How to pick the right foundation....

if you're gonna ask me what i hate the most about buying makeup...that would be picking up the right foundation. it's either a hit or a miss...and most of the time, it'll be a miss. i would then end up mixing several shades just to get my exact shade or i'll just adjust the color using powders.


honestly, i am still on the look out for my perfect shade of foundation in the market. something that will really melt and blend on my skin right before my eyes... something that will make me look flawless without looking made up.


but i ain't giving up yet...

anyways, here are some tips i've found on About.Beauty on how to pick the right foundation for you:

1. Consider your skin type. Before you pick the right shade, you need to find out the right formulation for your skin. Are you oily? Dry? Combination?

2. Pick the right formula. If you're oily, look for words like 'oil-free' or 'oil-control' on the bottle. Got dry skin? Go for moisturizing foundations with 'hydrating' or 'moisture-rich' wording on the bottle. For combo skin, determine if you're more oily or dry and go from there. Cream-to-powder bases work great for combo skin.

3. Show up to the makeup counter with a clean, fresh face. It's OK to wear eye makeup or lipstick, even moisturizer on your face, but you don't want to show up already wearing foundation.

4. Select a few colors that seem close to your natural skin tone. Go for the yellow-based foundations, which look most natural on all skin tones. However, if you're very fair, try a pink, cooler shade.

5. Apply a couple dots of each color on areas of your jawline (the inner wrist or hand aren't the best spots, contrary to popular belief).

6. Take a good, long look -- near a window. Ask to borrow a hand mirror and stand near a doorway, or step outside, to see which foundation looks best in the natural light. The right shade is one that you can't see because it blends in so well. If you are purchasing from a drugstore, take a couple bottles to a doorway, hold them up to your neck and see which one matches the best.

7. Once you've bought the foundation, take it home and try it out. If you don't like it you can return it. (or in the philippines, you can have it exchanged...try to ask the saleslady about it and remember to keep your receipt)

Tips:

1. Try the color out on your jawline, not your wrist or hand

2. Remember to stand in a doorway or outside to see if the color matches

3. A foundation with sunscreen is a safe bet, but you will still need to wear sunscreen under your foundation. Also considering skipping foundation & opting for a tinted moisturizer instead.

4. Believe it or not, today foundation is totally optional. It's healthier for your skin NOT to wear foundation daily. If you have blemishes or pimples, try strategically placed concealer instead. Or just wear the foundation on the parts that need it most, likely around your nose & eyes & on your chin. Just make sure to blend properly.

5. Go for different looks for evening and day. A light foundation is perfect for work or weekend. While a sexy shimmer is great for evening.

When buying foundation, take your time...and don't let the SA pressure you into buying. What i do is i try it on and tell the SA that i'll just go back if i think i got my shade right. I know that sometimes you'd encounter snooty SAs who would even smirk on you when you tell them that...but who cares, right? at least you'd be sure you won't be wasting your money into something you can't use. besides, you are not obliged to buy anything for trying something no?

Sometimes, you'd really end up getting a wrong shade of foundation even though you thought you got it right. And worse, you won't be able to ask for an exchange (lost the receipt, etc)....don't fret. you can still use it. Try to mix it with other foundations you have and who knows, you might just have your exact shade, customized by who else, but YOU.

;)

tata!