by Charlene Russ

Created on: March 02, 2010

Thoughts on Choosing the Best Foundation

Foundation always seems to look best after the skin has been thoroughly cleansed, exfoliated and richly moisturized.  For the foundation to do its best job, the skin should be well hydrated also from the inside.  Drinking several glasses of water a day will help with this, as well as limiting caffeine and alcohol intake.

With that said, there are several foundations that I like to use to texture and firm my combination skin.  Clinique Repair Wear foundation is wonderful for combination skin, as it seems to re-texturize my face, promoting a smoother appearance.  Freckles and small imperfections are blended away and the slightly enlarged pores across my cheeks and nose are made nearly invisible.  This is also a full-coverage and long wearing make-up, which is great for a night out where the lights can be harsh on the skin.  I have a medium skin tone, so I usually opt for the Repair Wear in ‘Sand’ or ‘Nutty’.  This foundation also seems to have some slight oil-absorption quality so that only a slight patting of powder on the nose is needed to minimize shine.    This particular foundation does have sunscreen added to it, so it might not be the best choice for a day at the beach.   Yet, for a smooth look at night, or for all day wear this foundation is beautiful and long lasting.

Another foundation I love is the Extra Firming Oil-Free foundation from Clarins for combination skin.  The combination formula is the best for most women, although I do sometimes use the formula for oily skin in the summer time.  This is one of the few foundations that actually seems to nourish the skin and makes the skin feel more supple after wearing it.  One reason for this is the fact that it has a vitamin based firming agent in the foundation, giving the skin a smooth, soft feeling.  This is not a heavy coverage foundation, but more of a medium coverage so re-application may be needed on a warm day.  It is however, concentrated so a little seems to go along way, as it is very blendable.  With the right bronzer or blush, the skin just seems to glow.

While not as many women have dry skin, its important to find the right foundation for that skin type as well.  Many foundations have a moisturizer blended into the foundation pigment while others have an agent that will keep skin soft and dewy through out the day.  The extra-firming foundation is quite popular, especially for skin that is in the 40 plus age range.  For mature skin, the best foundations will have more restorative and firming agents, and usually be more matte in appearance.

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