Foundation

Foundation should be considered as a skin improver.  Foundation should match your skin tone. To choose a colour apply little on your cheek or inside of your wrist. Be careful to blend around nose and chin and fade away under the chin. Heavy foundation is old fashioned and ageing. Foundation should never appear like a mask. The shade chosen should be as close to your natural skin tone, so that there is no sudden change of colours between Chin and neck.

Different types of foundation

Foundations are available in various forms liquids, gels, creams, solid creams, in sticks (pen stick), cakes (pancakes). This can be chosen depending on how much clarity or cover you prefer.

• Emulsions

  These are packaged in tubes and are formulated for a variety of skin types- for  dry skins, oily skins and normal skins. This gives less sheen than cream or liquid foundations, but cover blemishes very well.

• Creams

  These are packed in jars. As they contain a high proportion of oils, they are particularly suitable for dry skins. These also provide a heavy cover, but gives a glossy finish.

• Liquids

  These are packaged in bottles and can be formulated for all skin types. They give a light sheen cover but are too light to cover any blemishes and scars.

• Gels

  These are packaged in squeeze tubes. They give a light, natural look and are the variety you should use if you have a blemish free normal skin.

• Cakes or sticks

  These are the solid forms of foundation. Since they have a drying effect, use them on an oily skin. They hide blemishes and scars. Solid forms are popular for photographic and stage work but are too heavy for every day use.

• Powders

  The original full coverage face-powders have now given way to transparent  powders; these transparent powders control shine and provide oil - blotting. They are used after foundations to give a matt finish. Cake or compact powders are more heavily formulated; as they contain a certain amount of foundation. These are not the best choice for the initial powdering over foundation because they may rub the foundation off and also cause an unattractive colour build-up. They are best used for touching up during the way, as they help to reinforce coverage.

Choice of a foundation

Two aspects should be taken into account before choosing a foundation - the form of the foundation and its colour. Some forms are more suited to certain skin types than others. Age and the basic condition of your skin also influence the choice of the foundation.

• Choice based on the skin type

  An oil based foundation is most suited for dry skin as this gives additional moisture. An oil -free, water based foundation (Cake or stick form) is most suited for oily skin. Any form of foundation is suited for the normal skin type especially, Emulsions and liquid foundations which can be used for any skin type

• Choice based on age and condition of skin

  For young and fine skin, a thin foundation (light sheer liquids) is most suited. For a skin with uneven colour and tone, blemishes etc a heavy foundation (cream of stick) is suitable, to cover the poor condition of the skin. For older skin, 2 coats of light liquid foundation is suitable- a heavier foundation may emphasize the lines and skin creases.

• Choice based on Colour

  A make up base or foundation must match the natural skin tone of the person as much as possible. This colour matching is best done in day - light and not in artificial light. A fair skin can use Beige, brownish gold or ochre and darker skin can use pinkish beige, peach or pinkish ochre. If there are more than one colour tone in your face, then match the foundation to the middle tone. Mixing two colours -one  which matches your skin and the other  which complements your natural colouring could  have very good effect.

Powder

A shade close to your skin colour should be used. Powder is not really meant to add colour, but it helps to add a smooth finish. Apply with a bushy brush or with cotton and dust off excess powder.

Blusher or Rouge

After facial make up, the next thing that comes on the face is the blusher. Blusher can be in powder form as well as cream form. The colours should not be very much darker than your skin tone.  Smile widely with your lips closed. Your cheek  naturally raise; apply rouge on the raised area and fade out gradually towards the hairline. Never apply rouge too close to the nose and too low on the cheeks.