It’s always hard knowing how to match foundation to your skin tone. Even if you go into a store and visit the beauty counter, trying different shades on can only help you so far.
Different foundations tend to look different depending on the lighting you’re under, and regardless of skin tone, most of our faces appear darker after spending time in the sun’s harsher rays during the summer than in the long winter months.
Here we look at how to choose a foundation shade online and find a product that complements your skin’s needs.
How do I know my skin tone for foundation?
There are three different underlying skin tones that you need to be aware of: cool, warm and neutral.
In daylight, it is possible to tell which you have by checking the colour of the veins in your wrist. Green/blue colour veins mean your skin is warm-toned, blue/purple colours mean your skin has cool tones, and if you can’t definitively say, your skin is likely neutral in tone.
What is the best foundation for oily skin?
With a variety of products to control oil and give you a shine-free finish. Acne-prone skin is usually oily and so it can be tempting to want to use a thicker foundation to hide spots and blemishes. This can often make oil production worse. Layering a light foundation can be an effective way to neutralise any redness and mattify any oily patches.
We recommend avoiding a liquid foundation if your skin is prone to being oily. Avon True Mattifying Cream-To-Powder Foundation Compact gives a buildable coverage that is ideal for oily skin, or if you are going to be in humid conditions.
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When preparing oily skin before applying foundation, it is just as important to use moisturiser as it is for someone with dry skin. However, you will likely have more success with just a thin layer of light moisturiser or even a BB cream like Nutra Effects Radiance BB Cream.
What is the best foundation for dry skin?
For dry skin types, skin preparation is key. If not, in natural lighting foundation will visibly cling to any drier patches of skin and appear cakey and uneven.
Regular use of face masks will help this, as well as a daily skin regime that includes the use of an intensive moisturising cream. An intensive night cream can also be a good choice for dry skin types. Leave this on while you sleep for well-hydrated skin in the morning that your make-up will simply glide onto.
The best way to minimise the appearance of your pores is to care for and prepare your skin properly before you apply any make-up. For a flawless finish, apply a primer before your foundation. This is great for all skin types but particularly those with naturally dry skin. Complete your look with a creamy, liquid foundation.
Start the night before you plan on wearing make-up and apply a face mask that will work to unclog and minimise the appearance of your pores. You may want to consider a chemical peel to make your skin exceptionally smooth.
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The next day, cleanse, tone and moisturise about an hour before you plan on wearing make-up. This will give the products time to settle into your skin properly. Applying a primer before your foundation will help fill any larger pores and fine lines. This gives you the best coverage and makes your pores appear as minimised as possible.
For a pore-free look, a light layer of Skin Perfecting Serum Foundation will complete your pore-free look.