The Beauty Buzz

There are so many different types of foundation it is really confusing to know which you want or need. Here I will explain the different types of foundations. Please let me know if you have any questions (or want to sample anything).

Please leave me a comment on which you use or which you think you SHOULD use.

MINERAL FOUNDATION:
This is currently the most popular type (and the one I use). This type of foundation combines the feel of a powder with the coverage of a foundation. It is a weightless, skin-perfecting powder that provides coverage and blends with the sweep of a brush. For a flawless look, a specially designed mineral foundation brush should be used when applying this type of foundation.

MEDIUM COVERAGE LIQUID FOUNDATION:
This is probably the most common type of foundation. It is best for normal to oily skin. It provides even coverage and helps control excess oil.

FULL COVERAGE LIQUID FOUNDATION:
This is the second most common type. It is best for normal to dry skin. Since dry skin tends to absorb more this formula takes that into account. It also helps hydrate skin while providing coverage.

CREME-TO-POWDER FOUNDATION:
This is a two-in-one product that glides on like a cream to hide imperfections. It works well with all skin types and dries to a soft, powdery matte finish.

TINTED MOISTURIZER:
This is a fabulous option for sheer color coverage when you are in a hurry. It’s perfect for an active lifestyle and has the bonus of sunscreen and moisturization. It is great for a day at the beach when you won’t be wearing a full face of make-up anyway.

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This question asked by Bunny. 

The first step in using eyeliner is to choose color appropriate for your eye color. Darker shades such as black or charcoal accent light eyes, while softer shades like brown and plum shades are great for brown eyes. Also, make sure your liner complements the color of your shadow.

Nervous about trying a color? I can send you small samples to play with.

Next you need to consider the type of look you’re after. There are many styles out there, like the Smokey Eyes look I featured a few days ago.

Pencil eyeliner will give your eyes soft definition, while liquid versions offer a sharp and dramatic look. Eye shadow can make a great liner. You can moisten dark eye shadow and apply it with a small, flat brush.

Prepare a cake liner or a dark eye shadow by applying a small amount of water to your brush. Or, if you’re using pencil eyeliner, make sure you’ve sharpened the pencil well and there are no shavings left behind. I personally use the twist kind that doesn’t need sharpening.

Next old the brush or pencil as you would hold a pen. Test the liner on the back of your hand to make sure you have a good line.

Tilt your head back slightly and bring your eyes to half-open. This gives you a good angle for application, while allowing you to see what you’re doing. I suggest a magnifying mirror. (I am still hoping my husband will mount one on my bathroom wall!)

To help reduce any shakiness, try to establish a fulcrum. Simply hold the eyeliner pencil as you normally would, only find a place to rest your pinky, or even pinky and ring finger in some cases, on your own face while lining. I suggest above the brow for the upper, and somewhere around your cheekbone for the lower. It may sound strange, but once you try it, you’ll notice how steady you feel.

Draw a line across the upper lid just above the lashes, from the inside corner to the outside corner of the eye. If you’re using liquid liner, allow it to dry before opening your eyes all the way, or the color may transfer into the crease of your eye.

If you used a brush or a pencil, soften the look by gently smudging the line with your brush or your finger. (Smudging the line with a cotton swab can get cotton fuzzes in your eyes which is especially bad for contact-wearers. I suggest you do not use one.)

Line the lower lids. Moving from the outside edge inward, draw a line on the outer two-thirds of the lid or more, depending on the look you’re going for. Your line should be slightly thicker at the outside corner, becoming thinner as it moves in toward your nose. Using your brush or pencil, lightly stroke the area. If using a liquid liner, apply it in one smooth stroke. Apply less color so your eyes don’t appear raccoonlike.

To help reduce any shakiness try to establish a fulcrum. Simply hold the eyeliner pencil as you normally would, only find a place to rest your pinky, or even pinky and ring finger in some cases, on your own face while lining. I suggest above the brow for the upper, and somewhere around your cheekbone for the lower. It may sound strange, but once you try it, you’ll notice how steady you feel.

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With so many different shades of foundation it is hard to know which is right for you. Here are a few tips to help you find the right one.

Yellow-based shades work well on most women. It will even out nearly complexion. Yellow minimizes red, which may be a result of tanning, aging or broken capillaries.

Test a shade on your jawline. The correct shade should disappear and blend with the skin colour of the neck rather than the face. This will help prevent the ‘mask’ what can appear when using the wrong shade.

When trying a new shade, it is best to test in natural light like sunlight or a natural light bulb. Also allow several minutes for the foundation to dry on your skin before making a decision on the color.

Don’t fall into the false idea that you have to choose one shade forever. I use one shade in the winter and a darker shade in the summer. Also, women with bronze skin tones may consider using two shades at once. We are women and we are allowed to change our minds!

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