Monday, March 7, 2011

error free coverage

Finding a foundation that you love can be hard and trial and error can be expensive.  Here are a few tips and recommendations to help you chose the right coverage, finish, and product.

To get the right foundation you need to not only pick the correct shade but the one with the same tones as your skin.  To figure out what your skin tone is turn over your wrist.  Are your veins blue, green, or a bit of both?  If the veins are blue you're likely to have cool undertones (more pink), if the veins are green you likely have warm (yellow) undertones, and if the color is a combination of the two you're probably neutral (a combination of pink and yellow.)  Once you've decided what skin tone you are, pick the correct tone and shade and apply the makeup in a thick streak from your face to your  jaw to your neck.  Let the makeup sit for about a minute and then see what color pops up within the streak.   If it turns yellow then you may need to go with a more cool color, if it turns pink then you'll likely need a warmer color.  If the tone and color look correct, blend to be sure it will work with your face and neck.

Now that you've figured out your color and tone you'll want to decide what kind of coverage you want as well as the type of finish you'd like.  Coverage options are sheer: evens complexion does not cover imperfections, medium: balances skin tone and texture but may not cover things such as broken capillaries, full: fully covers imperfections.  Finish options are matte, satin, and natural.  Back in the day everyone went for matte, that had absolutely no shine and looked very artificial.  Our generation tends to be more drawn to a natural dewy glow.  Seriously, just don't do matte (unless you're being photographed.)

I absolutely love tinted sunscreens.   Tinted sunscreens look natural and sheer, but can be built up for further coverage.  They're also great for anyone with acne as they're not thick so they don't build up on any bumps you may have.  My favorite?  Tarte Smooth Operator SPF 20.  Free of parabens and other yucky gunk, this stuff is as natural as you can get for coverage without smearing mud on your face.  My second, and more affordable choice is Cover Girl Aqua Smoothers SPF 15

For those with aging skin, a medium coverage foundation is the best possible way to go.  These foundations cover more of the imperfections that you want to hide but don't fill in cracks making wrinkles more obvious.  I love my Youngblood Liquid Mineral Foundation which is hydrating, full of ocean minerals, and paraben free.  To build coverage on top of a medium foundation, look for a mineral foundation that's got a light, fine texture.  I also use Youngblood for my mineral foundation and seriously, love this stuff.  It's good to go every day.  Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation.

Full, heavy coverage can be tricky.  If you have any bumps or wrinkles, a full coverage foundation can make them appear worse instead of more concealed.  If your skin isn't perfect, it's absolutely imperative that you use a primer with these heavier liquids.  Almost everyone can go with a clear primer as tinted tends to make your overall tone look a bit unnatural.  Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is puuuretty awesome.  The trick to applying the primer/foundation combination is to first put on a small bit of primer, especially under your eyes, and let it dry.  I know it's tempting to put the foundation on immediately afterwards but no, just walk away!  Once the primer is dry feel free to apply the foundation at will.  Dab with a sponge at any place where, despite the spackle, heavy color has fallen into cracks.   If you're looking for a heavy coverage foundation for a photo shoot, definitely look into Givenchy Photo'Perfexion Fluid Foundation .

So there you have it, your fake-amazing-skin coverage options!  Happy concealing!

2 Comments:

Kay said...

that was great information!! i never knew how to pick the right stuff for my tone of skin!! and i sold mary kay for a while... guess that explains why i failed at it ;-)

Jeanine Byers Hoag said...

Excellent advice on how to know if you have cool or warm undertones and on how to choose a foundation!

Jeanine
Your new blogging buddy

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