Thursday 27 November 2014

How to Choose the Right Foundation

Ladies of the United Kingdom were estimated to have spent over a whopping £1bn on colour cosmetics alone this year! (Mintel, 2014). Ladies, we love to doll up - fact. From the time we are tots watching our mothers beautify themselves from the dressing table, right through to our teen years where we begin to master the art of make up. Then comes along adulthood, where make up is no longer about creating beauty but rather enhancing it; where we believe simplicity and elegance is key. So just like diamonds girls, make up is definitely a girl's best friend!

Whether you use a little or use a bit more, make up is part of our everyday lives. Use it to correct stuff you don't particularly like. Express your mood or who you are. Simply wear it as part of your professional attire. Apply it as a feel good factor, for a dress to impress event, your wedding, a Christmas work party or simply to look pretty for that special date! 

The big question is which make up is right for you? I understand there are many ladies out there who never want even a pop of concealer near their faces and I respect that. However, is it a case of genuine dislike or a fear of looking like Barbie rather than you? Well here is a simple guide to let you know what is out there and which make up you can confidently use without taking you out of your comfort zone.

1. Concealer

Many women feel that looking natural involves just using this product where needed. Contrary to this common belief, it works very well and actually better with foundation. Concealer is not meant to be used as an alternative to full foundation, but rather on small concentrated areas to aid in disguising blemishes, counteracting discolourations and lightening up any dark or shadowed areas. Unless you are blessed with skin complexion perfection, concealer without foundation can make you look worse with dots of colour on your face and actually accentuate, rather than conceal, the problem(s) you are trying to hide! Great for dry, normal, combination or sensitive skin, a cream concealer, like one from Xenca, has a coverage that is buildable. Don't apply too much and remember to blend! Stuck on what type of foundation to choose? Read on.

2. BB Cream 

For the minimalist this is for you. Originally known as a blemish balm to heal scars from surgery and clear spots or hyperpigmentation, it is now known as the genius Beauty Balm. Infusing 6 (or more) skin benefits in 1, the all-in-one facial cosmetic is a product designed to work on your skin as a treatment, primer, concealer, foundation, sunscreen and provide similar colour coverage to that of a tinted moisturiser! This is perfect for the lady who is pressed for time and wants to keep things simple! Skin sensitive? Try the Alva BB Cream which is specially formulated for sensitive skin. This little beauty is Vegan too!

3. Liquid Foundation

Matte liquid foundation provides a sheer to medium coverage and creates a smooth finish without a shiny or dewy appearance. This type of foundation tends to be long-wearing and great for oily skin.  Attractive makeup is based on good coverage not coverage that is blatantly obvious! Ensure you choose the right shade that matches your skin colour to enhance your natural beauty.


4. Compact Powder

Powder foundations have more pigment and can be applied for a minimal feel but fuller coverage. Applied with a sponge or brush, these are designed to be used alone, without the need of another type of foundation underneath. Compact powder tones the face and gives it an even appearance. This formulation is good for women with normal to oily or combination skin. It is not particularly recommended for those with dry or flaky skin as the powder content can be too drying on this type of skin. There are, however, specially formulated compact powders such as NATorigin's Compact Face Powder which have soothing and softening properties that make it suitable for use with dry skin (always read the product description to find out). This product is great for you too if you have allergies as it has been approved by Allergy UK!

So there you have it - the quickest guide to choosing the right make up for you. Stay classy and stay fabulous ladies!

Oh! And after all the glitz and glam, always, ALWAYS cleanse your face before you sleep! (definitive beauty rule). Wipes are forgivable for when H20 is out of reach but this is not a substitute and should not be used as part of your daily cleansing routine. Make-up remover and cleansers are essentials in any lady's beauty cupboard. Take good care of your skin! 



Tanya for Evonsch

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