Foundation is the base to any makeup wardrobe. It needs to be the perfect colour match (every season) while meeting the needs of your skin type. It needs an SPF, skin-loving antioxidants and for anyone over 30, complexion correcting pigments. Trudi Brewer reveals how to build a beauty wardrobe starting with foundation.
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How do you start when updating your foundation finish?
If you have been wearing the same makeup for over ten years, it's time for an update. Colour match is essential as too is thinking of your foundation as a barrier to the environment, so an SPF and antioxidant protection is also a must for shielding your skin from the sun and pollution. Next, seek out makeup that contains nourishing ingredients which will help prevent skin looking dry and exaggerating fine lines during the day.
What is the best way to find the perfect colour match?
Test the colour on clean skin, on the centre of the face, never your hand or your neck. This section of the face is where fine lines, open pores and redness are visible and will give you the most flattering and exact colour match. However, you don't need to cover your entire face with makeup. Buff where you have applied foundation and then use a clean fluffy powder brush to allow bare skin to peek through in areas that don't need as much coverage.
What are the three best application tips that ensure your skin looks luminous and radiant in any light?
1. Stand back from the mirror and apply foundation only where your skin needs cover. You don’t need to wear a full face of makeup everyday. Seeing your natural skin tone through makeup gives the appearance of a fresh-looking dewy skin.
2. Start the application of your foundation down the centre of the face first, and then fan outward, then finish by buffing skin with a large clean fluffy powder brush, this blends any streaks or uneven patches.
3. Finally if you have been heavy handed you don't need to remove the foundation, simple press a little facial oil into your hands, and then press the oil onto the high points of the face, on cheekbones, temple and along the bridge of the nose. This adds a fresh luminosity, which is super youthful.
Brightening
These foundations are ideal for anyone with dark spots, dullness or an uneven skin texture.
Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-Aging Foundation SPF30, $106. Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation SPF20, $70. Bobbi Brown Skin Glow Nourishing Foundation, $110. Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultra Radiance Makeup, $172.
Full coverage
While these foundation offer a full coverage, they can be applied with a damp sponge to achieve a sheer look for day. We like to use these as a concealer and foundation all-in-one.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick, $84. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, $69. Revlon ColorStay 2-In-1 Compact Makeup And Concealer, $46. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift & Firm Makeup SPF 15, $82.
Hydrating
Think of today's hydrating foundations as skin serums with benefits of a tint of colour. We like to apply these with fingers to get a seamless translucent finish.
Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation, $64. Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Encre De Peau Fusion Ink Foundation, $100. Lancome Absolue Fluid Foundation, $151. Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 25, $105.