Have you ever tried a new foundation, that left you feeling worse than where you started? Dry areas where the product is flaking off, or maybe it made your forehead look as slick as an ice rink. It all starts by creating a smooth canvas for your base.
Dry
During the winter months, the lack of humidity in the air causes our skin to get dehydrated. Or maybe you are a desert year round. Either way, we start with skincare. Skin is constantly regenerating, replacing old cells, with new ones. Products with strong ingredients, such as retinols or acne treatments actually speeds up this process called cell turnover. Be sure to use a gentle exfoliant twice weekly, following with a moisturizer suitable for you. Having trouble picking one out? Check out my previous blog post “What type of Skin do I have?“
When seeking the perfect foundation, look for words like natural or hydrating. Avoid matte products and too much powder, as it may give you cake face. When lighter coverage is desired, try a BB or CC cream that is basically skincare with a tint.
If desired you can sheer out the coverage, by using a damp beauty sponge for application. My favorite is Eco Tools Total Perfecting Sponge ($5, Walmart). Much better than the famous Beauty Blender ($20, Sephora) and a fraction of the price. If needed, you can use this same tool to press a light layer of powder to seal the deal. Invest in a dewy setting spray, to add an extra moisture boost and prolong wear time.
Primer
Budget: NYX Angel Veil ($16, Ulta)
Luxury: Becca First Light Priming Filter ($39, Sephora)
Foundation
CC Cream: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream ($ 40 ,Ulta)
Budget: Wet N Wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation ($5, Target)
Luxury: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation ($47, Sephora)
Finishing Sprays
Budget: Catrice Prime And Fine Dewy Setting Spray ($8, Ulta)
Luxury: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($48, Sephora)
Oily
Alright, oily girls it’s our time to shine (pun intended). Now one would assume that they need all the mattifying products but that is incorrect. Focus on one, maybe the foundation. Or if you do plan on using a mattifying primer, only apply in the areas of the face in which get most oily. My recommendation is a smoothing primer. These miracle workers have a smooth silicone texture, and will blur out the appearance of large pores while still mattifying. Lightly pressing this into the skin using your clean fingertips.
When picking the base itself, go with a non-comedogenic oil-free formula. Typically products that are longer lasting, are somewhat drying. Consider the same concept as liquid lipstick. Not that I would ever suggest doing so, but the claim of a 24hr wear is a good place to start. Most brands will advertise as matte. The right foundation brush will provide an airbrushed finish. Start out one cheek at a time, working in sections to achieve effortless blending.
To keep the oil at bay, dip a big fluffy face brush into a loose setting powder. This will keep the foundation in place. Consider carrying a deluxe size in your purse for when you need to touch up on the go. Last, and most certainly not least, the trusty setting spray. Reach for a mist that promises a long lasting power or a matte finish.
Primer
Budget: E.L.F. Poreless Putty Primer ($8, Walmart)
Luxury: Urban Decay Optical Illusion Primer ($36, Sephora)
Foundation
Budget: Pacifica Alight Clean Foundation ($16, Ulta)
Luxury: Fenty Pro Filter Soft Matte Foundation ($36, Sephora)
Setting Spray:
Budget: NYX Matt Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray ($9, Walmart)
Luxury: Urban Decay All Nighter Spray ($33 , Sephora)
“Foundation should unify tone, but it shouldn’t take away the individuality of the skin.”
Francois Nars
Lipstick and Life 