Finding your holy-grail foundation can be hard. Between formula, shade, coverage, and undertone, sometimes we don’t know what we want (or need!). Here, under the guidance of The Iconic’s beauty expert Sophie Howe, we share with you the best tips to finding your perfect foundation.
WATCH: Amanda Ramsay foundation hacks. Article continues after video.
Consider your skin type
Understanding whether you have dry, oily or combination skin is key to choosing the right formula, says Sophie Howe, beauty expert at The Iconic.
“While most of us want a foundation that leaves a beautiful, dewy finish, if you have an oily skin type these formulas can make your complexion look even oilier – and they’ll last for about five minutes on your face. Instead, opt for foundations with a matte or semi-matte finish. Dry types should stay away from matte formulas because they’ll leave you looking dry and flaky.”
FOR OILY SKIN
Natio Cream to Powder Foundation, $21.95 at Priceline
FOR DRY SKIN
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow, $69 at Adore Beauty
Swap Setting Sprays for SPF Mists
Ditch heavier-setting options in favour of SPF mists, which also set your makeup. These multitaskers contain soothing ingredients to leave skin hydrated and protected from UV rays.
Bondi Sands Face SPF50+ Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Mist, $10.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Find your shade
Pick a colour for yourself that effortlessly blends into your skin tone.
“The best way to source your perfect shade is to choose three different ones that look the closest to your skin colour, then swatch them in short lines next to each other on your jawline. The jawline is the best place to test foundations as you can see how it looks on your face and neck,” explains Sophie.
Consider your undertone
Once you’ve found your shade, identify your undertone. “The easiest way is to look at your veins. If you have blue or purple veins, you have cool undertones. Green or green-blue veins mean you have warm undertones,” Sophie explains.
“Knowing your undertones can be helpful if you’re stuck deciding between different shades as you can narrow down your options to whichever shade will match.”
COOL
Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Soft Matte Hydra Makeup SPF 10 in 1C1 Cool Bone, $60 at Sephora
WARM
Revlon PhotoReady Candid Glow Moisture Glow Foundation, $26.95 at Chemist Warehouse
Choose how much coverage you’d like
Deciding whether you prefer full or light coverage will help finding your foundation easier.
“If you want less coverage, look for a sheer foundation. These are generally buildable, so you can apply more in any areas where you’d like more coverage” Sophie notes.
“For more coverage, look at medium- to full-coverage formulations. These are a great choice if you have discolouration, scarring or acne. Plus, they are long wearing, so will keep you looking fresh from day to night.”
MEDIUM
Rimmel London Lasting Radiance Foundation, $22.95 at Chemist Warehouse
LIGHT
Beautyblender BOUNCE Always On Radiant Skin Tint Foundation, $47 at Sephora
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