How to choose the right foundation for your skin

Skin preparation is one of the fundamental steps for a perfect makeup. The main item to make the skin even and hide imperfections is the foundation. Today, the market offers a huge variety of foundation types and colors.

There are liquid foundations, sticks, creams, sprays, mousses and even other products such as sunscreens and moisturizers that work as a foundation. The colors range from simple nomenclatures such as light, medium and dark, to acronyms involving letters and numbers. In order to choose the best foundation it is important to take note of some tips and tricks that experts use to get it right and prepare perfect skin.

To never make a mistake when choosing the right foundation, Rick Silva, makeup artist at Sonia Nesi Beauty Studio, advises you to always test the foundation at chin or cheek height, which makes it easier when deciding on the shade.

Luci Caldas, makeup artist and eyebrow design at Torriton Beauty & Hair Unidade Presidente Taunay, believes that there is no mystery to getting the right foundation right. “Firstly, it is important to choose a specific product for your skin type. The color is always the one that leaves your face in harmony with the décolleté/neck.”

Choosing the base color

There is some disagreement when it comes to choosing the ideal foundation color. For some specialists, as is the case of Rick Silva, the tone has to be in accordance with the color of the face, which is always lighter than the rest of the body. “Because if you sunbathe on your body and protect your face well, it will always be lighter. Then, when you apply the foundation, you will feel a lot of difference in leaving it the color of your body”, he explains.

Other specialists agree with Luci Caldas’ opinion, who believe that the ideal base color is the one that leaves the face with a tone close to the rest of the body. “The face is lighter than the rest of the body and it’s always good that the foundation balances the parts”, she justifies.

The tip not to go wrong when choosing the color of the foundation is always to test on the face, cheek, chin or jaw regions. “People are used to testing it on the hand or wrist, but the color is not the same as on the face”, explains Rick Silva.

The types of foundation and how to apply them

Foundation options abound, however, each texture offers a different result on each skin, so this should also be taken into account when choosing.

Liquid foundation: it’s easier to apply and has greater coverage. It is ideal for dry and wrinkled skin as it does not accumulate. A brush with synthetic bristles and your own fingers are great tools for applying it.

Mousse foundation: does not have as good coverage as liquid foundation, but leaves a natural finish. It can be used for both dry and oily skin, as most are oil free. Using a brush is the best way to apply it, and preferably those with synthetic bristles.

Powder foundation: for those with oily skin, the best foundation is powder, as its texture helps in absorbing oil. For those who like dull skin, this is also a good option. Very soft brushes with natural bristles and sponges help to apply the powder foundation and leave it looking more natural.

Creamy foundation: its main advantage is that it has high coverage. It is not suitable for those with oily skin and should also be avoided during the day. Brushes with synthetic bristles are good options for applying it.

15 foundation suggestions to buy

Foundations are part of the entire makeup line, from more expensive and luxurious brands, such as French brands Dior and Chanel, to Brazilian brands that offer foundations at more affordable prices. Below is a gallery with 15 bases of all types that can be purchased.

The ideal foundations for every skin type

To always get it right when choosing the foundation, it is important to know your skin type, this helps to determine the product that is most ideal and that will have greater fixation. Oily, dry or mixed skins, each requires a specific type of foundation.

• Oily skin: Luci Caldas recommends that women who have oily skin should prefer drier products, free of oils and moisturizers, bases known as oil free. Rick Silva says that these foundations were difficult to find in the past, but that they are currently available in most makeup lines.
• Combination skin: Combination skins can also use oil free foundations that adapt to any skin type, according to makeup artist Rick Silva. “But for combination skin you first have to waterproof it with a primer to nourish it”, is the tip given by him. Luci says that there are specific foundations for this skin type and that they adapt to each part of the face.
• Dry skin: For dry skin, foundations with hydration function are the most suitable, according to makeup artist Luci. “Because they avoid further drying and the cracked effect.” Rick Silva, on the other hand, believes that stick foundations are the most suitable for this skin type.

Before applying foundation, it is important that the skin is clean and hydrated. “The trick is to nourish the skin before applying the foundation, so that it will have a better grip and fill it better”, guides Rick Silva so that, regardless of the skin type, the foundation has greater durability. The use of primer, a product that helps to set makeup, is the tip that Luci Caldas gives for the foundation to adapt to any skin type.

4 tips for a perfect foundation

Wrong Color: Choosing a foundation that is darker or lighter than your skin tone happens all the time, but it is always possible to reverse the situation and make the tone suit your skin color. “When we make a mistake in the base color, it is possible to mix it up with the tones to get closer to the ideal color. When it’s too dark, we can mix it with a lighter shade and vice versa”, suggests makeup artist Luci Caldas, a tip reiterated by Rick Silva.

Expired base: Another problem is if the base is already expired. According to Luci Caldas, no product should be used after the expiration date. “Products with an extrapolated expiration date can cause skin irritation”, he guides. Rick Silva, on the other hand, ponders, saying that it can, it can, but it is important to observe the smell and, if you are allergic, avoid it.

Durability: For the foundation to last all day, Rick Silva recommends buying good quality oil free products. “It gives a good drying and can last from 8h to 10h on the skin. It is ideal for the woman who works all day and stays on the street all the time. It is necessary to use a primer before for the skin to accept it.”

Primer: Luci Caldas says that a clean skin with a good tonic helps in the durability of the foundation and, later, a primer must be applied, an essential element for the foundation to last all day on the skin. “The foundation must be applied with a specific brush, and you can use the sponge to give a smoother finish.”

how to apply foundation

The application of the base can be done in several ways, options of brushes and sponges are not lacking. However, for Luci Caldas the best way to apply the base is through brushes. “It covers the pores better and adheres better to the skin, in addition to spreading the product more evenly”, she believes.

Rick Silva indicates that, for the eye area, the application of foundation with the fingers is the best option and in the rest of the face with a brush. “The sponge is recommended only for those who have acne marks”, advises the makeup artist.

For him, there is no difference in applicability according to the type of base. As for Luci, there are foundations that are easier to apply. “Of all the types of foundations, liquid is certainly the easiest,” he says.

Learn from bloggers how to prepare your skin

After choosing the foundation, it is important to learn how to prepare perfect skin. Foundation is one of the important steps to make the skin more even and correct some imperfections. Some tutorials with bloggers teach tricks and ways to apply foundation and make your skin look natural and beautiful at the same time.

Juliana Goes Tutorial

The blogger teaches how to prepare the skin for everyday life, with national products. She applies the foundation with her hands, a great tip for those who don’t want to invest in brushes.

Lu Ferraes Tutorial

Lu Ferraes is a blogger and makeup artist and knows a lot of tips to always get it right when preparing the skin and applying the foundation. She makes skin feel light and natural using products that are easy to find. The foundation is applied with the brush and she explains in the video why she prefers this way of applying the product.

Camila Coelho Tutorial

Camila Coelho is a professional at making sophisticated makeup and, in this tutorial, she shows how to prepare her skin for a party or night event. For her, perfect skin is the best tip for an ideal makeup.

Helder Marucci Tutorial

Makeup artist Helder Marucci brings a specific tutorial for black skin. He applies the foundation with a sponge and teaches the best technique to set makeup and leave the skin beautiful and lit.