Foundations...What's the Difference, When to use them and How to Use Them ?!?

With there being a plethra of different products out there, I actually feel bad for the average consumer. I mean walking into Sephora can be very confusing and intimidating at times. After all there are so many different types, brands, etc.

And who do you trust for non-biased advice? Well, I mean besides yours truly of course. Well here I am to the rescue, yet again, to help you choose the right product for your skin type and problematic areas.

I have decided to devote this week to the different types of makeup, how and when to use them,

And to help you learn how to apply it appropriately ... LIKE A PROFESSIONAL!!!

Let's start with foundations ...

The main point in using a foundation or base is to even out the tone and colour of the skin. Choosing what type of product to use is one of the biggest challenges someone can face.

Full Coverage Foundation

• Give the appearance of flawless skin.
• Can cover scars, discolorations and blemishes
• Best used on Dry Skin Types, due to how heavy the consistancy is.

***To get a flawless base on any skin type using a full coverage foundation, dilute foundation with a sheer fluid tinted moisturizer.

Sheer Coverage

• Lets the skin look natural and unmade.
• Evens out tone
• Allows beauty mark, freckles, and so on, to be visible.
• Gives the effect of a makeup-free face.

Oil Free/OilControl

• Great for those with Oily Skin Types.
• Can help with excessive shine, by creating a matte textured finish.
• Usually "oil free" means it contains no lanolin of mineral oil (these oils tend to clog pores and cause sensitivity)

Illumintating

• Leaves a glow and luminous finish on the skin.
• Some foundations contain pearl and glitter particles.
• Best for people with Dry Skin Types.

***Do not use if you expect to be photographed. It can make the skin look greasy, due to the reflective quality of this foundation.

Moisturizing

• Best for Dry to Normal Skin Types.
• Gives skin extra hydration.
• Works well on Mature Skin.

Cream to Powder

• Traditional texture and usually comes in a compact.
• Goes on creamy and dries to a powder finish.
• Medium finish application.
• Ideal for skin that needs more coverage than a liquid foundation, but not as much as full coverage.

*** Can emphasize wrinkes and fine lines, on Mature and Dry Skin Types.

Powder Based

• BEST USED ON OIL SKIN TYPES.
• No liquid moisture in it.
• Powder-based foundation gives a matte, non-reflective finish to skin.
• Can be used with a brush to set makeup.

***Not for Mature or Dry Skin Types, will emphasize wrinkles and fine lines when used without a thicker primer.

Mousse

• Whipped product that gives light coverage and a natural glow or matte finish.
• Feels light on the skin.

Tinted Moisturizer

• Combination of a moisturizer and some colour.
• Tinted Moisturizer is perfect for evening out the skin tone.
• Has light coverage but, can have buildable coverage depending on the brand. 
• Sinks easily into the skin.

*** Try using a tinted moisturizer if you complexion is dewy, and you are really looking for a light, sheer wash to even out any blotchiness.

How to Apply Foundation

1. Before applying the foundation, make sure the skin is cleansed and moisturized. Wait a few minutes for the moisturizer to settle into the skin before application. If the face is damp and sticky, it can cause the foundation to clog up and look uneven.
2. Dab a small amount of foundation on the face in little dots on the forehead, down the nose and on the chin and cheeks.
3. Always apply in downward strokes to minimize pores. Sweep over ears and under jaw and do not cover up natural freckles or rosy cheeks.
4. Blend the foundation with a brush, sponge or fingertips. Make sure it is blended completely to create a natural, flawless look. Always apply foundation quickly and lightly. Smooth, even strokes will prevent the colour from looking clogged.
5. Check application in natural light to make sure the foundation is properly blended. If you need more coverage, apply concealer in specific areas rather than adding more foundation.

Hope that this helps educate everyone a little more!

And NEVER FORGET my favorite quote...

"I have never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful"

After All, True Beauty Comes from Within!!!