The Ten Foundation Commandments

I'm going to come right out and say it - Foundation (to me) is a splurge purchase. I have bought $7.00 mascara and $5 lipstick..but rarely do I spend less then $40.00 on foundation (sorry.) My Three favorite companies to buy foundation from (in no particular order) Smashbox, Make Up Forever, Laura Mercier.

Here we go:

#1. In this Instagram, Facebook and selfie world, having your makeup photograph well is a priority. That being said I ALWAYS opt for a yellow based foundation - always. Flashes and harsh lighting in photographs accentuate redness in the face, a yellow based foundation will help neutral this and help you not look pink in the face.

#2. Color Matching, When you go to purchase complexion makeup, do the jar stripe test. Run the makeup from your check done to your neck, and try 3 colors that look close (that is a Robert Jones trick). This will give you the closest and truest color match.

#3. Use the Right Tools: For a very natural finish, use your fingers, for a little more coverage use a Beauty-Blender and for the fullest coverage I recommend a synthetic Brush.

#4. Have The Right Base: Use a primer if your skin has uneven texture (dryness, break outs, fine lines & wrinkles) But make sure your formulas are compatible. If you are using a water based foundation, have a water based primer etc. To keep this simple, buy your primer & foundation from the same line - same can be said for the concealer.

#5.Start in The Center of your face and work your way out. Women tend to have  more redness around the nose, so put the bulk of your product there and the product will sheer out naturally as you get to your jaw line.

#6. Layer it up - A light to medium foundation base is best for longevity and then spot concealing where there are problem areas. Then to really help things last - finish with a powder. For dry skin I just lightly dust a setting powder over t-zone. For oily skin- a mattifying one, wherever needed. Doing light layers of different products will give you a more natural finish and more bang for your buck by being longer lasting.

#7. Timing: Let your moisturizer and primer absorb into your face before you get your foundation on, so wait a few minutes in the beginning. BUT as soon as everything looks perfect with your foundation/concealer..get the powder on before your foundation creases or settles into any fine lines.

#8 Do your eyes first : A lot of clients will comment: "Oh, you do the eyes first?" Yes I do, every time. Who has time to make their skin look absolutely perfect, and then screw it up with eyeshadow fall out and mascara smudges? Not me. Do you eyes first, then take a bit of moisturizer and wipe away any fall out, and then start creating your perfect complexion.

#9 Choose the right formulas: You want your formulas to be age appropriate and skin type appropriate.

#10. Use Multiple Shades: Find a shade that matches your skin tone perfectly -  buy that one and then buy one shade lighter, and one shade darker (or use bronzer) You can use these to subtle bring dimension and life to your face. Apply the shades where you would apply highlighter and contour.

Please comment below if you have any questions or tell me what your "foundation commandment" is you swear by! I'd love to hear your tricks or your favorite products for your skin type!

xx
sj
WWW.BASTARACHEBEAUTY.COM

Most images are google images in this post. With the exception  of title image: by Caro Photo, and Selfie. lol