How do you find the right foundation that really suits you?

Foundation is the basis of almost every makeup look, literally and figuratively. And yet it remains one of the most difficult products to choose really well. As a beauty editor, I have tested dozens of foundations: from liquid to powder, from stick to tinted moisturizer, from budget to high-end. What I notice time and again is that the perfect foundation is different for everyone. Your skin type plays a big role in this, but also your undertone, your lifestyle, and the effect you want to achieve. It’s not a universal formula; it’s very personal.

Don't let trends guide you, but your own skin

So don't be too influenced by what goes viral on TikTok or what works well for a friend. The most important thing is what you need. Ask yourself: what do I want my foundation to do? Should it mainly even out, hide redness, last long, or feel light and breathable? What does your schedule look like? Are you often indoors, frequently on the go? Cycling through all weather, or in the car? Do you work behind a laptop, or not? Do you want to be able to switch quickly between day and evening makeup? The clearer you have this for yourself, the easier the search becomes. Because believe me: this way you can already eliminate a lot.

Start by determining your undertone

A first, and perhaps the most important step that is often overlooked, is determining your undertone. And I get it, because it sounds a bit technical right away. But believe me: once you know whether your skin has a warm, cool, or neutral undertone, many choices fall into place. The shelves in stores suddenly get halved (or more) in terms of options. Look at the veins on your wrist: if they look greenish, you probably have a warm undertone; blue or purple indicates a cool undertone; if you see a mix, then you are neutral. Another trick is to see whether gold or silver looks better on you: gold leans towards warm, silver towards cool.

Choose the right foundation texture

Personally, I like to work with liquid foundations because they are versatile and easy to build up. You can create a natural look with them, but also more coverage if needed. For dry skin, creams are very nice because they provide a comfortable and cared-for feeling. This is also due to the nourishing ingredients that you increasingly find in a foundation nowadays. Powder works well for those who shine quickly or have an oily T-zone. And sticks? They are ideal for applying a bit of extra coverage locally, for example on redness or spots. I use tinted moisturizers more often, even though I love a bit more coverage. For a fresh and quick no-makeup makeup look, they are ideal – especially considering the time I have in the morning with two boys.

This is how you test foundation the right way

You obviously don't test on the back of your hand. The only way to really see if a color matches is to apply it along your jawline. There you can immediately see how the color relates to both your face and your neck. And: let the foundation sit for a moment. Some products oxidize, which means they get darker over time. So take another look after a few hours before you decide.

A downside nowadays is that you can't test everywhere anymore. Or products have been open for a while, allowing light and air to get in, which changes the color. What you can best do: take a foundation color that you have at home with you to the store. It doesn't have to be perfect, as long as you know how it looks on your skin. This way you can compare colors in the store. If the packaging is transparent, you can often already see if it could be a match. Of course, the material of the packaging plays a role in this, but every little bit helps. You can also compare online swatches: look up the color you are currently using and see which color from another brand comes close. This way you significantly reduce the chance of a bad purchase.

The right finish for your skin type

At least as important as the color and texture is the finish. Matte foundations work well if your skin is a bit oilier or if you are looking for a long-lasting (like that of TirTir that lasts 72 hours), even effect – think of photoshoots, events, or long workdays. Recently, I shopped the Cream-to-Powder Foundation from M.A.C Cosmetics, ideal for wedding season. It is covering, with a matte finish, but without that thick cakey effect. For dry or mature skin types, a radiant (glowy) finish is often prettier: it provides a fresh, healthy glow. My personal favorite remains the satin finish: not too dull, not too shiny, but just right for a natural, soft appearance. Like the Beautiful Skin foundation from Charlotte Tilbury or the M.A.C. Cosmetics Radiance foundation, but also that of Shiseido Pureness. If I want just a bit more glow, I mix it with a product from Glowy gel from Saie, or the newly launched Miracle halo from Trinny London.

Don't forget your skin preparation

What is often forgotten, but is really essential: skin preparation. Foundation only looks good if the skin underneath is well cared for. Always start with a hydrating cream and match your primer to your foundation – unless this is of course necessary. Water on water, silicones on silicones. Otherwise, you risk sliding or pilling, and you can see that immediately. A primer is not essential for every foundation. Check this carefully in advance. So don't let a saleswoman push a primer on you blindly – it's not always necessary.

Tools make the difference

Last but not least: the way of application really makes a difference. I like to use brush for everything, but a damp beauty blender works very well too. Fingers are also fine – especially with light textures like a tinted moisturizer. To be continued, because soon I will tell you everything about which brush you should use for which foundation and coverage.

The perfect foundation feels like coming home

Finding the right foundation sometimes takes time. It’s a matter of testing, feeling, and looking critically. But once you have found it: the color, the finish, the texture that is just right, you will definitely receive compliments. And it feels like coming home in your own skin. And that’s what it’s all about in the end.

Source: Sheerluxe