Starting Off - Foundation

Welcome to my third post of 'The Starting Off Project' - founded and set up by Stephanie from Steph's Inside Voice.

Catch up on my previous posts:
I'm Part of #theSOproject... Are you?
Starting Off - Skincare
Starting Off - Concealer

Credit:Pinterest

So, we've prepped and primed our skin with our skin care routine, covered our blemishes with concealer...

Now let's talk: Foundation...

Foundation is make-up applied to the whole face and neck, to create a uniform, healthier complexion, even out skin tone and cover minor blemishes. It helps the rest of your make up stay put longer, and is a major step towards flawless looking skin. 

Foundation is probably the most important part of your make up routine. Get it wrong and it can ruin your whole look. There are soooo many foundations out there to choose from, and it can be tricky to find the right shade to suit your skin tone. Let's be honest we've all seen somebody with an orange face and white neck! ;) 

Which foundation is best for you?

Liquid foundation - usually has a creamy, moisturising consistency, good for dry skin, good for building coverage, easy to apply with foundation brush, sponge or clean fingers, versatile, available in waterproof, smudge proof, long lasting formulas as well as dewy or matte finishes...

Cream to Powder foundation - goes on creamy but dries to a powder finish that minimises oil, easy application with sponge, long lasting, good for oily/combination, mature or dry skin, easy to control, good for building coverage, good for touch ups...

Mineral Powder foundation - free from harsh chemicals, good for sensitive or oily/combination skin, smooth/matte finish, easy to apply with brush, light/soft focus to medium coverage, easy to apply with powder brush, also good when used to set make up...

Tinted Moisturiser - moisturiser with a touch of foundation, best for a natural, no make up look, suits all skin types, not good for coverage, easy to apply with foundation brush, sponge or clean fingers...

Stick foundation - heavy coverage, almost like a concealer, not good for dry skin, can be difficult to apply, good for touch ups...

Mousse/Whipped foundation - liquid foundation with air whipped in, light/smooth/matte finish, good for all skin types...

As I mentioned before, it is so important to find the right shade of foundation for your skin tone. The best way to do this is to get matched up by the assistant at the make up counters in the department stores. Premium foundation is more expensive than drug store brands, but as foundation is such an important part of your base, it is an investment well spent, plus you have the help and advice of the assistant in finding the best shade for you. 

If you prefer to try a drug store brand, make sure you test the foundation on your jawline (never on your hand) and blend into your face and neck, and check in a mirror in natural light to find the shade most suitable. Also remember that you're skin tone will change depending on the time of year, it might be an idea to have a few shades on hand, or to get your skin matched up each time you purchase your foundation.

It is also important to consider the finish you're after. A dewy glow? A matte - natural look? 

TheBrunetteSays...

These are the foundations in my collection:

I only really use 3 of these regularly..

MAC Studio Fix (£21.50) - One of my most favourite foundations from MAC, I use this every day and I love the finish and the coverage, this stuff is definitely one of my holy grail products!! It is a creamy, matte finish. It's smooth and long lasting and easily buildable.

MAC Studio Tech (£25.00) - One of my most favourite products ever. I sometimes use this to set my make up, and for touch ups throughout the day. Goes on a soft emulsion and dries a powder finish. Read my full review here.

Chanel Lift Lumiere (£38.00) - Another fave! It is a firming and smoothing foundation, I often mix this with my Studio Fix. But I've just ran out.. And I'm on a spending ban. Devastated! ;) So it'll sit on my wish list for a while (or until I crack! ;) )

I use the MAC Mineralize Satinfinish for an extra dewy glow on nights out, and the other 2 are drug store foundations I have just in case of emergencies, if I ever run out of foundation. 

After applying my concealer, I then apply my liquid foundation using a foundation brush or clean fingers. My foundation brush broke 2 days before my holiday which meant I had to use my fingers, but have since found that I much prefer the application using my fingers now, and many pros also agree! I dot the liquid on my forehead, nose, chin and cheeks and blend all over my face and neck, starting in the middle and working my way out. 

Always start with less foundation than you think you'll need, you can then build on it if you need to. It's better to layer on more, then to have applied way too much!! Pay close attention to your hairline and jawline, and never neglect your neck! Set your foundation with a powder or other setting products.

So, that's my take on Foundation. Join me next week to talk Bronzer.

Remember to use the Twitter hashtag #theSOproject to read more Foundation posts from the 120+ other bloggers taking part in this project. 

Feel free to comment with your links to your Foundation posts as part of #theSOproject.