What is the perfect foundation?
Having worked as a make-up artist for 11 years, this question is undoubtedly still my most popular.
However I’ll be completely honest; I do find it rather broad. The variety of brands nowadays is so vast and globally accessible that it can be almost overwhelming, the sheer choice makes it difficult to make a decision on which will be best for you.
Social media and the internet are constantly pushing “the flawless look” across our screens and can cause people to have a false belief that foundation alone can achieve this; although this is something that only the luckiest of us can get away with. For those of us not so lucky, there are three essential products needed to achieve the “flawless complexion”:
Concealer
One of the first questions I always ask my clients is, “do you use a concealer”?
Concealer has several functions. It can work either as a highlighter depending on shades, or in the traditional manner, which is to cover up any imperfections.
My two favourite concealers at the moment are the Nars Radiant Concealer (£22) and Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer (£17.50).
Both brands offer plenty of shades to choose from, are perfect to sculpt the skin and can even be used to sharpen the brows. Both of these choices are light defusing, giving a smooth fresh skin appearance.
Base / foundation / tinted moisturiser
The primary use of foundation is to balance and even out your skin-tone. I truly do agree with this rule regardless of the contouring and full make-up looks which are popular at the minute.
I love to make the most of what a client has rather than re construct their face. It’s often nice to see freckles and to create a contoured skin with a natural appearance. For special occasions such as Bride-to-be make-up, my favourite products are:
Normal to oily skin
Both give more of a matt finish and thicker in texture.
- Lancome Teint Idole £30 ( Amazing for bridal)
- Dior Forever £26
Normal to drier / sensitive skin
Both of these foundations feel like nothing is on the skin but provide great coverage
- Urban Decay Naked £31
- EX1 Invisiwear from Lookfantastic.com £12
Setting powder
Setting powders are essential to set your make up and if you’re not using one, this is probably where you are going wrong. Even if you hate a matt look or have dry skin, the correct setting powder along with technique will not affect your skin or make you completely matt and crusty.
- Applying with a puff is the traditional way, by pressing into the skin.
- Buff like you would do when using a more mineral coverage powder.
- Baking or setting with a sponge is key for a truly long-lasting look. Ideal for a full coverage and contoured skin.
Dior Skin Nude Loose Powder £39 comes in a variety of colours including a pink tone and a yellow tone and has a slight glow to them. Great for setting under the eyes and highlighting down the noise. Expensive, but loose powders don’t run low until at least six months.
Dior Forever Setting Powder (translucent) £28. This is definitely a matt finish and comes with a little bush to buff into skin. The powder simply diapears into the skin without spoiling the liquid or concealer application.
However I’m still using my Bourjois Rice Powder which is only £9.99 if you remember from my previous article?
Get these three items correct and you will never have to worry about it coming off or looking worn and tired part way through the day.
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