning. Check the foundation swatch under sunlight to get the best idea about the most suitable shade for you. Don't shy away from even stepping out of the store to review the swatch on your skin for an absolutely perfect match. Remember not to take the product out with you, though.
Virtual assistant at online store
Most of us shop online, and it's rarely possible for us in our busy lives to go out shopping for foundation and patch-test in the daylight. If you are wondering how to choose foundation shade online, you can try out our technologically advanced yet easy-to-use features on tira that are bound to help you zero down on your ideal shade. You can not only try on products using our virtual try-on features, but you can also compare foundation shades between brands using our Match My Makeup feature. If you’re still confused, consult our beauty advisors to guide you in your search.
Know what you want, know what you need
Do you need less coverage or a long-lasting finish? Are you going for a natural look, or do you just want to keep the sebum under control? These are crucial questions to ask while selecting a foundation.
It must be noted that wants are different from needs. If your skin is dry and textured with acne bumps or scars, a powder foundation just isn't going to do the trick. You'll need a high-coverage cream or liquid foundation to even out your skin.
Refer to them beauty bloggers
Several beauty bloggers are reviewing new products. If you find someone whose skin type, texture, and shade are similar to yours, you can check their shade references and shop online accordingly.
Timing is everything
Ideally, it is best to have at least two to three foundations in your makeup stash. Among them, you should have one with SPF and light coverage for the day, one without SPF for the evening as SPF does not photograph well under flash, and maybe a mini foundation or foundation stick to carry around with you. If you generally have dry skin that feels slightly oily in humid weather, simply blot your foundation after application or puff a bit of compact to make it matte. If you stay in a humid region and wear foundation in the morning, an SPF-induced water-resistant foundation will work best. If you generally have oily skin that gets dry in winter, mix a couple of drops of moisturiser in the foundation to make it hydrating
Things to remember while applying foundation
Applying foundation perfectly is an art that must be practised. Here we have a few tips that will help you achieve a flawless finish on your first try:
Step 1:
Cleanse your face, tone it, moisturise it, use SPF if its day time and then top it off with a primer. Use a hydrating primer if your skin is dry, and a mattifying primer if it is oily. If you have red spots or dark circles, use colour correctors to your advantage. Use green against redness, yellow or peach to cover up dark circles and lavender to cover up yellow, sallow areas. Now, your skin is ready for your foundation application.
Step 2:
With liquid foundation, start with a pea-sized amount on your hand. You can always build up the intensity and keep adding more until you’re happy with the coverage. Some foundations set very quickly so don't dot your foundation directly on to your face. Instead, put some on a palette or the back of your hand and use a damp sponge to apply it to your face. Blend and build as you go. For a powder foundation, dip your brush directly into the product and then onto your face.
Step 3:
Apply the foundation and roughly blend with a brush to get the most natural finish. Then use a wet sponge to perfect the blending. Use a stippling brush or fluffy brush always as a beginner. The flat foundation brush gives high coverage, but it is difficult to avoid it looking cakey.
Step 4:
Allow your foundation to marinate for a few minutes before continuing with your makeup. A spritz of setting spray, or a layer of mattifying setting powder after applying your foundation will help lock it into place.
