Foundation for Beginners

Foundation for Beginners. Usually the hardest thing to get right, and personally, I'm always on the hunt for the next best thing. Don't be afraid of the color selection or the daunting task of actually applying the dang stuff. Hopefully I've covered everything in this post, but let me know if you have any questions!


 Two main things to consider: 

1. What kind of coverage you'd like (light, medium, full). If you have great skin but just want everything to be even, go for light. If you'd like a flawless finish and don't have great skin, more full coverage would be better for you. I usually like light or medium coverage, but is buildable for days where I don't feel like my skin looks so great. 

2. What kind of finish you'd like (matte, dewy, or somewhere in the middle). Dewy is usually more natural, but oily skin types should be weary because it can look too wet. Matte usually looks more flawless and traditionally more popular during the winter. 

(I have normal skin with dry patches in the winter and can get greasy in the summer. I don't like heavy or cakey coverage. No one wants to look like a dessert. That's just absurd.)

My favorite foundations

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

This light coverage mammer jammer is da bomb diggity. Especially for summer when you don't want to spend a lot of time doing your makeup. Perfect for skin tones that can get away without makeup, but needs a little pick-me-up. Comes in a small plastic container which is super travel friendly.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin 

This is a great product with medium coverage that gives a healthy glow to the skin. Really don't have any complaints about this foundation. Rare. At $15, I think this is reasonably priced foundation that could look good on most skin types. 

Honorable mentions:  
Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation - good for on the go, insanely perfect for summer, not the most hydrating through
Rimmel Lasting Finish - good foundation all around, too heavy for me though
Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation - I just started using it so it's not a favorite just yet, but it has a light texture on the skin, while covering blemishes. Lasts a pretty long time too!

Other foundations I've heard great things about but haven't tried: 
NARS Sheer Glow, Rimmel Match Perfection, Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, Chanel Pro Lumiere

Tips:

- For high-end foundations, always get color matched by a sales person. Seasons change and your skin tone changes, so even when I repurchase a foundation, I ask them to try it on my skin. Plz and thx. Also the sales people are trained to know all 'dat so ask them any questions you have. They should know what's best for your skin type from their brand.

- Drugstore makeup can be returned even if you've opened it and tried it. So if you're unsure about color choice (because they are sealed), buy a couple that you think would work and return the one that doesn't. Or if you like to live on the edge, get one. Or don't. Whatever.

- Another tip about color matching: Test it on your jaw line. This isn't just a gimmick. It's so that you can see that it matches your face and your neck area. If it's a big $$$ purchase or you're weary, ask for a sample from the makeup counter so you can see how it looks in sunlight, or if it changes over time.

- Applying liquid foundation with a brush will give you a more flawless finish aka more coverage. For a lighter coverage, use your fingers to apply. Easiest way to blend foundation down your neck too.



If there is anything you're curious about for your specific skin type, comment below or tweet me @SaybeeSays