How to Choose the Correct Foundation Color

Brief Explanation: 

Take 3 colors that you think will suit you and apply it onto your cheekbone, all underneath each other. The one that disappears on your skin is the correct color. 

Foundation texture can be categorized into the following: 

1. Dry skin

Moisturizing foundation. 

It is a liquid foundation and contains extra moisturizers. 

It is very thin and it looks like no foundation has been applied. 

2. Combination skin 

Moisturizing foundation/oil-free. You can choose what you or your client prefers. 

3. Oily skin 

Matte, oil-free foundation. 

Still a liquid but the texture is thicker than the moisturizing foundation. 

4. Sensitive skin 

Foundation with no perfume in it. 

5. Problem skin 

Medicinal foundation, prescribed by a dermatologist.

Foundation can further be categorized into the type of coverage that you need: 

1. Almost none to medium coverage - Moisturizing foundation. (Water-in-oil basis) 

Only creates the base for other products that are going to be used. 

If you can’t find the correct color, then colors can be mixed. 

Your natural skin color still shows; ideal for people that prefer a thin foundation

Medium coverage - Oil-free foundation (Oil-in-water basis) 

Most common foundation and is readily available in the most colors. 

Ideal for everyday wear and for persons that still want to look natural. 

Skin shows a bit through this foundation. 

Can be mixed to get the correct color.

Medium coverage - Powder foundation 

Also called a 2-in-1 foundation. 

It is a liquid foundation mixed with powder. 

Full coverage - cream foundation

It is very thick and covers your whole face but it still looks natural.

Used for theatre make-up, older woman, people with problem skin.

Can not be mixed together to get the correct color. 

How to Apply Foundation

Steps in brief: 

Spoon out some foundation onto your spatula and apply to your hand. 

Take a latex sponge or foundation brush and gently apply the correct color foundation onto your / your client’s skin, starting on your / her forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin and blending outwards.

Take your foundation sponge and blend the foundation in downwards stroking movements. Make sure that no make-up is visible and all is blended in well.

Apply a green cover stick before your foundation if you have any pimples or red areas. 

Take a brush and apply some cover stick onto your eyelids, around your nose, and onto your mouth. This creates a base for your make-up and ensures that it stays on longer.

Dab your powder puff into some loose translucent powder and lightly press the powder all over your face, making sure that the powder is visible. 

Then take your powder brush and remove all excess powder from your face. Your skin will have a somewhat satin appearance / look.

Benefits of loose translucent powder: 

The loose powder creates a more natural look. 

It sets the basis of your make-up - foundation, cover stick. 

It creates a more matte appearance.

It blots any oiliness.