How to Pick the Perfect Foundation

With so many colors and textures to choose from, it’s easy to see how women can get overwhelmed with finding the right foundation. And if your choice is just a little off, the whole look is a bust. So, here are a few tips to help take some of the mystery out of face makeup, and get you headed in the right direction!

Picking the Correct Foundation Color

I know this seems relatively elementary, but I promise it’s the number one mistake women make when applying makeup – and it all starts at the makeup store.

When choosing a foundation, the color MUST match your neck and chest. Therefore, the only place you should be testing your foundation should be the jaw line. If the color does not blend seamlessly (the foundation should seem to disappear) from your jaw line to your neck, it’s the wrong shade.

The best way to be 100% sure you have the right match is to check it in daylight – the brighter the better. Artificial lighting can affect the appearance of the foundation color. Trust me, I spent my 8^th grade dance looking like an Oompa Loompa because the mall’s lighting was just a bit too yellow.

Speaking of strange looking creatures, unless you are starring in a theatrical production, please do not use foundation to “give yourself a tan,” or “lighten up your complexion.”

Cracking the Code: Foundation Formulas

Liquid foundation is available in light, medium and full coverage. The more coverage, the more pigment and the denser the formula.

If your skin is in pretty good condition, with only slight redness or discoloration, a tinted moisturizer may be all you need to even out your skin tone, without adding unnecessary texture to the skin.

If you are suffering from acne, or more intense discoloration, you may need to go with a full coverage liquid foundation or possibly a crème foundation.

Quick tip: add a small amount of your facial moisturizer to medium or full coverage foundation to make your own custom tinted moisturizer!

Best Cruelty-Free Liquid Foundation Picks:  

Koh Gen Do’s Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, Face Atelier Ultra Foundation

Crème foundation typically offers medium to full coverage, but can be sheered out with a wet sponge, or by mixing in some moisturizer, depending on the formula.

For the best results, you want to choose a crème formula that offers buildable coverage. Start off with the lightest application possible and build coverage only in areas that need it. Make sure to blend well with a sponge or foundation brush.

Best Cruelty-Free Crème Foundation Picks:

Eve Pearl’s HD Dual Foundation, Cover FX Total Coverage Crème Foundation

Powder foundation offers light to full coverage depending how heavy you apply. You don’t want to be too heavy–handed with powder foundation, otherwise your skin texture can start to look unnatural, and it can actually end up accentuating fine lines and wrinkles. Generally speaking, powder foundation is not the best choice for those with acne or heavy skin texture issues.

Best Cruelty-Free Powder Foundation Picks:

Jane Iredale Purepressed Base, Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation

Choosing the Right Coverage

We want to see you, not your foundation. So, a good rule of thumb is this:

Choose the LIGHTEST level of coverage that will even out your skin tone and conceal minor discolorations, and apply the LEAST amount of product necessary. That means, if you have basically even skin, you don’t need to be piling on full coverage makeup – you only need to apply it where you need it. When it comes to foundation, less is way more.

Gayle Carbajal is a Cruelty-Free Makeup Artist based in NYC, and Founder of Crueltyfreekit.com : A Cruelty-Free Beauty Blog specializing in Makeup, Skin Care and Beauty Product reviews for the professional and the consumer!