by Shikha

Created on: June 17, 2008

Choosing the right makeup begins with figuring out what your skin type is. I have oily skin and for months I used an oil-based foundation and then kept wondering why my face looked like a light bulb. Choosing the right makeup can make you look and feel better as well as prevent future skin problems.

OILY SKIN
Oily skin has overactive oil glands which lead to the shiny look. The pores are enlarged and this type of skin is prone to acne, blackheads and whiteheads; which makes a well planned skin care regimen very important.

Oily skin must stay from any oil based products especially cream foundations. Liquid foundations are more appropriate since they are water based, light and are "non-comedogenic" which means they will not clog pores; look for this on the label. After foundation use transparent full face powders which help to blot oil, control shine and give a matte effect. Also use powder based blush and eye shadow.

DRY SKIN
Dry skin has under active oil glands and a lack of moisture. Skin flakes easily and is prone to premature wrinkles.
While cream and mousse foundations may be a no-no for oily skin they can be a life saver for dry skins. Liquid oil based foundations are also available for dry skin. But keep away from cakes, sticks or other forms of dry foundations.
Use moisturizing pressed compact powder instead of loose powder which may settle in fine lines and make the face look flaky.
Use moisturizing creamy blush and eye shadows.

COMBINATION SKIN
This is a common skin type where the T-zone' is oily and the rest of the face is dry. T-zone comprises of the forehead, nose and chin.
Use translucent loose powder on the T zone which helps in evening out the shine on your face.
Nowadays there are cosmetics especially for combination skin. So you do not have to juggle between and oil based and water based set of cosmetics!

NORMAL SKIN
Normal skin has a smooth even texture and has very tiny pores. Use liquid foundations for normal skin which have a balance of moisture and oil. Use translucent loose powder which will absorb any excess oil.

SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin reacts to skin products or procedures and may become red and itchy.
Choose hypo-allergenic and fragrance free products. Consulting a dermatologist for chemicals which you may react to is also a good idea.
Choose powder or pencil based blush and eye shadow as they tend to have lower amounts of preservatives and other chemicals. Also use neutral light colored eye shadows as they have lower concentrations of dye.

MATURE SKIN
When choosing the make up foundation, your age and basic condition of skin is also important. With age skin tends to become fragile and thin. Wrinkles and age spots appear.
For aged skin, light liquid is the best choice. And there are anti-aging foundations available which help to keep wrinkles at bay.

IDENTIFYING FOUNDATION TYPE
Foundations give an even tone to skin and hides imperfections such as acne scars. They keep getting better and now there are light weight foundations which come with SPF and act as your sunscreen as well as moisturizer; and it does not feel like you are wearing make up. In order to find out if your foundation is water or oil based, put a drop of it in water. If it mixes easily with water then it is water based and if it forms a film over water, then it is oil based.

Whatever skin type you may have a golden rule to remember when you use make up is never go to bed with your make up on. Always clean it off. Or there will be breakouts and other problems, which means your skin type has changed and then you will need another set of cosmetics, which is not a very enticing thought!

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