Choosing the finest foundation is not a walk in the park. There’s a lot of things to take into consideration besides shade-matching. The ultimate goal is to find a foundation that looks like your skin. However, with so much variety in formula, consistency, finish, and color, selecting the ideal one can seem like a minefield.

For an easy choosing process, a quick overview has been put together to help you figure out how to pick the right makeup foundation.

Foundation Isn’t a Skincare

The first thing to bear in mind is that a foundation is not skincare. It’s only a base upon which you’ll build your entire makeup. Using the appropriate skincare can keep your skin healthy and glowing and also counteract oiliness or dryness, helping your skin stay well-balanced.

Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. The necessary steps are using a gentle cleanser, applying moisturizer, and using sunscreen. Prepping your skin first creates the perfect canvas for your makeup and also holds it a lot longer throughout the day, which prevents your foundation cracking.

Think of Foundation as A Veil

The other thing is to view foundation as a veil, not a mask. If you need to cover pimples, redness, or dark circles under the eyes, use a concealer instead. A foundation, on the other hand, evens out your skin tone, covers imperfections, and creates a flawless canvas base for your makeup.

If you have dark spots on your skin, building up with foundation will feel heavy on the face, and it will end up looking cakey. Instead, apply concealer, as it has more staying power and doesn’t appear and feel too heavy since you’re only using it on specific areas on your face.

Know Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type will help you narrow down the list. You do not want to go by what providers say on the bottle. Alternatively, opt for a foundation that is best suited for your skin.

For oily skin, use a powder foundation to help you absorb excess shine; it leaves you with a matte finish. Liquid, stick, or hydrating powder foundations work best on dry skin; they contain ingredients that bring moisture to your skin, offering you more coverage than pressed powders.

If your skin is the combination type, use a buildable foundation to customize your coverage on different areas of your face. A powder foundation is the best choice as you can apply it lightly over dry areas and heavier on oily areas.

Decide the Type of Coverage You Want

When it comes to coverage, everyone has different needs and tastes, depending on the desired result. Understanding the look of every coverage is crucial when picking the right one for your needs. A light coverage foundation is ideal if you want to even out your skin tone while still letting your natural complexion show through.

Medium coverage evens out your skin tone and balances skin regardless of you being oily or dry, but natural features remain visible. If you want a long-wear foundation that doesn’t require mid-day touches or have acne or discolorations, then go full coverage.

Find Your Shade

To pick the correct shade, you need to first know your undertone by checking your wrists. If they appear purplish and bluish, you have a cool undertone. Yellow, golden, or peach wrists are an indication of a warm undertone. If they appear blue or green, then you have a neutral undertone.

From this, you can now pick the perfect shade of foundation that complements your undertone. Cool undertones look incredible in pink-based colors, warm tones match best with yellow-peach based colors, and neutral tones work well with yellow hues.

You can also mix a few shades to create your preferred shade. Add a few drops of darker foundation into the lighter one and shake well. Gradually add more shades until you get the exact perfect color.

Choose a Foundation with SPF

Many people often question about foundations with unique ingredients like clay and SPF. Are they better than the rest? The answer is an emphatic “yes.” While an SPF or naturally-sourced ingredients won’t make your foundation feel thicker or heavier, they do provide extra benefits that you may or may not see.

A foundation with SPF adds an extra layer of protection against sun damage. A naturally-sourced ingredient like Amazonian clay helps balance your complexion for longer wear. Remember also to avoid foundations that irritate your skin.

Choose a Foundation That Suits Your Age

As you age, your skin complexion and texture change. Different types of foundations can take care of your skin, making you look your best. If you’re a teen or in your early twenties, breakouts and oily skin can be an issue. In this case, opt for a light mineral powder or a water-based foundation. For those in their thirties and forties, oil-based foundations are the best; they make your skin look youthful.

As skin ages, remember to select a foundation that hides your signs of aging and repairs your skin as well. A proper skincare routine is also vital in making your skin look youthful and healthy.

Choose Your Finish

A finish is the kind of sheen a foundation leaves on your skin. There are three types, including semi-matte, matte and luminous finishes. Most foundations are semi-matte and work on almost every skin type; if looking for the most natural kind of finish, then this is it.

Matte foundations absorb oil, leaving your skin with an even, powdery finish. They rarely contain mica or other reflective ingredients giving you a shine-free look. Matte foundations look more like real skin, which makes them ideal for oily and combination skin types.

Foundations bearing the words luminous, dewy, or glowing on the package contain light-reflecting pigments and shimmer giving your skin a radiant finish. They are the best choice for those who want to make dull skin look healthier and youthful.

From the above guidelines, it’s safe to say that you are now cognizant of the right foundation for your face, soo don’t make the mistake of hastily picking up the wrong foundation while shopping. Your face needs the perfect glow.

Resources: Oprah, Live About, Refinery29