Makeup Artist Secrets: How to Find Your Perfect Foundation

Choosing a foundation is like finding the perfect pair of shoes: not just in size, but also in style, comfort, and season. The wrong shade can make your makeup look unnatural and highlight imperfections. That’s why we’ve collected the best tips from makeup artists to help you choose the perfect foundation and achieve flawless skin.

1. Know your skin type

Before you go shopping, it’s important to understand your skin type. This will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect product.

• Dry skin: Look for hydrating formulas with a creamy or liquid texture. Foundations with oils and hyaluronic acid are ideal.
• Oily skin: You need mattifying products that control shine and provide long-lasting results. Look for products with salicylic acid and oil-free.
• Combination skin: Use combination formulas or combine different products for different areas of the face.
• Normal skin: You are lucky, as most formulas suit you. The key is to find a comfortable texture and finish.

2. Skin undertone is your best friend

Knowing your skin undertone will help you choose a foundation that will look as natural as possible.

• Cool undertone: The veins on your wrist appear blue. Look for foundations with pinkish or reddish tones.
• Warm undertone: The veins appear green. Look for foundations with yellowish or golden tones.
• Neutral undertone: The veins appear both blue and green. You're lucky - both cool and warm shades will suit you.

3. Test properly

Test the foundation on your jawline or neck in natural light. The shade should blend into your skin and be almost invisible. This will help avoid the "mask" effect.

4. Consider the season

Your skin tone changes depending on the season. In summer, skin usually darkens, and in winter, it lightens. It is recommended to have two shades of foundation: one for winter and one for summer. You can also mix the two shades for the perfect color during transitional seasons.

5. Ingredients Matter

The ingredients in your foundation can have a significant impact on your skin. Look for products with beneficial ingredients:

• Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates the skin.
• Antioxidants: Protect against environmental influences.
• SPF: Protects against harmful UV rays.

6. Desired finish

The finish of the foundation determines how your skin will look:

• Matte Finish: Ideal for oily skin as it removes shine.
• Satin Finish: Gives skin a subtle glow, suitable for normal and combination skin.
• Glossy Finish: Gives skin a healthy glow, ideal for dry skin.

7. Test before you buy

Use samples or miniatures before purchasing a full-size product. This will help ensure that the foundation you choose actually suits your skin.

8. Additional tips from makeup artists

• Skin prep: Always apply moisturizer and primer before foundation for a more even application.
• Corrective shades: If you have problems with redness or pigmentation, use corrective bases (green for redness, peach for dark circles).
• Correct application: Use a brush, sponge or fingers depending on the desired coverage. A brush gives a denser coverage, a sponge - a natural one, fingers - light and fast.

Choosing a foundation is not just about finding a shade, it is a whole process that requires attention to detail. Knowing your skin type, undertone, desired finish and taking into account seasonal changes, you can find the perfect foundation that will make your skin flawless. Experiment, try new products and don’t be afraid to look for your ideal.