Hi Ladies,
This month is all about complexion perfection and how we go about finding the right shade. Many brands out there have claims to be making the perfect shade of foundation for various skin tones however with all the options, one realizes that there are only a few that truly get it right.
When you are looking to purchase a new foundation, shop with these key things in mind:
- Clean face or clean area preferably your jaw line to swatch the shade
- Look at it in various lighting, even if that means walking outside the store to get a look in different lighting. Most retail stores have very yellow lighting which can cause a shade to look different inside the store.
- Hydrated skin! Foundation will look different if you are too dry or too oily so make sure even if you are testing a patch, your skin is at its best.
- Always swatch three shades in three stripes next to each other, this will allow you to really see the difference.
If you follow the above steps, you should be able to see the clear winner based on the one that disappears and looks closest to your natural tone. Some women like to look lighter or darker and if you fall within this bracket then remember to make sure you stay within your skin tone, so you don’t look unrealistic. Sephora has an amazing tool called Color IQ, this is wear they will patch test you in three areas with a device and it will give you a number and then based on that number they can pull up all the foundation in their store that matches your skin tone.
After you choose the right shade, make sure it is optimal for your skin type and finish. Most people think they are Oily and need full coverage foundation and in fact only a small percentage of people are truly oily. Being “Shiny in the center” typically comes from lack of a good skin care regime at home. When the skin lacks hydration it starts to pull everything in from the environment to hydrate itself and then it shows up on the skin as oil. Most clients I deal with don’t use a good moisturizer morning and night and immediately I know their skin is dry but appearing oily. Start with a good Cleanser, Moisturizer and do a mask weekly. This will allow your skin to be it’s best when introduced to make up on top.
How to know if you are Oily, Dry, or combination?
- Dry- If you wash your face in the mornings or get out of the shower and instantly you feel a tightness to your skin; you feel a rough texture on top or have dry patches, this means your skin is classically dry. Opt for a creamy cleanser such as Glam Glow thirsty mud, or Ole Henriksen Find your balance cleanser. For a moisturizer, seek out Josie Marin Argan Oil or La Mer the moisturizing gel cream.
- Oily- If within 15 minutes of washing your face you have visible oil on the skin, you have oily skin. This shows up as a shiny nose, forehead, and chin. You have to blot your face several times a day and even at the touch of your skin you will get a oil residue on your hands. This means you are definitely producing the good stuff to keep you looking young for years but you will also look greasy if you don’t balance it. Try products like Murad Clarifying cleanser or Kate Sommerville exfoliating cleanser. For moisturizer, try Belief Aqua Bomb or Murad Oil Control Mattifier.
- Combination skin- This is when you have an equal balance of oily and dry skin. I love the Amore Pacific Enzyme cleanser and First Aid Beauty Face cleanser. For a great moisturizer in this category, opt for Sunday Riley Luna oil or Laneige water bank moisturizer.
After you get your skin on track and find your shade, it is time to select your coverage.
- Sheer Coverage-The most transparent and contains the least amount of pigment. It will not hide discolorations on the skin; however, it can minimize the contrast between the discoloration and the rest of the skin tone. Try Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer or Nars Sheer Glow
- Medium Coverage-This level of opacity will cover freckles, discoloration, blemishes and red marks left by pimples. Try MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD, Fenty Beauty or Armani Luminous Silk
- Full Coverage-This is very opaque (not transparent) and is used to cover birthmarks, vitiligo, hyper-pigmentation and scars. Try Anastasia Beverly Hills Foundation Stick, Lancôme Teint Idole or Estee Lauder Double Wear
Hopefully with the above information you are armed and ready to go find your new shade lover. Remember, finding foundation is like finding a good bra. It needs to be perfect for you, tailored to your skin tone and needs. Make sure you look your best self and don’t be afraid to have various foundations for different occasions.
Love and Lipstick,
