Finishing off an outfit can be achieved with great accessories, and this winter that means piling on the bling! However, accessories will only go so far if your make-up is not looking equally fab. A lack of sun, chilly weather and central heating can leave skin looking tired, so foundation is a make-up staple over the festive season. Knowing how to match foundation with your skin type, as well as how to best apply the product are just as important as matching your accessories with that new dress.
Turning your attention toward your make-up needn’t mean you turn your back on accessories, and luckily there is still time to add items to your Christmas wish list! Bex rox accessories, available from Avenue 32 will instantly add chic sparkle to any look, leaving you time to focus your attentions on finding that perfect foundation.
First, must your skin type: different foundations work better with different kinds of complexion. Most people have either dry, oily, normal or combination skin. Normal skin is characterised by an even complexion, small pores, few lines and wrinkles, and is not prone to spots and breakouts. Oily and dry skin is pretty self-explanatory, whilst combination has features of both: dry or slightly rough cheeks and an oily t-zone, which can be prone to breakouts. To keep skin healthy and to ensure your foundation gives natural coverage and delivers a flawless complexion, you must choose your product with consideration to your skin type.
Cream foundations can be too heavy and pore-clogging for oily skin, but work well with dry, normal and combination skin. Those with oily skin should look instead to pressed powder, which can help create a matte finish and minimise pores. There are a couple of great go-tos which suit most skins types. Mineral foundations even out skintone as well as absorbing excess oil, without over drying. For lighter coverage, perfect for summer months, a tinted moisturiser should have a home in every girl’s make up bag.
Finding and bagging the correct product is all well and good, though incorrect application can reverse all the hard work put into matching your skin type with your foundation. There are three ways of applying foundation: using a sponge, using a brush, or using your fingers. The method you choose should depend on your chosen product, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.
A sponge is great for achieving a dewy, luminous finish, so works well with those foundations which contain light-reflecting particles. Rather than using a sponge to ‘paint’ on product, dab lightly onto the skin in a blotting motion. For liquid foundation you may want to apply using a brush, which will evenly deposit the product. Unlike with a sponge, a brush can be used to ‘paint’ on foundation, brushing it in sweeping strokes across the forehead and chin. Pick a brush with natural bristles as, not only will this feel more comfortable but will also grip product better: ideal if using to apply powder foundation. Finally, for those not afraid to get messy, using your fingers to achieve that flawless finish is also possible. Not using a ‘tool’ also has the added benefit of warming foundation, making it easier to blend. If using a thicker cream foundation for heavier coverage, using your fingers will help achieve a natural look.
There is a lot to consider when choosing and applying foundation. A flawless complexion adds the perfect finish to any outfit, whilst jewellery and accessories still provide a more instant way of glamming up your look.
