Two Cent Tuesday: Foundation!
Foundation is a scary thing, and as a newly converted member of the foundation lovers, I'd like to share with you less inclined some tips to make foundation fun, easy--but most importantly, flawless.
Something I need to start off with before I go any further is this: you are beautiful, with or without it. Some days foundation makes me feel ugly, so I skip it. Some days my skin is red and blotchy, and I feel horrible without it. It's all about self perception. If you are confident every single day in the way your skin looks like naked, work it! It is not my intention to make the message of this post, 'you must wear foundation at all times, otherwise you WILL be a hideous buffoon forever.' This post is intended to help you with foundation--whether you wear it everyday, or only once or twice a year.
Let's start off by talking about Formulas! Powder is becoming increasingly passé, especially with the rise of affordable, good quality liquid foundations. In the winter, definitely skip the powder. Any dry patches on your face--whether they're tiny or copious will be sucked up directly by the powder, illuminating the imperfections. Dry powder is ideal for summer time, when you're sweating more anyway. If you are using mineral/dry powder and you're addicted, make sure you're moisturizing well, okay? I don't want to have to hunt you down, tie you up & force an MDA on you!
Liquid foundation works good with all skin types--a lot of brands formulate them specifically for dry skin, normal skin, and even oily skin. Plus, who doesn't love a good dewy/lumi finish? It is best to set liquid with translucent powder--a tinted powder, if not exactly the same shade as the foundation is going to make you oxidize/the wrong color. Translucent powders are universally flattering, and totally will cover your bases!
If you're like me, you feel stupid in liquid foundation--too covered up. I always shied away from it for that reason. But here's the thing that no one ever tells you: liquid foundation isn't meant to be slathered all over your face. You can apply it in the trouble zones--around the mouth, the nose, the eyes. I honestly never even see a difference when I apply it on my forehead. I like to apply it on my cheeks to help neutralize redness.
Okay, you're probably thinking I just described what concealer is for, but think of liquid foundation as a broader concealer. That's what it's meant for. Now, while the subject has been brought out into the light, let's talk a little bit about concealer. Did you know that you're supposed to put it on OVER your foundation? No, I'm guessing you didn't. It's the biggest beauty mistake we tend to make. When you apply your foundation over concealer, you're blending away the extra coverage. Apply your foundation first, assess problem areas and then apply your concealer.
If you're using powder foundation, you can double it up over trouble/red areas. I like to use a concealer brush, but you can also use an eyeshadow brush to accomplish the same results.
They make a lot of concealer + highlighter pens these days. It is a trend product that is TOTALLY going to stick around. Seriously. Try one--maybelline makes one for $6, Mary Kay has one for $18 (These are the only two I've tried). They are LIFE CHANGING.
You've got a couple of options on how you apply the product:
*Big, fluffy brushes for powder--or smaller, angled ones if you want it to be more concentrated. Flat brushes are great for foundation, too, especially of the mineral variety. Remember, you can never go wrong with a kabuki for foundation!
*Your fingers--great for liquid. If you're applying around the eyes, remember to always, always use your ring finger! Why? It applies the lightest pressure, which is good for the sensitive skin there.
*Foundation brushes are fantastic. You have to clean them REGULARLY, otherwise it gets streaky, but the finish is the best/most controlled. Always put the foundation on the back of your hand, it's easiest to blend of excess so you get the best finish. If you aren't sure if you'd like a foundation brush, but want to try one out--E.L.F. makes a great one in their $1 product line (at target & meijer).
Like always, the important thing is what makes you feel your best! Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! One boy might not see yours, but that doesn't mean it's not there. :)
