Makeup

 Foundation

This makeup product helps to provide a flawless skin, it enhances skin colour, hides blemishes, disguises an ageing skin or provides protection from environmental damage, it also provides a smooth base for other cosmetics.

image cortesy of Arlen Roche USA   

Your choice of foundation will depend on;

• your skin type
• the amount of cover you need
• the colour of your skin
• how long you need it to last
• whether you want a natural, matte or satin finish.

There are many to choose from:

Tinted moisturiser

This is an ideal choice for anyone with a flawless skin who just needs to add moisture and a hint of colour. It is light in texture and easy to apply but may look streaky when applied if too dark a shade is chosen. Unlike foundations there are not so many colours to choose from, usually; light, medium or dark. It is an ideal option on an already tanned skin or if you are in a rush. It also enhances your usual foundation, it intensifies the colour if worn under a lighter foundation. 

Liquid foundation

This is popular with all skin types and age groups as it is easy to apply and is ideal for a younger oilier skin when it is water based liquid, or for normal to dry skins if it is oil based liquid. It provides a natural looking makeup. For medium coverage use a creamy liquid

Cream foundation

This type of foundation provides more cover than a liquid and is recommended for drier more mature skin types.

It comes in different forms, in a pot, as a stick or in a compact. It can be applied thinly for a more sheer appearance or more generously to cover imperfections.

Mousse foundation

This is a whipped feather light cream foundation that provides an even cover and blends easily on the skin. Ideal for mature skins because of the light texture, it does not settle in fine lines and wrinkles.

Cream to powder foundation

Popular with those who have an oily skin as it is easily applied in cream form but provides a matte finish.

Stick foundation

This is a cream or cream to powder foundation in a more solid stick form. It provides maximum coverage when applied liberally and a thin application evens out skin colour and blotches. It is quick and easy to use

Mineral foundation

Minerals are ideal for all skin types, they give a natural look whilst providing excellent cover if applied correctly. Although mineral makeup has been around for a few years it has only recently been adopted by many of the mainstream cosmetic houses. It has long been recognised as a healthy option for the skin as the ingredients are more natural than in other foundations and favoured by those who dislike using additives or chemicals that in their opinion are harmful to the body. Titanium and zinc oxide two common mineral ingredients have anti inflammatory and sun protection factors and are recommended for people with acne or rosacea by makeup experts.

Spray foundation

This is a fairly new concept on the retail market following the trend by makeup artists to use airbrush makeup. It is not universally available, it comes in an aerosol spray and may be applied directly on to the skin or onto a sponge or cotton wool first. The light mist provides a smooth even natural looking coverage in seconds. A heavier coverage can be achieved by spraying on layers of the product until the required look is achieved.

Tips

If a foundation has light diffusing ingredients it is ideal for a mature skin or fine lines because it provides luminosity or radiance and disguises fine lines 

The best foundation for an oily skin is a powder based oil free liquid as it provides cover with a matte finish counteracting the shiny look from excess oil.