Foundation forms a base that affects the way the rest of your makeup looks. Choosing the right foundation is therefore key to getting the look you want. Here are some tips to help you.
If possible, it is best to try foundation before you buy it to get the right shade. When testing foundations at the drug store, you should go in with a clean face to get an accurate idea of how it will look. Apply foundation to your cheek or jawline and then stand in natural light and look in a mirror.
If you are shopping at a drug store where it is not possible to test foundations before you buy, take a few bottles to an area near a window and hold them near your neck to find ones that are the best match for you. Buy a few bottles and return the ones that are not the right shade for you.
Yellow-based foundations work well with most skin tones, but pink shades are better for very fair skin. You can also choose the right color simply by looking at the bottles and trying on foundations. If you are trying to match a particular shade, go by the colors on the bottles, not swatches on display.
Choose the right foundation for your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for an oil-free, oil-control, or mattifying formula. If your skin is dry, look for a hydrating or moisture-rich foundation. Cream-to-powder bases work well on combination skin. If you have aging skin, choose a foundation for that skin type.
Next, choose the coverage you want. If you have good skin but want to even out some red areas, use a light foundation. If you have uneven skin or blemishes, choose a medium or heavy foundation.
The right foundation should disappear into your skin. It should not settle into wrinkles or highlight large pores and should cover up any redness or unevenness in your skin tone.
Many foundations have an SPF of about 15. This is not enough to protect you from the sun. You should wear sunscreen with a higher SPF every day.