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Getting the Foundations Right


I often hear people commenting on how they have to wear foundation and make-up as they have ‘such bad skin’, they don't like how they look without it, or they feel they need it because of their age. Foundation coverage, for them, is a daily prerequisite, and they would feel bare and exposed without their make-up.

Unfortunately, foundation and make-up use can be the culprit of poor unhealthy skin if you are not cleansing effectively and you are not using good products for your skin type. Ironically we again use these products in an attempt to cover up! And as so many women use make-up as a cover up, they forget the importance of their natural complexion. The personal care regime has changed from being 'cleansing' focused to being 'make-up' focused.

If you imagine your face to be the equivalent to a canvas (painting), the cleaner the canvas, the clearer the finished painting. In fact, at least 70% of a well made-up face is derived from the cleansing process and not from the make-up applied. Use this approach and your skin will look younger, healthier and fresher. The make-up you then use will complement your natural healthy skin and you will not need as much. An excellent example of this is when we go on holiday. Must of us don’t wear foundation on the beach and after a week of allowing the skin to breathe and rejuvenate with the fresh air and moisturiser, results in a healthier glow to the skin, and on your return from holiday you feel your complexion looks better.

Action plan for getting the foundations right

  1. Use a good share of your cosmetics/skincare budget for quality skincare products. Make a good moisturiser a higher priority than a new lipstick.
  2. Invest in a good cleanser - avoid using soap which can dry the skin and clog the pores.
  3. Include all aspects of the skincare routine - cleanser, toner and moisturiser. Use masks to hydrate and deep cleanse the skin.
  4. Use a light coverage of foundation.
  5. Give your skin a holiday one day a week and you will retain this healthy glow.
  6. Use light make-up coverage and invest in natural eco-friendly cosmetics where you can.

How to cleanse effectively


If you are wanting a make-over start not with your make-up, but with a better skin care routine. The cleanser is the key to having a good complexion. It ensures you cleanse away pollutants and inpurities. Not ensuring you do this can cause your pores to clog up and that is when skin becomes dry or sensitivities occur. People naturally think that it is their skin type that is dry or sensitive rather than the skin merely reacting.
  1. Tie your hairback or use a hairband to make the face free and easy to reach
  2. Dab the face with warm water
  3. Release cleanser onto the back of your hand, then dab it onto your face - cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, neck
  4. Rub the cleanser into the face and neck
  5. Add a small bit of warm water into your hand to foam up the cleanser and make it more penetrative
  6. Using a clean face cloth or a face sponge, wipe off the cleanser with cold water
  7. Dab the face dry with a towel
  8. Use a exfoiliator twice a week mixed in with the cleanser to remove any dead cells
  9. Repeat this day and night
Top Product: Astara Skincare Cleansing Gele and Daily Scrub

How to apply foundation


Foundation is merely for evening-out the skin tone to balance out the colouration changes that arise from the varying textures that occupy different parts of our face. If you feel you have to cover your entire face with a large spread of foundation then this is a clear true sign that your complexion needs attention, not an indication for using more foundation.

  1. Apply your foundation with a brush or foundation sponge. The brush is particulary good as it ensure even but light coverage - you can always add a bit more if you feel where needed
  2. Dab a small bit of foundation on the back of the hand and dip your brush into that
  3. Apply foundation to the forehead, cheek, nose in that order blending into the chin area. Do not apply foundation past the chin line - it should merely blend past the jaw area, and certainly do not apply to the neck area or into the hairline
  4. Rotate the brush in areas where you have facial hair - otherwise the foundation will sit on the light hair and stand out more
  5. If you use a concealer, apply this to the eye area prior to applying the foundation

Choosing a foundation


There are many forms of foundation available on the market today – matt, cream, light coverage, full coverage, natural and wholesome, and high-end age-defying types.

  1. Colour - it must match with your colour palette. This is essential and extremely important. if you have cool skin tones, wear foundations that are cool or have a pink tinge to them. If you have a warm skin tone, you are pretty lucky as most foundations are warm based.
  2. Depth - ensure that the depth matches your skin colour. There is nothing worse than an clear line where the foundation ends and your skin starts. The foundation should blend naturally with your skin colour.
Take the test - dab a small amount of foundation to your forehead to test the one that matches most with the skin tone. Let it sit for a few minutes to adjust to your own skin acidity. The colour should blend easily with your colour - blend it in to check.

Top Product: Prescriptives Traceless - This product is neutral in colour tone and with almost invisible coverage


The Image Profiling Consultation includes Colour and Style make-up analysis

Sarah has worked with Cosmetics and Skincare brands, devising PR initiatives. Contact Sarah to discuss how she can help your consumers understand your products.

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©2004 Sarah Whittaker  [www.TheWardrobeShrink.com].
Don't know what to wear?  Book a consultation with Sarah and learn to create your own style and identity through your Image Type.
Sarah Whittaker has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines worldwide, and writes The Wardrobe Shrink Newsletter full of the latest fashion trends, celebrity style and honest image advice.

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