Michelle Phillips
How to Choose the Right Foundation
When it comes to your makeup, do you have a difficult time finding the right foundation? Trust me, this is one of the questions I am asked the most! How do I find the right foundation?
So, I decided to put together some tips to help you find the right canvas for your makeup look. Be sure to read to the end of the this blog to catch my favorite brands of foundation.
Up your skincare game:
Look for a base that gives your skin a boost as you're wearing it. I like foundations that give you a host of skincare benefits such as built in moisturizer, primer, and pore minimizer. Even better if you find one that has an SPF!
If an added moisturizer feels too greasy, look for a primer with some skincare benefits.
Primers can contain a pore-blurring finish that sits so naturally on your skin, and still looks like your skin.
Find your formula
Everyone's got their personal preference, but if you want a glowing, lit-from-within finish you're better off sticking to liquids for ultimate blend-ability.
For me, liquid foundation is the easiest to use and blend, and it's usually great for most skin types. I always suggest applying foundation with a brush and blend with a beauty blender to give your skin a more natural looking finish.
Switch-up seasonal shades
A foundation wardrobe is the key to a seamless, undetectable base.
Have two shades, one lighter and one darker than your complexion, so you can mix and match throughout the year when your skin color changes with the seasons.
Try before you buy
Getting the shade that looks as if it just melts into your complexion like a second skin is not easy to do. Test foundation shades out in different lighting conditions before committing.
I always recommend trying on foundations in the best natural daylight for a true color match. I recommend going to a department store or sephora, ulta, etc. where you can actually try the color on in the store and then walk out into the daylight to check the color before you buy.
If you're applying an SPF first, be aware that your face will appear slightly lighter in color.
Also, be sure to test-run a foundation on your jawline or your cheek, never your hand.
Brands I love (at the moment:
Light Coverage w/Skincare Benefits:
Decorte Sheer Brilliance Tinted Moisturizer. Makes my skin look absolutely beautiful and has enough coverage for a full makeup look during the day and night if you aren't trying to cover redness or discoloration.
Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15. I love the light coverage, again enough to cover if you have good skin. This product leaves my skin looking dewy and I love skincare benefits.
Medium to Full Coverage w/ Skincare Benefits:
Crunchi Beautifully Flawless Foundation This is my go-to foundation when I need extra coverage yet don't want to feel like I am wearing heavy makeup. It provides a beautiful finish that looks like your skin, not a heavy mask look.
Powder Foundation:
I love MAC Studio Fix. It's been my go-to for years. However, it can be a little heavy. I like to apply with a brush rather than sponge for a lighter coverage and then apply with sponge when done...only in the areas that need more coverage.
Decorte Soft Powder Foundation is another one of my faves. It's a little lighter in terms of coverage, yet beautiful on the skin. Also a bit pricier!
If you'd like a copy of my FREE BEAUTY GUIDE which includes skin, makeup and hair styling tips click here
Always remember, the best foundation for your skin is self-love!
With love and gratitude!
Michelle