How to Pick Your Perfect Foundation

Hi Bellas,

One of the most common questions I get asked by clients, is "What foundation do you recommend?" Choosing the right foundation can be as complex as finding the perfect pair of jeans. It requires a good understanding of your skin's needs, your lifestyle, and an honest evaluation of how you want to present yourself to the world. As a professional makeup artist and educator, I've guided countless individuals through this process and today, I'm here to guide you too.

*Picture of me applying foundation to a model with warm undertone but a lot of surface redness to her skin.

1) Understand Your Skin Type Firstly, it's crucial to identify your skin type. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, different foundations cater to different skin types. For example, if you have oily skin, you might want to opt for oil-free, mattifying foundations. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, a hydrating or dewy foundation could be your best friend. One of my favorite brands for clients is NARS - they have different formulas for different skin types such as their Light Reflecting Foundation for dry skin and Radiant Long Wear Foundation for Oily Skin.

2) Know Your Undertone Next, determine your skin’s undertone. Are you cool, warm, or neutral? This will significantly influence the shade of foundation that will best match your skin. I recommend looking at your face as well as your body. Do you have a natural tan to your shoulders with a yellow tone - you may be warm. If you tend to burn easily, and have a pink tone to the body you may be cool. Look for Neutral, Cool or Warm labels on most Foundation but be aware that some brands have a more complicated undertone system - for example MAC has NC for Neutral Cool or Warm undertones and NW for Neutral Warm or Cool Undertones.

Decide on Coverage Level The level of coverage you desire is another key factor. Do you prefer a natural look with light coverage, or do you seek full coverage to cover up discoloration? There's no right or wrong answer here; it's all about personal preference and the look you're aiming for. Don't forget different foundation brushes can also affect the level of coverage - I prefer rounded synthetic styles like this IT Cosmetics Foundation brush because it blends like a dream.

Consider Your Lifestyle Lastly, consider your lifestyle. If you don't have a lot of time in the morning, a tinted moisturizer might be for you. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, a foundation with SPF would be beneficial. Remember, your foundation should work with you, not against you. You'll want to pick a foundation that you feel comfortable applying that suits your lifestyle.

Let's Find Your Perfect Match Together Selecting the right foundation can be overwhelming, but remember, you don't have to do it alone. I offer personal makeup shopper sessions where we can find your perfect shade together. Plus, I provide makeup lessons to show you how to apply it like a pro. You deserve to feel confident and beautiful in your skin, and the right foundation can help you achieve just that. So why wait? Book a session with me today, and let's embark on this journey to find your perfect foundation together.

Contact me at www.renelynthomas.com to book your session. I'm a Makeup Artist and educator based in Atlanta,GA and Private Makeup Lessons are my most popular service. I also offer online Zoom makeup lessons and online shopping! Let’s uncover the power of makeup together!

FTC Disclosure: Post contains Amazon Affiliate links to which I receive commission.