Beauty News

How to find the right foundation for your skin type

Here's how to match your foundation to your skin's needs
How to find the right foundation for your skin type

When it comes to makeup, foundation is the base you build everything else on – so it’s important to get it right!

We all know how crucial it is to get the correct shade for your skin tone, but what about the formula? Does the product match up with your skin type and what it needs?

To take the guesswork out of finding the right foundation, we chatted to Maybelline New York Makeup Artist Julia O’Neil.

Q: How important is it to find the right foundation for your skin type, and what are your tips on choosing the right product?

It’s really important to find the right foundation for your skin type, otherwise the foundation can look obvious like it is sitting on top of the skin rather than blending into it.

If you have oily skin and go for a dewy, moisturising foundation it will only worsen the problem.  Likewise, if you have dry skin and chose an oil-free, matte foundation it can hold on to dry patches of skin and look heavy and cakey.

The first step to finding your perfect foundation is to consider your skin type – is it normal or oily or dry or a combination? If your skin produces a lot of oil and you get an oily t-zone you have oily skin. If your skin feels tight, dry and sometimes rough or flakey, you have dry skin.

If you are oily in some places such as the t-zone but dry in others you have a combination skin type. If your skin feels comfortable, not dry and you don’t get oily patches through the day then congratulations – you are lucky enough to have normal skin.

The next step is to look for foundations suited to your skin type. If you’ve got dry skin, go for a foundation that is moisturizing with a dewy luminous finish to the skin to really combat the appearance of dryness.

Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation (RRP$22.99) is a good one to try. Those with oily or combination skin should look for a foundation that is mattifying and oil free to get the shine under control; Maybelline New York SuperStay 24Hr Foundation (RRP$33.99) is a great option. If you have normal skin you are lucky because you can wear a lot of foundations except those designed for extremely dry or extremely oily skin.

Simply consider what finish you would like for your skin – dewy, velvet or matte – and choose a foundation to suit.

Maybelline New York Makeup Artist Julia O’Neil

Q: What are your tips for getting the right coverage without going too heavy on foundation and other makeup?

Always choose a foundation suited to your skin type. Next, look for foundations that have the minimum amount of coverage you think you need, as you can always build it up.

Try a light to medium coverage foundation such as a BB cream or a liquid foundation such as Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation (RRP$22.99).  Before applying, really analyse your skin to see where you need the foundation the most.

Many women don’t need foundation on their foreheads, but problem areas tend to be around the nose, cheeks and chin where redness can occur. Apply a small amount of foundation on these areas and work outwards, blending and buffing well in to the skin.

Start off light and remember you can always build up another layer if you feel you need more.

A good concealer can be the best friend for those who have good skin apart for the odd blemish.  Take your concealer and apply only where necessary to ensure a light, natural looking makeup.

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