Makeup 101: Primer and Foundation

Applying foundation for the first time can seem difficult. Here are three products to help you simplify the process.

Primer is a product that was created to prep the skin in preparation for foundation application.  It is supposed to help foundation adhere to the skin better and make it last longer.  Newer primers add more benefits like blurring imperfections, filling in lines and wrinkles, mattifying oily skin, moisturizing dry skin, and brightening dull skin.  Some even include active ingredients like salicylic acid to help prevent acne, SPF and antioxidants to protect skin from sun damage, dark spot brighteners, and other ingredients to perfect the skin over time.  With so many benefits there really isn't much of a reason not to use a primer under your foundation.

My favorite drugstore primer right now is the Rimmel London Fix & Protect Pro Primer which has 5 in 1 benefits to smooth, resurface, brighten, mattify, and protect the skin.

Choosing a foundation can seem difficult but you just have to break it down into steps.

First step: Determine the type of foundation you need for your skin type

Skin Types:

Combination/Oily Skin: You want a mattifying foundation that will keep you shine free

Dry Skin: You want a hydrating foundation to keep your skin from drying out

Dull Skin: You want a luminizing/radiant foundation to add some life back to your skin

Normal Skin: You are lucky because you can use whatever foundation you want, but you will look best with a natural finish foundation

Acne Prone Skin: You want a foundation that is formulated for sensitive skin, is non-comedogenic, and does not contain heavy moisturizers like mineral oil

Sensitive Skin:  You want a foundation that caters to your specific skin needs, for example if you have rosacea you want a foundation that is formulated for people with rosacea

Types of Foundation:

Liquid: fine for most skin types

Cream: good for dry skin

Powder:  good for combo/oily skin

Mineral: good for sensitive and acne prone skin

Hybrid (includes liquid to powder, cream to powder, etc.): these are good for skin types that want a finish that is normally harder to attain such as a dry skin type that wants a matte finish would use a cream to powder foundation

Tinted Moisturizer: provides sheer coverage and good for dry and sensitive skin

BB Cream: All-in-one product that provides sheer to medium coverage and is good for all skin types because they service a variety of needs plus you do not need to use a primer with these

Foundation Finishes:

Matte: makes skin look oil/shine free

Luminous/Radiant: gives skin a lit from within glow

Natural: somewhere between matte and luminous; looks like your natural skin but flawless

Step Two:  Match your skin tone and color

There are all sorts of rules and tips to help you choose the right foundation for your skin coloring, but the best method I have found is going to either a cosmetic counter or a store like Sephora or Ulta and having a makeup consultant test foundations on you.  Ask for samples of two or three foundations that match you best (You do not have to buy anything to get the samples.)  Take them home and test their wear to see how well they work for you.  Wear them outside in full sunlight.  Usually if it looks good in the sun then it will look good indoors where the lighting is more forgiving.  Once you have a foundation you like it will be easier to find other foundations in the future.

Keep your sample jars and take them with you when buying drugstore foundations.  Swatch the jar sample on the inside of your arm and then use the testers at the drugstore to swatch next to it.  Try to find a foundation color that is the most similar to your jar sample.  If you are at a drugstore that does not have testers you can hold up the sample jar next to the drugstore foundations to try and match the color.  Most drugstores have a return policy that allows you to return cosmetics if they are unsatisfactory.  Please do not open drugstore foundations that are not testers, use them and put them back on the shelves for some poor unsuspecting person to pick up and buy because this is an easy way to spread germs and it's gross;  Think about it, do you want to use a germy foundation that someone else has used? Probably not.  Plus if it is a limited edition product and the store gets maybe two or three of each product, you have just ruined the chance of someone else being able to purchase one.  Please be courteous to other consumers.

Finding your foundation match is not a one time occurrence.  You may have to be color matched for different seasons because skin tones can change between summer and winter.  Other factors include changes to the skin from age, sun damage, etc.  I personally get color matched every time I buy a foundation because my skin tone changes drastically from season to season and never seems to be the same from year to year.

Step Three: Choose your level of coverage

Sheer: looks the most natural by allowing skin imperfections to show through; best for everyday and casual occasions like weekends and outdoor activities

Medium: more coverage allow for less imperfections; best for occasions when you need a bit more coverage such as work meetings and school presentations 

Full: the most coverage for a flawless appearance; best for special occasions and photography

Of course most foundations are buildable and fall somewhere in-between the three levels i.e. sheer to medium coverage, medium to full coverage.

My favorite medium to full coverage drugstore foundation is Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin because it controls oil absorption and shine.  There is also a version for Normal/Dry Skin to help keep skin hydrated.  These foundations are formulated to be long lasting and they don't rub off as badly as other foundations.  This foundation is perfect for special events or just occasions where you want to look flawless, like picture day.

I like to apply my foundations with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for an airbrushed finish.  You can apply using a streaking motion or a buffing motion. This brush works for both cream and powder foundations. You can also use it to apply powder and blush.  If you could only throw one brush in your bag, this would be it.

Here is a video showing how to use this brush: