It’s all about prep
It’s official, the old-style caked-on mask of make-up is dated and ageing.
With the focus now on fresher-feel foundations, it’s more important than ever to prep your skin to provide the best possible canvas. That’s where the latest generation of blur products and wrinkle fillers come in to play.
Used as a final stage in your morning skincare regime, they smooth so that foundation can be applied strategically as a finishing touch.
Revlon Age Defying Wrinkle Remedy Line Filler $28.5 – hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin, helping ease the appearance of fine lines.
Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer $31.95 – super-light and pink-toned to help neutralise discolouration, this is especially brilliant beneath the eyes.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur $29.99 – this has a velvety texture and leaves skin smooth and matte. Suited to oily, shiny skins.
Lighter and brighter
Fluid foundations are my pick over mineral powders and creams. It’s important to find the right one for you.
Anyone with fine lines and wrinkles should steer clear of a matte finish as a dewy effect is more flattering.
If skin is blemish-prone, then an oil-free formula won’t clog pores.
The golden rule is to go for a bare look with sheer coverage, then finish with concealer to hide spots and small areas of pigmentation.
L’Oréal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint $29.99 is so light, it’s more like a stain than a foundation. The finish is natural and very matte.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup $80 is sheer, leaves skin dewy and it lasts. This one’s a star.
Smashbox Liquid Halo HD Foundation $76 is oil-free, sheer and flattering. Smashbox does great foundations and this is no exception.
Revlon Age Defying Makeup $43.95 has been developed for skin that needs a bit more help. It’s infused with anti- ageing peptides and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Best for medium-to-full coverage.
Need to know
Find your colour match by testing on your face, not the back of your hand. Your ideal shade should seem to disappear into your skin.
When applying your foundation, dot a little in the centre of your face. Blend outwards across the cheeks and forehead with a sponge or brush in downward strokes. Build up the coverage where you need it.
To conceal a blemish, be sure to feather the product into the surrounding skin so that it merges with your foundation.
If your foundation doesn’t last, it may be because your skin is oily. Go for a semi-matte formula and be sure to give your moisturiser five minutes to absorb before applying.
If you get a blotchy result, your skin may be dehydrated so never skip using a moisturiser altogether.
The biggest foundation mistakes women tend to make are using too much and not blending enough, particularly around the jawline.
