Over the past few months I have been in search of the perfect foundation. Usually I rely on BB cream to cover my face every day, but it just seemed as though it was no longer doing the trick. I wanted something more targeted and specific. So my search for the right foundation began.
It always seems that whenever I need to find a certain product, I can never meet my own standards. This goes for clothes, shoes, makeup, everything. The second something becomes a need and no longer just a want, virtually everything that meets my criteria magically disappears. Rough life, right? The same thing happened when I started my search for foundation. Hundred of brands and bottles available to me, yet none of them even come close to what I am looking for. Nothing matched my complexion, my undertones, or the consistency and coverage I needed. The backs of my hands had been smeared with seemingly every foundation there ever was.
This week it all became clear (or perhaps I should say flawlessly covered). Smashbox recently released a new line of foundations called Liquid Halo. The coverage is buildable, but not heavy. It blends perfectly and doesn't highlight any lines or blemishes. I found my fix. The bottle comes with a substantial price tag of $42, but it is simply one of those products that is worth it.
The lightest shade matched my skin perfectly and didn't make it appear yellow (I have very pink/red undertones). It didn't hide my freckles or emphasize them. It provided a smooth canvas that didn't look plastic or doll-like, and it was just so wearable.
Foundation is one of those products that is impossible to make general recommendations on. Every skin color, tone, and texture is different, and no brand has a corner on this market.
To help pick out the perfect foundation you need to establish your needs. This rule applies to all makeup and similar products as well. Is this something you will only wear for special occasions, or do you want a flawless, doll-like complexion every morning (and have the time to commit). Answering this question will lead you in to any number of different paths to pick the perfect foundation.
What type of skin do you have? I'm not talking about color, but skin issues or texture. Oily, dry, combination, acne prone, normal? Oily skin or acne prone skin should stick to lighter, oil free formulas. Those with dry skin should aim for hydrating formulas.
Next, what do you put your face through on a regular basis? Are you out in the elements regularly, because you need to up your SPF and select a foundation that is light and won't wear off as a result of weather or pollution variables. Are you under harsh lighting for long hours of they day? You may need to go through a long trial and error process to find a foundation that doesn't make you sickly or overdone under flourescent lights.
What are your habits? Do you fidget or touch your face frequently? Do you rub your eyes? Wear little or no makeup? Wear a lot of makeup? These questions should help direct you in terms of what type of coverage you need and what product consistency you should select. Powders are great for full coverage and covering up all manner of imperfections. That said, they can also be uncomfortable and make skin feel "tight" so slather on the moisturizer first. Liquids are incredibly versatile and come in a wide range of covers, from light and luminescent to thick and impenetrable.
Shade matching is the last piece of the puzzle and is entirely based on brand selection. I happen to be so pale I'm almost translucent, so under every circumstance (so far) I can pick up the lightest shad available by every brand. Ideally, when testing products, you want to use your face rather than the back of your hand or forearm. Obviously, this isn't always feasible unless you want to have technicolor cheek bones. There are really a bevy of shades available and don't settle until you find the right one. For women of color, Iman Cosmetics specializes in creating useable and blendable shades for complexions on the darker end of the spectrum. Most drugstore brands to not lend themselves well (without chemist level mixing and blending) to giving deep skin tones foundation options, so cosmetic brands that align themselves to specific markets have the best choices around.
Look for a product that essentially disappears when you rub it in to your skin (this means it matches). If you select one too light or too dark, your blending will be off (think of your ears and neck). Find a solution that doesn't fight with your skin, otherwise you will give yourself more problems to address. Make sure the product isn't settling in to, or highlighting, lines and blemishes. Don't buy anything that complicates any skin problems you may already have; it's not worth the battle. Sometimes it will be inexpensive, and sometimes it won't. If you are questioning price tags, refer to the first question I posed: what are your needs? If this isn't an every day product, then a $50 bottle of YSL foundation is only going to cause resentment. Many drugstore brands can do your face justice, just be cautious of trying them out in store since most don't have testers available.
As far as application, it is really a matter of comfort and precision. Clean fingers apply foundation just fine and cover relatively evenly. Sponges create a flawless look that is highly blendable. Brushes allow for targeted application (though it takes a bit more patience to get it right).
Ulta and Sephora are the best spots to try a load of foundations on in one place. Sephora has recently introduced an in-store complexion tester that measures your skin on several different levels, and selects the perfect product for you among all of the brands sold in store. The service, Color IQ gets rid of a lot of the guess work and is surprisingly accurate, but before you go in for the free service, remember you might be pressured in to buying something that doesn't mesh with your needs or price range.
If my recommendation sounds good enough to splurge on, you can buy Smashbox Liquid Halo here.
