Stop and stare! At how flawless your foundation can make your skin look—if you know what to do. Match your product to your skin type:
Find your undertone
Look at your veins on the underside of your wrists. Are they mostly a purple or blue color? Or are they a greenish yellow? If you said mostly blue or purple, you have cool undertones; if they’re more a greenish yellow, you have warm undertones; and if your veins look like a mix of all of the colors, your undertones are neutral.
Determine Your Skin Type
Dry
Do you suffer from flaky dry skin? Choose a liquid or stick foundation. Both types have a creamy consistency to deliver moisture to the skin and offer more coverage than regular pressed powders. Look for emollients such as glycerin, lanolin, or ceramides. If you want a lighter coverage try a tinted moisturizer. Learn more about how to treat dry skin, here.
Oily
Use oil-free liquid or powder foundation if you have oily skin. Wet/dry mattifying powders tend to last better than liquid foundation. You can always seal in the oil-free liquid with a powder which will help absorb oil. If you’re prone to breakouts, use a foundation that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help dry up the oil-producing glands that can cause acne.
Combination
Chances are you have combination skin if your skin is neither dry nor oily. You can go both ways with combination skin; try a liquid or a powder. Simply, apply powder to your t-zone to absorb oil and liquid everywhere else. Powder foundation allows you to distribute more of the oil-absorbing makeup where you need it and less where you don’t, without leaving visible lines
Try Before You Buy
Before you invest in the foundation of your dreams, ask a professional for some facial advice. Department stores that sell makeup usually have consultants that will help you make a selection. Stores like Sephora, where the beauty professionals are not commission based, are a good option if you’re worried about being pressured to purchase. Test out the foundation on the back of your hand or apply with a sponge along your jawline or collar bone.
Have more tips and tricks? Share them with us! And check out the Salon Success Academy Esthetician programs for hands-on training on the latest in professional skincare, makeup techniques, and more! Call 877-987-HAIR (4247) today to find out more.
