Shopping for the Perfect Foundation: What You Should Know

The first step to clear, great-looking skin is taking care of yourself: a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated. However, sometimes even when we try our hardest, getting a perfect complexion seems to be a dream that’s just a little out of reach. Stress, age, and the demands of everyday life can take a toll on anyone – that’s why for everybody else, there’s foundation. Below, we help you take your first steps to a perfect face by helping you choose which foundation is right for you:

Figure Out Your Undertone

To get the perfect match to your natural shade, start by determining your undertone. Take a look at the veins at the underside of your wrist – if they’re purple or blue, you have a cool undertone, but if they’re green or yellowish, you have a warm undertone. Meanwhile, if the veins look like a mix of all of the above, your undertone is neutral.

Choose a Formulation

There are many different types of foundation, each addressing a specific skin need or concern. Your perfect foundation will hinge on a few factors: what your skin type is, what your preferred finish is, what the climate is like in your area, and your own personal preference.

For dry skin, a cream or liquid foundation with a hydrating effect that imparts a dewy finish is best. Powder foundation is recommended for those with oily skin, as it provides a matte finish and minimizes shine. Liquid foundations come in a wide array of coverage options, from sheer to full, which make them a versatile choice for everyday wear.

Stick foundations like Missha’s Skin Fit Stick Foundation offer high, full coverage that conceals imperfections along with long-lasting adhesion, making them a great choice for the stage or for photo shoots. Powder foundation is the best choice for makeup beginners who are just starting to dip their toes into makeup, as it’s easy to apply and blends faster into the skin.

Take the climate in your area into consideration when buying foundation. Humidity can have a negative effect on your foundation, as it can cause the makeup to break and run off, or exacerbate the appearance of pores. Those who spend a lot of time outdoors and live in temperate climates should also consider investing in a foundation that also offers a moderate amount of sun protection. Meanwhile, those who live in places where the climate is on the cool side may want to stock up on moisturizing foundations, as the cold can dry out your skin.

Find Your Perfect Match

Finding your shade may not be as easy as walking up to a counter and pointing to the one that looks close to your skin. Don’t be discouraged – many people struggle to find a foundation in their shade. To get your closest, if not exact match, start by swatching the ones you feel are closest to your skin tone on your jawline – not your hand or your neck. If the color blends into your skin, you’ve found a match. If not, adjust accordingly, going lighter or darker depending on what you see.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most of the consultants at the beauty counters have undergone some training to help customers find the shade that best matches them. There are even counters where you can have your shade determined digitally, by a machine. Some brands even go so far as to mix a custom shade just for you. If you don’t trust the light in the store, step outside and check the foundation in natural light.

Take Samples

There’s nothing worse than purchasing a full-sized foundation product and getting home only to find that it isn’t the right shade, or that it doesn’t provide enough coverage for your liking, or it just isn’t right for any number of reasons. Brands know and understand this, which is why you should be able to score samples of their products at their counters. Before you commit, try the foundation out in a variety of settings and lights, and even how it photographs. Don’t be pressured into putting money down before you’ve made an informed decision.