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How to choose the right foundation?

In the previous blog we discussed regarding Primers and how one can pick the right primer for their skin type. In this blog we will be clearing the haze around the second most important base of makeup that is Foundation. Irrespective of the skin is dry, oily, or acne-prone, finding the best foundation can be tough.

Composition of Foundations
A foundation comprises of moisturizers, colorants and fillers as their major ingredients. Generally, the primary base of foundations can be water, oil or wax. Talc is the most common filler in foundations which helps it to spread evenly on skin surface. Pigments mostly include titanium oxides and iron oxides. They are available in various shades of reddish, yellow and black and help recreate original skin tone and help it look natural.

Choosing the right foundation according to skin type
Depending on the skin type one can look out for certain beneficial ingredients that help keep up the skin health. There are foundations available that can help treat skin concerns along with forming a flawless base for makeup.

1. For oily skin
Kaolin clay or absorbent powders like; alumina, cornstarch, silica or talc are few such ingredients which are available in foundations and have oil absorbing properties. So, these prevent extra oil and shine on the skin surface.

2. For dry skin
People with dry skin can benefit from ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, glycerides or squalane as they help nourish skin and keep your skin hydrated. Check the labels properly and look out for these ingredients on the top of the list.

Choosing the right type of foundation according to skin concerns
Foundations can be majorly of three types:
1. Liquid foundations
These are matte finish foundations that can be opted on top of creamy compact foundations as matte provides good coverage without clogging pores.

2. Creamy stick foundations
Creamy foundations can trigger zits and acne as they can damage the skin though they provide good coverage and are easy to use.

3. Dry powder foundations
Lastly, powder foundations are really good for sensitive skin. The ones that contain silicone are the best as they provide good sheen and are not at all irritating on skin.

Mica and bismuth should be avoided in foundations in case of sensitive skin as they can cause irritation.

High Definition makeup
It is one of the popular makeup types that claims to get one camera ready by giving full coverage and working on skin imperfections. This is all because of the fact that they contain light scattering ingredients like silicone, mica, quartz or crystals. The light diffusing ability of HD makeup creates the illusion of even finish on the skin surface and makes it appear flawless. It is designed to moisturize the skin, fill increases and cracks helping in hydrating the dry skin and making fine lines and wrinkles less visible.

Quick tips to choose the right foundation

  • Always choose the correct formulation as per the skin type. Never get confused with the beauty lingo and check the formulation to bets suit your skin type. Opt for liquid and creamy foundations for dry skin which will help hydrate the skin as they have moisturizing properties. Whereas powder foundations work better for oily skin as they absorb excess oil and prevent the shine by leaving matt finish. Combination skin is something which is little difficult to handle. Just be careful and apply powder foundation slightly on dry patches and heavily on oily patches.

  • Look for ingredients that will be beneficial for your skin concerns as well. Like opt for salicylic acid if you have acne prone skin which will help fight the zits. Dry flaky skin will benefit from serum infused foundations which help keep skin moisturized for longer duration. Also, added SPF in foundation will be beneficial though you will still need to put on sunscreen.

  • Foundations can be semi coverage which can be used daily but will not hide all imperfections properly whereas full coverage foundations are really heavy on skin but can give complete coverage by hiding all imperfections.

Those who do not prefer applying heavy makeup including foundations on daily basis, can go for BB, CC or DD cream. However, these do not replace the foundations completely.

  • BB Cream
    These are the Beauty Balm Creams which are very light weight and can be used daily without hampering the skin. These are very lightly tinted moisturizers which usually contain SPF and antioxidants. They have a creamy texture and work well for normal to dry skin. A BB cream can be used instead of a moisturizer and foundation along with a sunscreen on a regular basis by working professionals.

  • CC Cream
    These are the Color Correcting creams. These can also be used daily by people who face skin imperfections like blemishes, redness, etc. These are suggested for people with acne prone skin and oily skin.

  • DD Cream
    DD stands for Dynamic Duo cream. These are a combination of BB and CC cream. They have moisturizing properties, anti acne properties and they have antioxidants as well which help prevent premature ageing. Hence, they help in correcting the imperfections and keep the skin hydrated and moisturized.

Foundations are the building blocks of a perfect makeup and hence, must to be chosen correctly by keeping in mind individual skin type. A skin expert can advice and help to choose correct makeup products for the skin a it can be difficult to read and understand the labels on our own.

Keep Healthy! Keep Glowing!