Makeup is a great way to express ourselves! Whether that’s going out there with the coloured liners or dialling it back with the contour for a simpler look.
I’m a big believer in using makeup to enhance not change what we already have. We are all stunning in our own way so let’s own it.
Our skin decides to change on us so often and it can be because of the most random of things. We need to be able to adapt our makeup to this, we can’t just change our foundation when we find ourselves with dry skin in the cold or shiny in the sun.
Foundation is exactly what its name suggests, it’s the base where you will build your entire makeup look. I remember when we all went crazy for the BB and CC creams as fashion moved away from a heavier full-face look. There are so many options now and picking a finish to your base can be confusing.
Sometimes it is just time for a change but at times we make that foundation shift when we don’t need to. I’ve got some tips for when it is time to spend and for when we need to add to our routine.
Tip 1 – When we’re a little dryer
One day your foundation can be flawless but the next it’s patchy and flaky. Prep is key! Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and hydrate to provide a clean base with all that flaky skin exfoliated off so your foundation is flawless. I also highly recommend a hydration night mask the night before so that your skin is really moisturised and ready!
Tip 2 – Prime to shine
Priming is essential! I tend to have a few stocked up and travel size ones are a gem. Sometimes our foundation is fine, but we need to alter our primer for when our skin changes. It makes a difference to how the primer is applied as well – so you could use your fingers or buff it in with a brush. Try different techniques to work out what gives you the best look.
Tip 3 – You need to know what you want to achieve
Is your foundation suitable for your skin? Find out your skin type, then choose your prep and foundation products. If you’re a bit more on the oily side, grab some blotting papers to keep in your bag and maybe try a matt primer. If you’re wanting a youthful glow, then look at a dewy range or a water-based foundation.
Tip 4 – Know your undertone!
Do you know what undertone you are? You can’t buy your foundation if you don’t!
There are three key undertones: warm (golden, red, and yellow undertones), cool (beige and pink undertones), and neutral (a balance of gold and pink undertones). To determine your undertone, look at the veins on the inside of your wrist; if they’re green, you have a warm undertone (the yellow in your skin acts as a filter and makes your blue veins look green), and if they look blue, you have a cool undertone. Neutral undertones will see a combo of green and blue veins.
Tip 5 – No wastage
Generally, you’ll go to a counter, or buy online and think there’s a shade too dark, and a shade too light, with no in between. Buy both if you need that perfect shade! In the winter months you’ll have more of your lighter shade and in the summer you’ll have more of your deeper shade. When you are in those odd in between months you can just mix the two!
Tip 6 – Using the right tools
What type of coverage do you want to achieve? Once you have figured this out you can practice using different tools, the stippling effect is more for heavier coverage, a beauty blender for medium to heavy, and your fingers are more for that no makeup look.
Tip 7 – Keeping your foundation.
If you’re happy with the foundation you’re using but you just want a lighter finish, you can mix it with your moisturiser, primer or serum, depending on what consistency your foundation is, and what skin type you have. Give it a go before splashing out on a new foundation (I wouldn’t recommend this for naturally oily skin).
Tip 8 – Enhancing your complexion
Did you know that setting sprays are pretty versatile? Use them to base your face with your primer, set your makeup or just to hydrate your skin throughout the day. I try to keep ‘clean’ with my foundations, but I like my setting sprays to be fragranced. Try your best to apply your makeup in the natural light to avoid overdoing it!
Hope this helps ladies!
Let me know your thoughts …
