by A. South

Created on: April 19, 2010

There is no foundation that’s right for every person.  The foundation that’s perfect for you depends on your skin tone and your skin type.  Before selecting the shade that’s right for you, find the foundation that will help keep your skin looking vibrant, smooth and healthy.

If you want…

Full coverage, not cake
There’s a fine balance between caking on makeup and getting even, smooth coverage.  If you’re hoping to disguise blemishes or age marks, scars or even out complexion, look for high-pigment formula foundations that have silicones and light reflectors.  The light reflectors keep the look smooth and sheer and the pigment provides coverage.  A great pick is Revlon PhotoReady Makeup.  It has a SPF 20 and the coverage and staying power to take you from day to night. 

Young, smooth healthy skin:
keep you skin looking its best by choosing foundation that will prevent the signs of aging and keep your skin moisturized.  Try Almay’s Smart Shade Anti-aging Makeup.  It has SPF 20 to prevent sun damage and decreases lines with peptides and natural extracts.

A perfectly clear complexion:
Look for foundations that will zap zits while they conceal them.  Make sure you wear makeup that is oil-free and formulated to kick zits to the curb.  A great bet: Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup.  The foundation works to clear pores of debris to keep them from getting clogged.  Or, check out Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Power which helps eliminate dirt and oil while you wear it.

Makeup that stays in place all day:
If you’re sick of having to do touch ups and deal with smudges, try out Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Cover Stick.  It’s weightless, but stays perfectly in place as it glides on.  Isadora 16 Hours Active Moist Makeup is so confident about its staying power that it says so in the name! 

An even complexion
to cover up redness and an uneven complexion, look for soothing foundations that are free of irritants.  A great pick is Wet n Wilk Natural Wear Foundation.  It’s packed with pigments and free of irritants.  Plus, it’s under $10

To look fresh and radiant all at once
The goal here is to find a subtle foundation that is light, has moisture and reflects light and is oil-free.  Try out Elizabeth Ar\den’s Pure Finish Mineral Tinted Moisturizer.  It hydrates, makes skin dewy and gives a hint of sheer color.

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