Select the best foundation makeup for you

I know you’ve made several trips to the cosmetics counter trying to figure out which foundation makeup to purchase, while some flawless consultant gives you a rushed explanation of each product and the complex chemicals they contain. Did she leave you feeling more confused? I bet she did. Been there, done that.

Well, I’m going to make this as simple and informative as possible. After reading this section, you will have the necessary information you need before purchasing foundation makeup from any line. It’s all based on skin type and the amount of coverage you desire. Once you have those two components figured out, you have to test a few foundation colors before settling on “the one”.

Here is some helpful information about which undertones work well for different ethnic groups, but remember every situation is unique, so it’s important to test your product. If a color looks good on you, then go with it! There’s no reason to be intimidated. Click here to discover the different types of foundation!

◈Latin, Indian and Asian: Your skin is more olive-toned, so makeup with yellow undertones work best for you. If your cheeks have a natural warmth (pink) that you would like to preserve, feel free to dust a little powder (with pink undertones of course) on top of your foundation. It works, I promise! If you have oily skin, consider makeup that is a shade lighter than your skin. The reason is because makeup tends to turn a shade darker once it mixes with the skin's natural oils.

◈Black: You tend to have oily skin, which can turn foundation makeup a shade darker once it mixes with your skin’s natural oils. As a precaution, try makeup that is a little lighter than your skin. I find that foundations with a yellow undertone are good if your complexion is significantly lighter, and ones with a red/orange undertones work well for darker-skinned complexions. If your skin is dry, then use makeup color that matches your exact skin tone.

Try not to get stuck using the same color or texture for your makeup all year round. Your skin changes with the season, and can be either dry or oily. It also gets slightly darker in the summer, then paler in the winter. Try to adjust your makeup to your skin.

During summer months, you might need to add some color to your neck and under your chin. It's the one area that seems to miss the sun - so your face and chest might end up one shade, and your throat area another. Usually, I suggest matching your face to your neck. In these cases, however, try to apply a blush or bronzer to your neck area.

My own personal foundation makeup revelation

So one day I decided to visit a cosmetics counter of a very well-known brand. Since I’m attracted to “pretty things” I got really excited about seeing the shiny pink packages and different color eyeshadows in the display case. The consultant offered to assist me, and in my mind I’m thinking, “Her makeup is so beautiful, surely she can give me the help I need.” Well, the consultant did the best she could with the available products, and I was happy. Plus, I got a free gift!

I received compliments about my makeup from many different people, so in my heart I truly believed that I made the right choice. For the next few years my look consisted of hot pink lips, red blush, and heavily-lined eyes - like Cleopatra! I was young, and like most girls, I had a difficult time learning how to apply makeup and finding products that looked good on me.

Nine years later I participated in a charity fashion show, and had my makeup applied by a makeup artist from another cosmetics line. She began to explain the difference between yellow-based foundations versus red/pink. I didn’t completely understand the difference until I looked in the mirror afterwards.

The makeup she used looked exactly like my natural skin tone!! I asked myself, “How did she do that??!!” During this visit with her, I realized that I spent the last 9 years of my life looking like an oversized Oompa-Loompa!! I had no idea because no one ever told me that my face was THAT RED!

The makeup artist gave me her business card, and told me to feel free to stop by anytime if I wanted to purchase the makeup. I was so happy to have that revelation, but boy did I feel disappointed about realizing that I would have to throw out the reddish-colored makeup I was currently using. Well, because I'm so frugal I didn't throw it out, so I used the remainder of what I had and finally made “the transition”.

Well, I’m happy to report that I’ve worn yellow-based foundation makeup for the past 5 years, and I continue to receive compliments that my makeup “matches my natural skin tone”. If you’re unsure about whether or not your foundation looks good on you, just ask a few family members or friends. I’ve seen too many women with yellow necks and pink faces, so believe me, it’s worth the effort!

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