How to Find the Right Foundation for Your Skin

Today I’ll show you how to find the right foundation with some simple tips.

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With hundreds of foundations on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right foundation for your skin. What’s a girl to do? Don’t worry! I’m here to the rescue. Today I’m sharing how to find your best foundation and the best foundation shade for your skin!

How To Find the Right Foundation:

#1 Determine Your Skin Type

First things first, you need to determine your skin type. There are several skin types including oily, dry and combination. You may have oily skin if you’re prone to oil buildup on your face. Are you the girl who is constantly patting her shiny face down with translucent powder? You most likely have oily skin. If your skin is constantly flaking, rough and craving moisturizer you may have dry skin. If your skin is dry in some areas and oily in others you have combination skin. Finally, if your skin isn’t too dry or oily you may have won the jackpot and have a normal skin type. Once you determine your skin type, be on the lookout for a foundation that targets your skin type. Remember, your skin type can change as you age!

#2 Factor In Your Skin Concerns

When searching for your perfect foundation, it is essential to factor in your skin concerns. Skin concerns can include sensitive skin, acne prone and anti-aging. If your skin is easily irritable and/or covered with redness you may have sensitive skin. If you are constantly bombarded with unwanted blemishes your skin is acne prone. Finally, if you are in your mid-20s or above you might be looking for anti-aging benefits.

#3 Decide Your Coverage Preference

Coverage (i.e. opacity of foundation) is an important factor when selecting a foundation. If you are blessed with an even skin tone you’ll most likely want light coverage. If you have great skin, but want a bit more coverage you’ll want a medium coverage foundation. If you have uneven skin tone you’ll want a full coverage foundation.

#4 Select a Foundation Formula

There are so many foundation formulas on the market right now! Tinted moisturizer is typically the lightest coverage, offering a hint of color. Powder foundation is another option for light coverage and can be applied in several coats. Serum foundation has a velvety, creamy finish and typically offers medium to full coverage. Liquid foundation comes in a variety of coverages. Finally airbrush foundation is applied in layers, offering personalized coverage.

#5 Determine Your Budget

With hundreds of foundations on the market, there is a price point for everyone. You don’t have to splurge on foundation to score a great foundation. I use and love drugstore and high-end foundations. Be realistic about your budget and set a price point that you feel comfortable with.

How To Find Your Best Shade of Foundation

#1 Determine your skin’s undertone

Every gal has a skin undertone: cool or warm. Someone with warm undertones have yellow, peach and gold undertones in their skin. Cool undertones include pink, red and blue undertones. If you’re having trouble deciphering your undertone there are a few ways to figure out your undertone. First, your natural hair and eye color are clues. Those with cool undertones often have blue, gray or green eyes and blond, brown or black hair with blue, silver and violet undertones. On the other hand, those with warm undertones most often have brown or hazel eyes with blonde, red, brown or black hair with gold, red and yellow undertones. Another clue: how your skin reacts to the sun. When you’re in the sun – does it turn golden brown or pink? If you’re warm toned it will become golden brown. If you’re cool toned it will turn pink (and most likely hurt … a lot).

#2 Apply the foundation on your neck and face

If you’re in a store that allows you to try the product in-store, grab 3-4 shades you think would be a good fit. Then, apply a dab of foundation to your bare skin (no pre-existing foundation allowed!). The correct shade should blend completely into your skin tone. If you’re like me and don’t tan your face, you’ll want to match the foundation to your neck. Make sure you’re in proper lighting … aka near the closest window.

#3 When in doubt, buy a few different shades of foundation

If the store is poorly lit or you’re not able to try on the foundation beforehand, buy a few different shades and try them on at home. The best place to apply foundation is in natural lighting. Apply it next to a window, inside your car or in your backyard! Return the shades that don’t match your skin tone.

#4 Mix foundation shades

If you can’t find the perfect fit – mix foundations and create a custom shade! There have been multiple occasions where I haven’t found the perfect shade in a foundation I love – so I mix two shades! To mix foundation, simply apply a pea size amount of each shade on your (clean) hand and mix with a foundation brush.

#5 Alter your foundation shade as needed

Be mindful your skin will change shades from summer to winter. I would recommend re-visiting your foundation shade once a season. Or, whenever you take a trip someplace tropical!