How to Choose the Perfect Foundation for Your Skin Type

Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Foundation

Whether you’re looking for the best type of foundation for mature skin, oily skin, dry skin, youthful skin, or acne prone skin, there are key factors to consider every single time.

Hi, It’s Stephanie Treadway here. If you don’t know me, I have over 15 year experience as a Professional Makeup Artist. I’ve done thousands of lady’s makeup from brides to professional musicians such as The Pentatonix. And as a former RN, my biggest obsession in makeup is understanding which ingredients are the best for your skin. In this quick read, let’s dive into a crucial part of your routine which is finding the right foundation for your skin type. This is vital for a successful beauty routine because the perfect foundation will enhance your natural beauty, but it will also ensures your skin looks flawless and feels comfortable all day long. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, a combo, or even sensitive skin, I have the perfect strategies and tips to help you make the best choice for yourself.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Before landing on a foundation, it will help you tremendously in the search process to understand the chemistry of your skin. Let’s look at those different types:

Oily Skin: Your skin often appears shiny, and you may struggle with frequent breakouts. Those with oily skin often have slightly larger pores as well. Look for oil-free, matte finish foundations that help with an excess shine.
Dry Skin: If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or rough, you have dry skin. Be sure to look for hydrating foundations with a dewy finish to add moisture along with an added radiance.
Combination Skin: Do you deal with excessively oily skin as well as dry patches? Combination skin needs a balance. Consider using a foundation that offers a satin finish, providing hydration without adding too much shine.
Sensitive Skin: Is your skin easily irritated by products? Look for hypoallergenic foundations to minimize the risk of reactions.

Coverage Needs

What are you looking to achieve with your coverage? :

Light Coverage: Light coverage works great for those who prefer a natural look or have minor imperfections. These types of foundations are often hydrating and give a skin-like finish.
Medium Coverage: Great for evening out skin tone and covering mild blemishes. Medium coverages offer flexibility — buildable for more coverage or sheered out for less.
Full Coverage: Best for covering significant blemishes, hyperpigmentation, or other skin concerns. These foundations provide a smooth, even canvas.Be sure to assess in depth before choosing to avoid ending up with a “cakey” look.

The Right Shade

Your foundation is as good as your shade match:

Test Shades: Always test foundation shades in natural light. Apply a small amount to your cheek or jawline to ensure it blends with both your face and neck.
Undertones Matter: Your skin with either have warm tones, cool tones, or neutral. Warm undertones look best with golden-based foundations, cool with pink-based, and neutral with a balance of both.
Shade Quiz: Be sure to take advantage of free professional shade quizzes when available to ensure you pick the exact shade for your tones. For quick, personal results, take my shade quiz found here.

Application Tips for a Flawless Finish

As a MUA, it pains me to watch quality makeup get a bad review because users don’t know how to properly apply the formula. Proper application will make all the difference in the finished look:

Tools: Use the right tools for your foundation. A beauty sponge offers a dewy finish, while brushes can provide fuller coverage.
Primer: Always start with a primer best suited for your skin type so you can achieve a smooth base and extend the wear of your foundation.
Blending: Blend outward from the middle of your face. Pay special attention to blending at the edges to avoid any harsh lines.

Pro Tip: Read my short blog on how you can make your makeup last all day long

Your Perfect Foundation Awaits

Our beauty routines are precious to us women. It’s crucial that we look and feel confident every time we apply our makeup and walk out the door. Finding the perfect foundation doesn’t have to feel so daunting. Makeup is supposed to be fun and creative! So shake off the frustration, use these tips I’ve given you, and seek my help if you want it. I love talking makeup, and I love helping women drastically improve their routine. Let me help you perfect your foundation right now. Take my short Shade Quiz.