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Foundation should be considered as a skin improver.
Foundation should match your skin tone. To choose a
colour apply little on your cheek or inside of your
wrist. Be careful to blend around nose and chin and
fade away under the chin. Heavy foundation is old fashioned
and ageing. Foundation should never appear like a mask.
The shade chosen should be as close to your natural
skin tone, so that there is no sudden change of colours
between Chin and neck.
Different types of foundation
Foundations are available in various forms liquids,
gels, creams, solid creams, in sticks  (pen
stick), cakes (pancakes). This can be chosen depending
on how much clarity or cover you prefer.
Emulsions : These are packaged in tubes and are formulated
for a variety of skin types- for dry skins, oily skins
and normal skins. This gives less sheen than cream or
liquid foundations, but cover blemishes very well.
Creams: These are packed in jars. As they contain a
high proportion of oils, they are particularly suitable
for dry skins. These also provide a heavy cover, but
gives a glossy finish.
Liquids: These are packaged in bottles and can be formulated
for all skin types. They give a light sheen cover but
are too light to cover any blemishes and scars.
Gels : These are packaged in squeeze tubes. They give
a light, natural look and are the variety you should
use if you have a blemish free normal skin.
Cakes or sticks : These are the solid forms of foundation.
Since they have a drying effect, use them on an oily
skin. They hide blemishes and scars. Solid forms are
popular for photographic and stage work but are too
heavy for every day use.
Powders : The original full coverage face-powders have
now given way to transparent powders; these transparent
powders control shine and provide oil - blotting. They
are used after foundations to give a matt finish. Cake
or compact powders are more heavily formulated; as they
contain a certain amount of foundation. These are not
the best choice for the initial powdering over foundation
because they may rub the foundation off and also cause
an unattractive colour build-up. They are best used
for touching up during the way, as they help to reinforce
coverage.
Choice of a foundation
Two aspects should be taken into account before choosing
a foundation - the form of the foundation and its colour.
Some forms are more suited to certain skin types than
others. Age and the basic condition of your skin also
influence the choice of the foundation.
Choice based on the skin type:
An oil based foundation is most suited for dry skin
as this gives additional moisture. An oil -free, water
based foundation (Cake or stick form) is most suited
for oily skin. Any form of foundation is suited for
the normal skin type especially, Emulsions and liquid
foundations which can be used for any skin type.
Choice based on age and condition of skin :
For young and fine skin, a thin foundation (light sheer
liquids) is most suited. For a skin with uneven colour
and tone, blemishes etc a heavy foundation (cream of
stick) is suitable, to cover the poor condition of the
skin. For older skin, 2 coats of light liquid foundation
is suitable- a heavier foundation may emphasize the
lines and skin creases.
Choice based on Colour :
A make up base or foundation must match the natural
skin tone of the person as much as possible. This colour
matching is best done in day - light and not in artificial
light. A fair skin can use Beige, brownish gold or ochre
and darker skin can use pinkish beige, peach or pinkish
ochre. If there are more than one colour tone in your
face, then match the foundation to the middle tone.
Mixing two colours -one which matches your skin and
the other which complements your natural colouring could
have very good effect.
Powder
A shade close to your skin colour should be used. Powder
is not really meant to add colour, but it helps to add
a smooth finish. Apply with a bushy brush or with cotton
and dust off excess powder.
Blusher or Rouge
After facial make up, the next thing that comes on
the face is the blusher. Blusher can be in powder form
as well as cream form. The colours should not be very
much darker than your skin tone. Smile widely with your
lips closed. Your cheek naturally raise; apply rouge
on the raised area and fade out gradually towards the
hairline. Never apply rouge too close to the nose and
too low on the cheeks.
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