How To Choose The Right Foundation Makeup For Your Skin Type

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How To Choose The Right Foundation Makeup For Your Skin Type

When you’re a makeup newbie, it’s easy to make some common makeup mistakes.  For example, I used to think all foundation was basically the same.  I was very mistaken.  I mean, I used a cream foundation for a year before  I realized it wasn’t suitable for my oily skin!  Go ahead, you can laugh.

Anyway, if you want to save yourself from wearing the wrong formula, you’ll need to learn how to choose the right foundation makeup for your skin type.  

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How To Choose The Perfect Foundation For Your Skin Type

Analyze Your Skin Type

In order to choose the right foundation makeup, you have to analyze your skin type.  This is going to help you figure out what type of formula to look for.  Take a look at your skin and determine whether it’s oily, dry, or normal.  You can test it with an oil blotting sheet.

You have oily skin if your face constantly looks like you slathered grease all over it.  Your oil absorbing sheet will come back soaked from being pressed against your skin.

If your face feels tight and/or you have flaky skin, it means your face is dry.  Fine lines and wrinkles may also be more noticeable.  The oil absorbing sheet will come back clean after being pressed against your skin.

If you have both oily and dry patches, you have combination skin.  Normal skin will be perfectly balanced.

Many foundations will specify what skin type they are best suited for, so make sure to read the packaging.  And if you’re one of the lucky ones with normal skin, you can wear any foundation you want.

Oily Skin

For oily skin, I recommend a matte, oil free foundation.  I find that foundations with long wearing formulas work really well for this skin type.  Also, powder foundations can be a good option for you.

Maybelline Makeup Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid FoundationRevlon ColorStay Liquid Makeup for Combination/OilyL’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Makeup

Related Article:  The Best Long Wear Foundation For Oily Skin

Dry Skin

For dry skin, I suggest staying away from matte foundations as they tend to dry your skin even more.  Instead, opt for a moisturizing foundation with a dewey finish.  Cream foundations are typically great for this skin type, but you can also find many hydrating liquid formulas.

Touch In SOL Advanced Real Moisture Liquid FoundationElizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream MakeupMaybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, it can be a little tricky.  Whipped foundations tend to be a pretty good option.  You want to look for foundations that specify they are suitable for all skin types.

You may also have to use different skincare products on different parts of your face to help the foundation look its best.  For example, you could use a rich moisturizer only on the dry areas of your face before applying your foundation.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation, Porcelain IvoryRevlon ColorStay Whipped Crème Makeup, Natural Beige

Sensitive/Acne Prone Skin

One last thing to consider that can help you choose the right foundation makeup is whether you have sensitive or acne prone skin.  If you do, than I recommend mineral foundation.  Mineral foundation tends to be less irritating on sensitive skin.  It’s also a great option for those who tend to break out with other types of foundations.

bareMinerals ORIGINAL SPF 15 Foundation with Click, Lock, Go SifterIQ:Natural Eco-Smart Formula Mineral Fair 2 Foundation

Related Article:  Mineral Makeup and Oily Skin – How To Make Your Foundation Last All Day!

Your Skin Can Change

Keep in mind that your skin can change.  My skin is typically very oily in the Summer, but gets dry in the Winter.  It can even change day by day.  If you notice this is your case, it’s not a bad idea to switch up your foundation according to your skin’s needs.

Choosing The Right Foundation Formula Makes A Difference!

Remember, foundation is not a “one size fits all” product.  It truly makes a big difference when you choose the right foundation makeup for your skin type.  Take it from a girl with oily skin who used to wear a heavy, emollient rich cream foundation in the middle of Summer.  Back when I didn’t know much about makeup.

Yeah girl, I was a makeup hot mess that year.

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