Mid-Week Beauty Master Class ~ Foundation

Welcome back to another post from the Mid-Week Beauty Master Class :) As you can tell from the title, this week's post deals with foundation. Foundation is usually the first step most people begin with when applying make-up so it is crucial that you choose the best one for your skin type (click here to determine yours) espcially if you do not use a primer (you can have a look at this post for more information on make-up primers if you wish).

There are tons of foundations out there so really want to make sure to get the perfect one according to your skin's tone and needs. Let's start with the different formulations of foundations available and which skin type they suit best.

Liquid Foundation is perhaps the most popular type, the reason being, it suits most skin types and comes in a vast array of formulas to cater for the needs of everyone. Examples include liquid foundations for mature skin with anti-ageing properties, for acne-prone skin that won’t clog the pores of the skin, even HD foundations for high definition filming and photography services. The best thing about these foundations is that you can control how much product you put on your face. However, this is also determined from the technique and tools you use to apply your foundation with. If you want just some light coverage, your best bet would be to wet your sponge/brush or apply it with a stippling brush; if on the other hand, you want a heavier application, layer your foundation or else apply it with a flat top brush. Liquid foundations are also great for mixing with your regular moisturizer to create your own tinted moisturizer for day when you just want a sheen of colour on your face. My current choice for liquid foundation is Revlon ColorStay.

Mineral Foundation is quickly gaining popularity amongst people with sensitive and oily skins (me included) mostly because since it is in powder form, it absorbs excess oils from the face and therefore prevent shiny t-zones and also because since they are mineral, they do not contain any parabens or preservatives, thus there is no or minimal risk of a reaction. Some of the minerals that these foundations contain help combat ageing and help firm the skin. If you have dry skin however, steer clear of powder formulas as they will only accentuate dry bits as well as fine lines/wrinkles. Such foundations usually offer a light- medium coverage but be careful when layering them as they tend to look obvious if too much is applied. This is the type of foundation I use on an everyday basis and I like Rimmel Lasting Finish Minerals Loose Powder Foundation.

Mousse Foundation is a relatively new foundation formula on the market and the texture is quite airy and light. It is suitable for most skin types but if you have oily skin, I'd advise you to first try out a sample of such foundations to check their staying power.

Cream Foundation is best for people with dry or mature skin because of its moisturizing properties. Most of these foundations deliver a medium to heavy coverage but you can always wet your brush/sponge if you want a lighter coverage. These foundations will usually last all throughout the day and give off a nice, dewy finish which makes them look natural despite their heavy texture! There are also cream-to-powder foundations, which have a creamy texture, but they dry to a more matte finish. Cream foundations are also suitable for use as concealers, because they're creamy and offer good coverage.

Powder Foundation is usually marketed as a pressed powder however, you may also find it in a loose form. Such foundations are your best bet of you have oily or combination skin. Sponges are not the best way to apply powder foundations because the sponge will pick up a lot of product and hence your foundation will end up looking cakey. So I suggest you go for a nice fluffy brush and always make sure to tap off the excess.

Stick Foundation offers the heaviest coverage and lasts for a very long time so it is the foundation of choice for many professional make-up artists. Since they are so heavy, I wouldn't recomend that you use them as an everyday foundation.

Airbrush Foundation is a very expenisve way to have your foundation done! It is done by a very little compressor machine and is best applied by a professional. It is mostly used for photography services as it delivers that nice airbrushed look.

Tips on choosing the best foundation for you

After you have decided which type of foundation suit your skin's needs best, you will want to match the colour to your skin tone. Here are the two tips you should always keep in mind:

- Always try foundation on your temples or your jaw line for colour matching, never on your hands as they may be slightly different in colour than your face.

- If possible try your foundation in natural light for optimal judgement.