Rate & Reveal: Foundation Basics

Studio 5 Beauty & Style Contributor Holly Stone reveals her favorite picks for a flawless face.

“Base face.”

“I feel like I’m wearing a mask.”

“I can never get a good match.”

“My skin is too dry/oily/sensitive to wear anything.”

All common complaints regarding the common complexion product known as FOUNDATION. Yet this product is the bridge between a healthy skin care regime and a flawless make up application.

There are 3 things to consider when purchasing a foundation:

1) Your skin type

2) Desired amount of coverage

3) Color

1. SKIN TYPE

Knowing your skin type will help you determine the best texture of foundation for you. If you have Dry skin, opt for a liquid or cream foundation. If you have Oily skin, opt for an oil-free or powder foundation. If you have Combination skin (dry in some areas, oily in others) identify the greater problem in the combo and treat it as noted above.

2. DESIRED COVERAGE

Now that you know your skin type and which products will best suit your skin texture, here are your formula options for foundations:

Full Coverage

Stick

Cream

Liquid

Foundation powder

Moderate coverage

Liquid

Cream to powder

Mineral Powder

Sheer Coverage

Tinted Moisturizer

Translucent Powder
Spray Foundation

3. COLOR

We all have an undertone in our skin based on our ethnicity. There are 3 undertones to all skin tones: red, brown and yellow. Yellow-toned foundations create the most natural “flesh” color balance. Even if you have red/pink in your skin, opt for a yellow-tone foundation. Adding pink tone to pink skin will only give you? Pink!

Once you have found a yellow foundation, match your skin tone exactly. To test a foundation color, stripe a line of 3 different colors on your jaw line down towards neck. Blend in slightly. Pick the shade that seems to disappear. If you cannot find an exact match with one color:
1) Try a different line or formula or
2) Mix 2 shades together to get the result you want

Bonus Tip:

If your face is considerably lighter than your décolleté, consider using a bronzer to create evenness between the two.

For Dry Skin	For Oily Skin	For Combination Skin
Liquid Full to moderate Coverage
Stick Full Coverage	Foundation powder Full Coverage	Foundation powder Full Coverage
Cream Full Coverage	Liquid-oil free Full Coverage	Liquid Full to Moderate Coverage
Cream to Powder Moderate coverage	Cream to powder Moderate coverage	Cream to powder Moderate coverage
Tinted Moisturizer Sheer Coverage	Mineral Powder Moderate coverage	Mineral Powder    Moderate coverage
Translucent Powder Sheer Coverage	Translucent Powder Sheer Coverage	Translucent Powder Sheer Coverage
Spray Sheer Coverage		Spray Sheer Coverage

Rate and Reveal: Holly’s Product Picks

Best Stick L’Oreal Ideal Balance
Quick Stick, Walgreens, $11.29

Best Cream MAC Select Moisture Blend SPF 15, Nordstrom, $29.00

Best Liquid Laura Mercier Liquid Foundation, Nordstrom, $42

Best Cream to Powder Neutrogena Healthy Skin Crème to Powder Make Up, Wal-Mart, $12.99

Best Mineral Powder Youngevity Mineral Foundation Starting at $21.00

Best Tinted Moisturizer Olay Definity Color Recapture Anti-Aging Moisturizer+Sheer Illuminating Coverage, Target, $30.00

Best Translucent Powder Body Shop Loose Face Powder, The Body Shop, $16.00

Best Spray Foundation **I don’t ever recommend these as they are more gimmicky, expensive and difficult to use. I prefer a tinted moisturizer instead. Similar formula/same coverage.

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Holly Stone