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How to choose a foundation for your skin type and shade

Choosing a foundation is not only a matter of beauty, but also of skin health. The wrong product can highlight imperfections, cause discomfort and even worsen skin condition. To achieve a natural and harmonious makeup look, it is important to consider your skin type, undertone and needs. 

Determining your skin type before choosing foundation

The first step to choosing the right foundation is to determine your skin type. There are several types: oily, dry, combination and normal. Each of them requires a special approach.

Oily skin characterized by excessive shine, wide pores and a tendency to breakouts. It is important for her to choose foundations with a mattifying effect that control sebum production. Dry skin, on the contrary, needs moisturizing products with a light texture to avoid flaking and a feeling of tightness.

If you have combination skin, it is important to find a balance: mattifying effect for the T-zone and moisturizing for dry areas. Normal skin less demanding, but it is also better to choose light textures for it to maintain naturalness.

Textures and formulas of foundations for different skin types

The right foundation texture is key. Here are the main recommendations:

  • For oily skin: choose light mattifying products such as fluids, mousses or powder foundations. They control shine and don’t clog pores.
  • For dry skin: moisturizing cream textures with oils or hyaluronic acid.
  • For combination skin: universal formulas with a semi-matte finish that adapt to different areas of the face.
  • For normal skin: Light moisturizers such as BB or CC creams.

Don’t forget to check the ingredients. Products with silicones and alcohol may worsen skin condition if used on a regular basis.

How to correctly determine skin undertone

Skin undertone is a hidden shade that affects how your makeup looks. There are three main undertones: cold, warm and neutral.

You can determine your undertone using a simple test. Look at the veins on your wrist: if they blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If greenish – warm. If it’s difficult to determine, your undertone is rather neutral.

The choice of foundation shade should take into account the undertone so that the makeup looks natural. For a cool undertone, foundations with a pinkish or beige tint are suitable, for a warm one – with a golden or peach tint, and a neutral undertone allows you to use both cold and warm shades.

Testing foundation shade: tips and life hacks

It is important to choose the right foundation to avoid the effect of a mask on the face. Never test the product on your wrist – the skin there is a different color from your face. The best way is to apply foundation to your jawline or neck.

Test the product in natural light to determine exactly how it looks on the skin. Apply three close shades next to each other and choose the one that blends best with your skin.

If you are in doubt between two shades, give preference to the lighter one: it is easier to correct with powder or bronzer.

Care components in the composition: what to pay attention to

The composition of the foundation plays an important role, especially if the skin is prone to allergies or irritations. Look for products with skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, antioxidants. They not only improve the appearance of the skin, but also protect it from negative environmental factors.

For oily skin, components with a sebum-regulating effect, such as niacinamide or zinc, are useful. Products with oils (jojoba, argan) and ceramides are suitable for dry skin. Avoid products with harsh chemical additives that can cause irritation.

Choosing a foundation is an important step in creating makeup. Taking into account your skin type, product texture, undertone and skin care properties, you can choose a product that will not only highlight your beauty, but also take care of your skin. Remember: the main thing is naturalness and comfort.

Is it possible to use one foundation all year round?

It is advisable to have different foundations for different seasons. In summer it is better to use light and mattifying textures, and in winter – moisturizing and nourishing.

What to do if the foundation turns out to be darker?

You can mix it with a lighter foundation or use brightening drops, which are sold in professional cosmetics lines.