So over the last few weeks I've been trialling a few potential new foundations. I was in the market for something new for every day wear and was growing a little tired of my NARS Sheer Glow (I know, can you believe it?!) Plus I felt I was lacking in foundations that actually matched my true skin tone.
Now foundation tends to be one of the hardest working products in your makeup bag which makes finding the right one a challenge. It's just not the same as choosing a new eyeshadow or lipstick. So to ensure I wasn't wasting my hard earned cash I came up with a plan and here it is! My top tips on how to choose the right foundation:
Decide on exactly what it is you're after
What finish do you want? Something matte, something dewy? Are you looking for a light coverage or something a little more heavy? Deciding on what you're after from your foundation before you go out and swatch/ test will help you narrow down the products you don't want and will save you valuable shopping time.
Read a few reviews
Foundation can be a really hard thing to decide on based on reviews as everyones skin is different; what might work for one person may not work for another. However to get an accurate idea on public opinion I'd type something like "the best foundations for oily skin" into Google. You should get a decent list of foundations that you can read up on that way.
Don't buy into the hype
Don't get me wrong, hype can surround certain products for a reason. However some companies have a huge marketing budget which they aren't afraid to use! Just because you see a load of banners and ads on TV it doesn't mean the products all that. Don't forget the smaller brands and don't be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. I've found some of the best products from going off the beaten track.
Don't be afraid to ask for help at the counter
Once you've decided on what you're after speak to the people behind the makeup counters and ask their advice. You'll find they know a lot about the products they are selling and will be able to suggest something that's right for you. They'll also do a colour match as well which will ensure you're getting the right shade for your skin tone.
Grab a tester
Ask for a few testers of the different types of foundation your interested in. Don't be shy to ask for multiple testers in different shades and from different brands. There's nothing better than taking the product home with you and actually trying it for yourself.
Put the product through it's paces
Once you've got your hands on a tester be sure to trial it for a good week. Use it with primer and without to get a good idea of it's lasting power and be sure to use it with the rest of your makeup. You'll get a much clearer idea of how good the foundation if after a 12 hour day at the office than you will from a quick swatch in the drug store!
So there we have it! My top tips on how to choose the right foundation. In case you're wondering, I went for the Estee Lauder Double Wear light and I absolutely love it! If you'd like me to do a separate review on it let me know :)
Have any of you guys got any top tips on choosing foundation? If so I'd love to hear them!
Lots of Love,
DML
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