Tips for a Flawless Face Part One

Thinking about why I started this blog and what I’m passionate about, I remembered it was all about color and how makeup fits into that. I started to write a post about makeup tips and as I began writing, I realized that one of the most important steps is finding a good foundation that will work for you. And this is usually one of the hardest parts too! So, this is the first post in a series of posts on creating your flawless face.

First things first. Think of your face as your canvas. You can’t really expect to get a flawless finish without prepping your skin first.

All makeup looks better on well cared for skin.

1. It’s important to wash your face twice a day with a cleanser customized for your skin type. Wash your face in the morning to prep it for your makeup and then again at night to remove your makeup and all of the impurities from the day before you go to bed.

2. Moisturizing is important for restoring balance to your skin so you need a moisturizer made for your skin type. Even if your skin is oily, it needs moisture. Use a moisturizer that is oil free and has ingredients for oil control if necessary. You’ll want to apply it and then let it absorb into your skin before applying anything else. You’ll also find that your makeup goes on much smoother with a clean, moisturized and dry face.

3. Remember, sun exposure is one of the leading causes of visible skin aging, so it’s important to use a moisturizer or a foundation with sunscreen to protect your skin too.

After cleansing and moisturizing, you’ll want to use a foundation formulated for your skin type that blends into your skin flawlessly.

Because no one wants to walk around looking like they’re wearing a mask because their foundation is the wrong shade.

• Foundation is becoming more like an extension of skin care. There are liquid foundations formulated for every skin type you can imagine, even with age-fighting or oil-controlling properties. Only you can determine whether you need extra moisturization or something to help you control oil, clear blemishes or reduce wrinkles.

• Cream to powder foundations are also formulated for all different skin types. They go on like a cream and then set like a powder to help control shine. Make sure you select one made for your skin type.

• Mineral powder foundations work for all skin types. They’re easy to apply, give you a natural finish and give excellent shine control.

• BB or CC creams give lightweight coverage with a natural finish. (Beauty Balm or Color Corrector creams) Basically, these are like tinted moisturizers on steroids, meaning that they even out skin tone and correct minor flaws with minimal coverage. They usually include SPF as well.

Okay, so maybe you’ve figured out what formula you’d like to use.

But how do you choose the best shade for your skin tone?

1. Determine whether your skin has more of a warm (yellow) or more of a cool (pink) undertone. One of the easiest ways to figure this out is to look at the veins on the inside of your arm. If they’re more greenish, your skin has a warm undertone. If the veins look more bluish, your skin has a cool undertone. This is important because you’ll want to choose foundations that have the same undertone as your skin for the most natural look.

2. Select a few foundations to try that look like they’re close in shade and hue to your skin. Three is a good number to try out at a time. It’s okay if you’re not sure at this point, just do your best to pick shades that look as close to your skin tone as you can.

3. Lighting is important. Try to sample foundations in natural light if possible. This will give you the best view and let you see how the shade will look in real life. (When you’re out and about and people will see you.)

4. Apply a stripe of each shade to your cheek, right along your jawline. Lightly blend each strip with your finger and let it ‘melt’ into your skin by allowing it to sit for a minute or so. The one that is the right color for you should blend into your skin tone naturally.

I’ve never found my perfect shade on the first try and you might have to try this a few times but don’t worry, once you find your shade, it will be well worth the effort! The perfect foundation is like your own skin, refined.

Once you’ve found your perfect shade, you can apply your foundation with a foundation brush, a cosmetic or blender sponge or your fingertips. I personally like to use a sponge, but it’s a personal preference and it just depends on what you’re most comfortable with.

Powder helps set makeup, reduce shine and create a matte finish. Translucent powder is great for any skin tone because it has no color. Pressed powder comes in a compact and can be applied lightly or pressed into skin for more coverage and it’s great because it’s portable so you can touch up as needed throughout the day.

Part 2 is all about how to choose your cheek color!