Back to Basics: Foundation

Foundation is by far the most important part of make up application and also the easiest to get so wrong. The most common mistake is choosing the wrong colour or too much product. Here is a quick guide to getting it right:


1. Moisturise! 
A lot of people tell me they often have problems with their foundation going patchy, when I dig a little deeper it is often discovered that they do not moisturise before applying foundation. I cannot stress how important moisturising is and how it helps to create a perfect base to apply the product to. Primer also helps with this by filling in fine lines and pores to crease a silky smooth surface, ready for your foundation.


2. Coverage.
The purpose of foundation is to even out the skin tone so if you have clear, even skin then a sheer coverage foundation will do the job nicely. If you have a lot of redness or acne then you may want to try a foundation with a bit more coverage so you should try a foundation with medium to full coverage. If you are of a more mature age then try tinted moisturiser or a good powder as foundation may show up lines and wrinkles. Try and not to confuse foundation with concealer  and do not over apply. If you find you still have some areas of redness or blemishes then cover with concealer and only to the areas that require it. 


3. Colour
Make sure that the foundation blends completely with your skin tone. It is best to test this out on your jaw or forehead. The foundation should just disappear, if you can see it then its the wrong shade. You may fine your neck is a different colour to your face so if your neck is lighter you might want to go for a slightly lighter shade and vice versa if darker. 
Darker skin will require two tones of foundation, use the lighter shade in the centre of your face and darker on the outside - but make sure you blend well.


4. Powder
Cream or liquid foundation needs to be set with a powder to ensure it lasts and it also helps control shine.  Apply with a large fluffy brush concentrating on the t-zone. 




Foundations I would recommend


MAC face & body - This is water based and can be built up very easier depending on the coverage needed


Face Atelier Ultra Foundation - Lovely foundation provides a bit more coverage and a little goes a very long way


Chanel Aqua Lumiere - Another water based foundation, helps to create a lovely dewy finish


Estee Lauder Double Wear Light - This still provides good coverage but is slighter than its Double Wear sister. Also photographs a lot better


Bourjois Healthy Mix - A brilliant budget foundation with light to medium coverage