New to the world of foundation and wondering where to start? We don’t blame you. With so many products out there and different advice at every turn, understanding how to choose a foundation can seem like an impossible task.
But not to fear, our simple guide to getting started in the world of foundation is here to help you find the best formula for you, refine your application process – and wear the result with confidence.
Let’s start with the basics. Foundation is a makeup product normally applied to the face and neck. Its purpose is to even out the complexion and leave you with a smooth base (or literally, a smooth ‘foundation’).
From a makeup artist (MUA) perspective, your base should always be a perfect match with your natural skin tone – its job is to create the best possible version of your skin. Then if you need warmth after you’ve applied your foundation, you can add it with blush or bronzer.
A note from Claire, our co-founder and beauty expert…“While some foundations have SPF built in, most of the time, wearers don’t apply enough product to get the protection they need. Ideally, your sun protection should come from your skincare routine, not your makeup.”
Choosing the right foundation for you can seem challenging at first. Not only are there multiple types out there, but they all come in different shades, with different benefits, techniques, and tools all claiming to be suited to a specific product. But it doesn’t have to be so hard.Liquid foundations (that’s the type we mix here at DCYPHER) tend to be the most popular and versatile – great for everything from a light touch-up to full-face coverage. Our foundations are also full of plant-based glycerin, which acts as a moisturiser to keep you hydrated without overwhelming your skin. That makes us a great choice for your first foundation, because our products are so versatile.
Finding the right foundation doesn’t have to mean endlessly searching the shelves for a shade that’s close to your skin tone. You can spend hours reading online tips about choosing your perfect shade – from checking your vein colour to analysing your jewellery collection – but even if you find the time to do all that, chances are you’ll still be guessing when it comes to selecting a foundation colour.
Today, it’s possible to choose your perfect foundation online – all from the comfort of your home. Here at DCYPHER, we take the difficulty off your hands, combining in-depth skin tone science with formulation expertise to create your perfect shade.
We’ve created a pioneering Skin Tone Analyser – a cutting-edge tool that uses artificial intelligence to assess your skin tone and build your completely unique Skin Tone ID. From there, our expert equipment blends your foundation from scratch, using your exact skin tone measurements to mix a shade for you – and only you.
Coverage refers to the concentration of pigment included in your foundation. A higher concentration of pigment will give you a fuller coverage, while a lower one will be lighter on your skin. There are three main types of coverage, each offering a different overall look and serving a slightly different purpose.
While most brands create one type of coverage for a whole foundation range, here at DCYPHER, we adjust it customer by customer, creating your formula to give you the exact coverage and finish you prefer.
Liquid foundations like ours are best for beginners, as they provide the most flexible coverage and are relatively easy to apply. Begin the application by dabbing some product in the middle of your face, ideally using a foundation brush or a damp (but not wet) makeup sponge to gently buff the products outwards.When you’re finished with the central part of your face, check yourself out in natural light and apply more product to cover up or even out skin on the outer edges of your face. Keep using a stippling motion throughout to avoid streaks and get that flawless finish. If you want to layer up your foundation for more complete coverage, simply apply a thin layer, and wait for it to dry before adding another. You can carry on like that until you’re happy with your look – or check out <>.With DCYPHER, you can select the coverage level and finish you like best, and we’ll tailor mix your product to suit your preferences. Head on over to our Skin Tone Analyser now, and start your foundation journey with us. We can’t wait to make your bespoke formula!
I am very excited to announce my newseries on the site! This series was inspired by an email I received from one of our LaurenConrad.com readers. In her message, this reader mentioned that she felt overwhelmed by hair and makeup tutorials because she had never quite mastered the beauty basics. While I’m sure some of you have been expertly applying liquid liner and bold lipstick since you were 12, that message made me think about how important certain basic beauty skills really are. And no matter how advanced makeup skills you have, it never hurts to go back to the fundamentals and reevaluate your technique.
So today, I thought I’d begin with foundation (after all, it’s called foundation for a reason…). It’s so important to get this step right because it’s always obvious when someone is wearing foundation that is cakey or isn’t the right color for their skin tone. The point of foundation is not to look like you have layers of makeup on but to help your skin look its best. Here’s a good place to start…
The first step is finding a product that is right for your individual skin type. A tinted moisturizer doesn’t offer as much coverage as a foundation, but only choose a heavier foundation if your skin truly warrants it. If your skin is oily or the weather near you is particularly hot and humid, an oil-free foundation is your best bet.
A good trick for finding the right shade of foundation is to match it to your chest—especially if you’re good at protecting your face and neck with SPF. You can also test a color on the back of your hand and then walk outside if you don’t trust the store lighting. Either way, leave it on for a few minutes to see how it changes as it is absorbed into your skin. Also, don’t be afraid to mix colors. I use two different foundation colors for summer and winter (depending how much sun I’ve gotten), and mix them together in between those two seasons.
Never apply foundation to un-moisturized skin. If your skin is on the drier side, you’ll also want to exfoliate prior to applying any products. If your moisturizer or foundation doesn’t have SPF in it, you’ll want to slather on sunscreen pre-makeup too. Then, warm the foundation in the palm of your hand, and then sweep it across your face and neck using clean fingers, a foundation brush or a beauty blender. I actually think that fingers work best for hitting hard-to-reach spots, but that can be a matter of personal preference. When you’re applying foundation, don’t forget about the spot where your jaw line meets your neck! Make sure your face and neck match by blending the foundation into the top of your neck as well.
Do you have any other questions regarding foundation?
What Beauty Beginners topic should I tackle next?
XO Lauren