Find your perfect foundation

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Beauty Uncovered

Written by Meena Ganesh on 01/02/2012

Find your perfect foundation

It's the skin-perfecting staple make up artists can't live without, so isn't it time you found your perfect foundation?

Adam spring/summer 2012

Colour match

As you may already have discovered, finding a shade of foundation to match your skin tone is no easy feat. It might seem like a laborious task, but discovering your match is the first step to finding your perfect foundation. Get ready to try a few on for size, says make up artist Lauren Parsons, who has worked with the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kate Hudson. "It should always be the exact same shade as your skin. Any darker and it will be very obvious; any lighter and you will look ill or ashen," she says.

Avoid choosing foundation in artificial lighting too. "The absolute best way to choose foundation colour is in natural light," says Lauren. This will help you to determine if you've found your foolproof foundation shade. "Lastly, always try a selection on your jawline as this is closest to your true colour."



Choosing the right formula

Finding the right formula to suit your skin's needs is, thankfully, easier than ever. "We're very lucky with modern technology. Most formulas are now skin-type specific and the effects are tailor-made to your skin," says Lauren. Her suggestions?


For long-lasting coverage: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H
Dull or dry skin

"If your skin is dehydrated or lacking radiance, a moisture-rich or 'dewy' formula will suit you. Chanel Vitalumiere and Vitalumiere Aqua are great for this."


Combination or oily skin

"If you have combination or slightly oilier skin, look for an oil-free or matte-effect foundation, like Yves Saint Laurent Teint Resist Fluid Foundation."


Problem-free skin

"For people who don't need a lot of coverage, a tinted moisturiser is great." Try Une Healthy Glow Enhancer for a moisturising boost with a feather-light formula.


Our quick foundation picks



Too Faced Buki Brush

Application tips

If you're after light-to-medium coverage, a small amount of foundation applied beautifully delivers great results. "My favourite application method is either using a brush – ecoTools does a brilliant retractable version that's tapered to get into awkward areas like around the nose – or my fingers, as you can really blend the foundation into the skin," reveals Lauren. Kabuki brushes also offer a way to perfect that touchable, almost-airbrushed finish. "Whichever method you choose, the best tip I can give is blend, blend, blend!" says Lauren.

When opting for full coverage, it can be tempting to load on extra foundation for a fast fix. However, to attain flawless, natural-looking and durable coverage, it's important to take it slow. "A light touch is key – layers, built up gradually, can cover uneven tone or scarring without looking cakey," advises Lauren.


Our foundation brush picks



No7 Instant Radiance Concealer

Great partner products

Lauren's first tip for a gorgeous complexion is to prep your skin: "It's best to apply a primer before any foundation, as it gives you a good starting point." A smoothing, lasts-all-day formula like No7 Airbrush Away or a pore-tightening primer like Benefit Porefessional Primer can help your foundation work that extra bit harder.

Concealer is also key to attaining a red carpet-worthy finish and should be applied after foundation. "Tap the product on to the areas you want to cover and feather the edges so it blends into your foundation. When you're completely satisfied with the coverage, set your make up lightly with powder so it stays in place," says Lauren.


Our concealer picks


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Foundations
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