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Welcome to my world: the world of fashion and make up. For as long as I could remember as soon as a new issue of Vogue, Allure, Instyle, Bazzar or Elle would be on the stands, I would buy every issue and just study the models’ faces, and wonder how they would do that specific smoky eye or the classic 1920s look. So ten years ago, I took up a make up course and realized that it wasn’t as difficult as it seemed.
So when I was asked to write monthly fashion and make up blogs giving tips on how to apply make up and what products to use, I couldn’t be more enthusiastic!
Today’s blog is about foundation and its misconceptions.
Having spoken to many friends and random chicks I’ve been meeting lately, I’ve realized that many of you don’t use foundation.
Now this is really interesting to me (and perhaps to many other makeup artists) because foundation is a fundamental step to applying make up. And when you find the right one that suits your skin type and tone, it should feel as though you’re not wearing any make up at all.
MYTHS:
1. Foundation feels too heavy on my skin
2. I think loose powder does the trick
3. I don’t have time to apply foundation or
4. Foundation makes me look older.
So think of your face like a canvas, one that is used for painting only that it has bits of red or brown spots scattered everywhere. That’s what our face is like, a canvas with spots, and when you apply make up on an uneven skin tone, you just won’t get the result that you truly deserve.
To put it simply, foundation helps smooth out your skin tone and provides you with a clean white canvas (for analogy’s sake) before you start applying eye shadow, blush or loose powder.
MYTHS REVEALED
Myth 1: Foundation feels too heavy on my skin
TRUTH: There are many different types of foundation available on the market that range from light to full coverage. If you are after a very natural look, I would recommend going for a light to medium coverage foundation with SPF. However if you find that still too heavy, why not opt for a tinted moisturiser - a moisturiser with a hint of colour and acts as a foundation.
I have been using Laura Mercier’s SPF 20 tinted moisturiser for two years and it does wonders!
Myth 2: Loose powder does the trick
TRUTH: Loose powder is typically used to set your foundation and to help take away any shine that you may have on your face.
Myth 3: I don’t have time to apply foundation
TRUTH: Applying foundation honestly takes less than three minutes. For liquid foundations and tinted moisturisers, I find it much easier to apply using your fingers or a wedged foundation sponge. Some opt to use a foundation brush and it takes practice to achieve a very natural look.
Myth 4: Foundation makes me look older
TRUTH: If your foundation ages you, then you’re definitely not choosing the right colour for your skin tone. A colour that’s too light makes you look like you're wearing a mask. One that is too dark may make you look older. If you are intentionally choosing to a shade darker than your skin tone, remember to apply foundation on your neck and and your upper chest area (if exposed) to avoid looking like you’re wearing the wrong shade.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT FOUNDATION?
Basically apply a bit of foundation on your jaw line and if it’s the same colour as your neck, then you’ve found yourself your foundation!
Stay tuned for my next blog: Different types of foundation
Comments
I did not try Iman because there are not shops in France or retailers. One of the problem with fondation is that if you do not try it on you cannot guess what color it will turn out on your skin!
Oh and just on the subject of good exfoliation etc.. I have to say I used to get the most horrific outbreaks but a friend switched me onto eve lom cleanser and its amazing! It gets your skin thoroughly clean and the muslin cloth lightly exfoliates with each wash without being too harsh. I found even when i wore very heavy makeup on a night out to cover my blemishes it left my skin spotless so would highly recommend!
Thanks for bringing up the clogging pores note. I am doing research about that and they say that mineral makeup are the best. However, if you still choose to use a liquid foundation, based on articles I've read, they recommend you to do facials and to exfoliate on a regular basis. I'll include details in my next blog.
When I need better coverage (for those special occasions), I use giorgio armani luminous silk foundation. It's a little on the dry side for me but I tend to get compliment for how amazing my skin is when I wear this.
As for the BE I've heard a lot, but never tried it. I had a terrible breakout last year that's why didn't want to try yet, cause read several reviews that BE is quite heavy. That's why I chose Jane Iredele. Before I also used Mary Kay mineral powder foundation. Very good coverage, but I don't think it's 100% mineral, cause it has talc.
A friend has suggested strawberrynet.com? has anyone used this website before?
Now, one day I found M.A.C and the make-up artist was herself mixed and fully understood my problem! I got that C40 and I am loyal to it!
I must admit that I haev seen the difference on pictures with or without fondation!!! I only use the powder one though!! During summer my skin do have a nice color so I kinda avoid using it.
When we say foundation, I think, most of us think about liquid foundation or cream. However, as Natalie wrote there are so many types of foundations now in the market, that one would surely find the perfect match. Each type has pros and cons and depends on the skin condition:
1) Oil-free and matte liquid foundations
2) Water-based and standard liquid foundations
3) Oil-based foundations
4) Pressed powder–based foundation
5) Cream-to-powder foundations
6) Liquid-to-powder foundations
7) Stick foundations
8) Sheer Foundations and Tinted Moisturizers
9) Foundations with shine
10) Self-adjusting foundations (by the way do they really work?)
11) Mineral foundation (pressed, loose, liquid)
Personally I opt for mineral foundation (Jane Iredele) in summer (unlike liquid/cream foundations it doesn't make my face sweat) and in winter I use BB cream, which gives a better coverage and also moisturizes, protects and nourishes skin. I have tried tinted moisturizes from Nuxe and Dermalogica, but was not satisfied with the coverage. I heard that Laura Mercier Oil free version, you mentioned has a better coverage than others. So I want to try it. BTW where do you buy Laura Mercier in Shanghai? Or do you buy online/abroad?