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When buying foundation, you first of all pay attention to the shade. But other characteristics must also be taken into account. After all, foundation today is more than just a make-up tool.
Foundation: who needs it and why
Foundation is a category of products that give the skin a beautiful even tone. They are useful for those who want to improve complexion, and at the same time mask imperfections such as:
dark spots;
dark circles under gases;
vascular networks and asterisks;
redness;
rashes.
Modern tonal means have a lot of advantages over their predecessors:
a wide range of textures designed specifically for different skin types and needs: actual cream, fluid, emulsion, etc.;
different forms of release: in a tube, a bottle with a pipette, a cushion and even a spray.
a large selection of pigments: tint, reflective, light-scattering;
innovative formulas based on silicone oils and wax-like substances, thanks to which the products literally merge with the skin.
Now foundation is a complete skin care product.
And most importantly: a modern foundation may well compete with day or night as skin care.
The foundation becomes a universal product, with which you can not only even out the tone and relief of the skin, but also provide it with the necessary care.
So, the main properties of the modern tone:
evens out skin tone, refreshes complexion;
smoothes fine lines;
hides imperfections;
gives shine;
with proper selection and application, it provides a tanning effect;
protects the skin from negative environmental factors, and in the presence of SPF – from photoaging;
thanks to the caring components in the composition, it supports the action of the day cream.
Steps for choosing foundation
Yes, many girls can easily buy foundation in an online store without trying it on. But if you are not an advanced beauty user, it is better not to take risks and be guided by such a choice algorithm.
Determine your skin type
For those who do not yet know what type of skin is, we have prepared a special test.
Dry: light texture with moisturizing ingredients.
Oily: a product with a mattifying effect.
Problematic: Mandatory labeling “non-comedogenic”.
Combined: it is desirable to add powder to the foundation and apply it to the T-zone.
Find out which shade suits you
Usually, only one toner is needed – and then choose a shade based on the natural skin tone (more on that below). If you are going to do contouring, that is, to emphasize the cheekbones, then a tonal tool 2-3 tones darker is useful.
Assess the degree of durability you need
The most persistent textures are produced for oily skin: they allow makeup not to “float” a couple of hours after applying cosmetics. As a rule, these are quite dense creams and cream powders. Dry, thin and especially aging skin do not need them, because they can emphasize all the wrinkles and unevenness of the relief.
Decide on the effect
Foundation creams, in addition to masking imperfections and evening out complexion, can provide several effects.
Mattifying due to the content of sebum-regulating components.
Radiant: This action is achieved thanks to light-reflecting and light-diffusing pigments.
Moisturizing – hyaluronic acid and / or glycerin in the composition are responsible for this.
Anti-aging.
See also:
Foundation for aging skin
Foundation for combination skin: how to choose the best
The best foundation for problem skin
How to choose a shade for skin color
Ideally, the shade of foundation should match the natural skin tone. The latter depends on the ratio of the following colors:
white – the original color of human skin;
black – the color of melanin pigment;
yellow – the color of the carotene pigment (contained in the skin itself and subcutaneous fat);
red – the color of the hemoglobin protein (colors the blood red).
In addition, the complexion also depends on the state of health, season, place of residence, lifestyle and other factors.
The composition of the foundation may include moisturizers and nutrients.
How to choose a foundation?
The once popular theory of color types (you probably remember this division according to the types “Spring”, “Autumn”, “Summer”, “Winter”) has now lost its relevance. In the 21st century, dividing girls by color types means limiting their choice and forcing them to lose their individuality. Therefore, makeup artists are advised to focus on other parameters when choosing a foundation.
original skin tone
Light with a cold undertone: light beige.
Light with a warm undertone: peach.
Olive: beige, golden.
Very dark: terracotta, bronze.
How to choose a shade of foundation in different lighting
Lighting changes both the natural skin tone and the color of the applied foundation. Therefore, when choosing a tone, consider several factors.
Season
in winter shades one tone warmer than the natural color of the skin are appropriate – this will provide a visual rejuvenating effect. Also in winter, foundations with shining particles will come in handy, since you will spend most of the time indoors under artificial lighting.
Lettom the skin becomes darker due to tanning, which means that the shade can be a little darker. True, this rule does not work for girls of phototypes 1 and 2, who find it difficult to tan, and even if this succeeds, the skin tone will not be swarthy, but reddish.
Times of Day
During the day, a foundation with a matte finish will come in handy. For evening events – with shining particles that will “illuminate” the face and help to look advantageous in the photo. In make-up “to go out” it makes sense to use tonal means of two shades: natural and darker. They are useful for contouring and sculpting.
Apply foundation with a sponge or wide brush.
Consider your skin tone, lighting, and location when choosing your foundation shade.
Your location
Here we take into account two options: outdoors or indoors. With the street, everything is more or less clear (see paragraph about the time of year). There are several types of lighting indoors.
Office. Here, the lamps are usually bright – such light emphasizes warm shades. So choose a cream that matches the skin tone, without additional radiance.
Subdued lights in residential buildings, museums and theaters, as well as neon light, make the skin tone cold and dull. The situation will be corrected by a foundation that is a tone darker than the natural color of the skin, with reflective particles.
How to choose a foundation for the face
Foundation should become your “second skin”. So, the requirements for it must be appropriate.
Comfortable texture – the product should not tighten the skin, leave a greasy sheen, the feeling of a mask or film.
Even distribution is the key to the desired result.
Composition – it is important that it matches the type of skin.
The choice of foundation texture
When it comes to choosing the right texture, consider your skin type, condition, and needs. Dry skin needs a light texture with a moisturizing effect. Oily and problematic – more dense, but not oily, but water-based to avoid the appearance of comedones. For aging skin, the texture of a dense cream containing nourishing oils is suitable.
If we talk about the varieties of tonal means, they can be like this.
Cream – a classic of the genre, suitable for almost everyone.
Cream-powder – if the skin needs matting.
Serum – for skin prone to dryness or with signs of aging.
Fluid – very light and comfortable to apply, but it is unlikely to cover all imperfections.
Mousse – has a delicate texture.
Couchon – convenient to carry, has the option of moisturizing and sun protection.
VV-cream – a fairly dense foundation with caring properties, it is described in great detail in this article.
CC cream – combines caring ingredients and corrective pigments, how it differs from BB cream, read here.
How to choose foundation for different skin types
The number one rule when choosing foundation is to consider your skin type. We remind you what characteristics and components you need to pay attention to.
Dry skin
Delicate, slightly oily textures (fluid, emulsion) are suitable. Means should be with the effect of moisturizing. The composition is appropriate micro glitter, which will give additional shine.
Oily skin
Combination skin
Ideally, owners of a mixed skin type can combine two different foundations:
apply a tone with a matting effect on the T-zone;
on the U-zone – with moisturizing.
Foundation Review
In our review, we give examples of foundation creams with different textures and various optical effects.
Infaillible Long Lasting Foundation 24h Matte, L’Oréal Paris
Despite good coverage and super durability, it allows the skin to breathe due to the technology that provides the effect of a “second skin”. Shake vigorously before application.
Foundation Alliance Perfect “Perfect fusion”, L’Oréal Paris
In addition to a complex of 7 pigments, the formula contains essential oils for skin care, vitamins E and B6, which are responsible for anti-aging and antioxidant effects. The weightless texture conforms to the skin for comfort and durability.
where to find?
BB Cream, SPF 15, for normal skin, Garnier
Evens out tone, hides imperfections. Benefits include light texture, moisturizing properties, protection against free radicals thanks to grapefruit extract and prevention of photoaging due to UV filters. Designed for skin without any problems.
BB Cream anti-aging, Garnier
In addition to an even tone and masking of imperfections, it promises excellent hydration, increased skin elasticity and smoothing wrinkles – and all thanks to the formula with proxylan and apricot oil.
Corrective care with a tonal effect for skin prone to redness, Rosaliac CC Creme, SPF 30, La Roche-Posay
where to find?
Hides redness of any origin and soothes the skin due to the ambophenol component and special “smart” pigments. An additional feature is sun protection.