Having the right foundation undertone is key to the most natural look.
FIND YOUR SHADE
Using the correct shade of foundation is important to achieve a flawless finish. Choosing an incorrect shade can have the rest of your make-up looking a little off, and it can also have an ageing effect. Often, foundations have a pink or yellow base, and this should be matched to your skin’s undertone for the most natural finish. Visit one of the Life Pharmacy counters for a consultation to establish your undertone; you could be cool, neutral or warm toned. Having the right undertone is key to the most natural look.
MATCH RIGHT
Once you’ve got your undertone, it’s time to try various brands and formulas. But there are a few common mistakes to be mindful of.
- Colour-matching foundation to the inside of your arm is a no-no. The skin on the arm is so different to the face.
- Another common mistake is matching shades to your neck, which is generally a shade lighter than your face. This is because our head acts like an umbrella and shields the neck from the sun.
The best place to match your foundation is on your décolletage (the area near your collarbones).
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
Try on a few different shades before you buy, because some brands’ formula may take longer to settle on your skin than others. Have a beauty consultant help to select a couple of options and see how they wear over the next few hours. If you’re not 100% happy, try another one. Ask friends with similar skin types and tones what they use, as it may work for you as well.
CONSIDER COVERAGE
It all depends on what you’re comfortable wearing, your confidence with applying foundation, and what type of result you want.
BB Creams create the perfect ‘no-make-up’ look – they can be applied quickly, and give a lightweight look and feel. If you want a little more coverage (perhaps to reduce the appearance of blemishes or pigmentation) then high-colouring medium coverage is a good option. If you want a flawless finish then go for full coverage. You can also build up thin layers to create your own coverage.
Source: Living Well magazine, Issue 07, Autumn 2017.
