Makeup for Absolute Beginners | Foundations: Coverage, Finish + Shades and Undertones

[my work]

Foundation can do fabulous things to the skin. It can make your skin appear dewy, make your oily skin matte, cover blemishes, etc.  In addition to finding the right foundation for your skin type, coverage and finish are factors to consider also.

Coverage~ how much of your natural skin will show through.

Sheer coverage- gives luminosity to the skin.
Medium coverage-natural but can cover blemishes or redness.
Full coverage- will completely cover anything you would like to conceal.

Finish~ texture the foundation leaves on your skin.

Satin- dewy, luminous
Natural- perfect balance between satin and matte. Perfect for everyday.
Matte- oil controlled. No shine at all.

Shade and Undertones

This is where it can get real tricky. We've all picked up foundation that we thought were sure to be a perfect match on to find out it was all wrong. Choosing the correct shade and matching your undertones is imperative to the perfect foundation.

Undertones refer to the tones underneath your skin. Most people are yellow/golden, olive or pink/red. This is why some cosmetic companies use labels like warm/neutral/cool.  

Yellow/Golden = Warm
Olive = Neutral
Pink/Red = Cool

[Note: MAC's Neutral Cool (NC) vs Neutral Warm (NW) foundations work a little different.  For example, I have warm undertones but MAC's NC shades work best for my complexion because the cool from the NC shades neutralizes my warm undertones making the foundation appear more natural on me. Depending on your shade {see below} this theory may not work for you. I can only use this reverse theory with MAC. With other foundations like Loreal True Match, I have to stick to their warm shades. Get it?  Confusing.. I know.]

Some easy ways to determine your undertone is to (1) stand in natural light with a bare face and see which color(s) shine through your skin most or (2) look at the veins in your arm; if they appear green then your are more than likely warm, if they appear blue you are more than likely cool.

Shade refers to how light or dark your skin is. You should your match foundation on high plains of cheek to neck. A lot of us run into the issue where we may have two or three different shades on our face. You may have to use a lighter shade in the center of your face and a darker shade on the outer areas to avoid looking 'washed out'.

** I feel like this may be a little (a lot) confusing but I explained it the best I could. Remember 'if it aint broke don't fix it' and 'keep it simple'. I will try my best to answer any questions you may have.

Makeup for Absolute Beginners | Repost: Choosing The Right Foundation For Your Skin Type

I decided to repost this post because I felt it really explains what foundation is best for different skin types. I added some foundations options for each skin type to assist you find your holy grail foundation.

We all know what a headache finding the right foundation can be. Choosing the wrong foundations can lead to break outs, ashy skin, two-toned skin... just a plethora of problems. Half the battle of choosing the right foundation is choosing the foundation that right for your skin type. We all know that foundations must match your tone, the perfect amount of coverage is important but the foundation should also be work well with your skin type to ensure a flawless finish.

Oily Skin~ Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce a substance called Asebum, a naturally healthy skin lubricant. When the skin produces too much sebum, it becomes thick and heavy in texture. It is prone to blackheads. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine. The pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.

• Pressed Powder Foundation:  Pressed powder controls shine while leaving the skin with a matte finish.
• Oil-Free Liquid Foundation: An oil free liquid foundation is great for oily skin. It can also give you a dewy look while controlling oil.
• Mineral Makeup: Offers light-medium coverage while absorbing excess oil and hydrating the skin. 

Liquid Foundation by M·A·C
Powder Foundation by Bare Escentuals

Dry Skin~ Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied

• Cream Foundation: Cream foundation's are great for drier skin-types because they tend to be more moisturizing and lends a dewy finish to the skin. 
• Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizers offers a slight hint of color while hydrating the skin. This is perfect for achieving that "fresh faced, no-makeup" look. 

Cream Foundation by M·A·C
Face Care by Laura Mercier

Normal Skin~ If you don’t have a problem with oily skin or breakouts, and you don’t feel that your skin is dry and tight then lucky you... You have normal skin.

• Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizers offers a slight hint of color while hydrating the skin.
• Mineral Foundation: Offers light-medium coverage while absorbing excess oil and hydrating the skin.
• Liquid Foundation: Offers light-medium coverage in a variety of finishes while evening out skin tone and hydrating the skin.
• Cream Foundation: Ideal for those uneven skin tones or if you're looking for heavier coverage. 

Liquid Foundation at Nordstrom
Loose Powder by M·A·C

Combination Skin~ Combination skin is a term used to describe facial skin that shows symptoms of both dry skin and oily skin. Combination skin can be a challenge to care for effectively, as oil-decreasing products may be over-drying in certain places on the skin, while moisturizing products may cause excessive oiliness in other areas.

• Cream-Powder Foundation: Best suited for heavy coverage, cream to powder foundation controls shine in the T-zone and leaves your skin fresh and flawless.
• Liquid-Powder Foundation: This type of makeup is ideal for those looking for light-medium coverage. 

Liquid Foundation by Make Up For Ever
Face Makeup by Kevyn Aucoin

Sensitive/Acne-prone skin~ Acne prone skin is a condition that occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin. The oil that normally lubricates the skin gets trapped in blocked oil ducts and results in what we know as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on the surface of skin. Sometimes it also includes deeper skin lesions that are called cysts.

• If you have sensitive/acne prone skin, it's best to reach for foundations with moisturizing ingredients, oil-free, paraben and fragrance free, as well as allergy tested. 
• Visit a dermatologist to find a path for healthier skin.   

Face Makeup by Urban Decay

Choosing The Right Foundation For Your Skin Type

We all know what a headache finding the right foundation can be. Choosing the wrong foundations can lead to break outs, ashy skin, two-toned skin... just a plethora of problems. Half the battle of choosing the right foundation is choosing the foundation that right for your skin type. We all know that foundations must match your tone, the perfect amount of coverage is important but the foundation should also be work well with your skin type to ensure a flawless finish.

 

 My Work

Oily Skin~ Oily skin is caused by over-active glands, which produce a substance called Asebum, a naturally healthy skin lubricant. When the skin produces too much sebum, it becomes thick and heavy in texture. It is prone to blackheads. The oil oozes and gives the skin a greasy shine. The pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.

• Pressed Powder Foundation:  Pressed powder controls shine while leaving the skin with a matte finish.
• Oil-Free Liquid Foundation: An oil free liquid foundation is great for oily skin. It can also give you a dewy look while controlling oil.
• Mineral Makeup: Offers light-medium coverage while absorbing excess oil and hydrating the skin.

Dry Skin~ Dry skin has a low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied

• Cream Foundation: Cream foundation's are grerat for drier skin-types because they tend to be more moisturizing and lends a dewy finish to the skin. 
• Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizers offers a slight hint of color while hydrating the skin. This is perfect for achieving that "fresh faced, no-makeup" look. 

Normal Skin~ If you don’t have a problem with oily skin or breakouts, and you don’t feel that your skin is dry and tight then lucky you... You have normal skin.

• Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizers offers a slight hint of color while hydrating the skin.
• Mineral Foundation: Offers light-medium coverage while absorbing excess oil and hydrating the skin.
• Liquid Foundation: Offers light-medium coverage in a variety of finishes while evening out skin tone and hydrating the skin.
• Cream Foundation: Ideal for those uneven skin tones or if you're looking for heavier coverage. 

Combination Skin~ Combination skin is a term used to describe facial skin that shows symptoms of both dry skin and oily skin. Combination skin can be a challenge to care for effectively, as oil-decreasing products may be over-drying in certain places on the skin, while moisturizing products may cause excessive oiliness in other areas.

• Cream-Powder Foundation: Best suited for heavy coverage, cream to powder foundation controls shine in the T-zone and leaves your skin fresh and flawless.
• Liquid-Powder Foundation: This type of makeup is ideal for those looking for light-medium coverage.

Sensitive/Acne-prone skin~ Acne prone skin is a condition that occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin. The oil that normally lubricates the skin gets trapped in blocked oil ducts and results in what we know as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on the surface of skin. Sometimes it also includes deeper skin lesions that are called cysts.

• If you have sensitive/acne prone skin, it's best to reach for foundations with moisturizing ingredients, oil-free, paraben and fragrance free, as well as allergy tested. 
• Visit a dermatologist to find a path for healthier skin.