By Chloe Schneider
To seriously ace your base, finding the right foundation for your skin type and colour is a must. Too dark and your face will be turning heads for all the wrong reasons, too light and people will start to wonder if you’re an extra in Twilight. And if you find yourself with a foundation that doesn’t mesh with your skin type you run the risk of blemishes, dry skin, oily skin or, even worse, allergies.
We’ve asked an expert for the best base advice and tried and tested the products so you can be sure your coverage is spot on.
Rescu. Expert Tips:
Before looking at the products, we went to the experts and asked internationally acclaimed make-up artist Isabella Schimid for her top foundation tips:
“I always look at the skin condition before deciding what type of foundation texture I am going to use.”
- if it’s dry dehydrated skin, I like a hydrating light texture foundation or tinted moisturiser
- for mature or premature ageing skin a light reflecting moist found does wonders
- for skin that needs extra coverage at times find one that can be applied lightly and built up for more coverage
“Matching the colour is also important so it looks natural and the found looks like its part of the skin not sitting on top of the skin.”
- I like to test the found along jaw line and nasal labial fold so I can see colour match and also the texture how it sits on the skin
- Lighting is also important as indoor dept store lighting can make it difficult to get the correct colour. I recommend you apply and go outside in natural lighting to see how it looks. If it looks good in natural light it will look anywhere.
Rescu. Recommends:
Best For Sensitive Skin
Clinique Super Balanced Powder Makeup Mineral Rich Formula
Clinique has a new player in the foundation game and we couldn’t be more excited for it to hit the shelves. This loose powder provides full coverage with a skin-balancing formula that both maintains moisture levels and controls oil right throughout the day. The mineral formula, high SPF levels and addition of vitamins C and E make this the perfect solution for sensitive ski
n.
Available from March 20 2011 in Myer, David Jones, Terry White and selected independent pharmacies or online at www.clinique.com.au ($68.00)
Best Handbag Stash To Impress Your Friends
DiorSkin Forever Compact
This new compact from Dior has gone straight to our luxe list. Dreamy to apply and with a velvety, matte finish, this compact provides on-the-go coverage and optimal moisture levels.
Available from major department stores and selected pharmacies ($87.00)
Best All Rounder
Lancôme Teint Miracle
Lancôme have released a new foundation that uses innovative technology that works with your skin, leaving it looking radiant, natural and pure. Available in a wide range of shades to match every skin tone.
For stockists call 02 9931 8888 ($68.00)
Best For A Great Natural Glow
Givenchy Photo’perfexion Fluid Foundation
Inspired by digital imaging, this incredibly light foundation from Givenchy works as both a concealer and a radiance projector. It creates a flawless, natural glow that is virtually undetectable. It truly reflects that natural radiance. Amazing!
Available from Myer ($67.00)
Best New Anti-Ageing
DermaQuest DermaMinerals Breathable Coverage Mineral Foundation
Using BV-OSC, the most rapidly penetrating form of Vitamin C to work as an antioxidant, a zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as protective agents along with Kombucha extract to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, this new mineral foundation works double time to fight the signs of ageing.
Available from selected beauty clinics nationally, visit www.dermaquest.com.au for more information ($78.00)
Best For The Girl On The Go and Best Value
Rimmell London Lasting Finish 25-Hour Foundation
If you’re the type of girl who leaves the house at dawn and gets in way past dusk, Rimmel have a brand new foundation that is an absolute steal. Lastin
g a mammoth 25 hours and being completely transfer-proof, this one works as hard as you do. Plus, the mineral complex and aquaprimer hydrate the skin to ensure your overworked skin is cared for.
Available from Priceline, Kmart, Target, Big W, Coles and selected pharmacies ($17.95)
Best ForSkin Imperfections And Special Occasions
Revlon PhotoReady Makeup
You will look almost airbrushed with this incredible foundation. Tested under the harshest lights, Revlon PhotoReady covers up imperfections like no other to leave you with poreless, smooth skin.
For stock
ists call 1800 025 488 ($36.95)
Best For No Make-Up Look
Chanel Aqua Lumiere
Incredible soft focus pigments diffuse to create an even complexion and control sebum so you can experience a flawless no-make-up look with long-lasting results. The water-in-silicone formula is beautifully light and fresh so it feels as though there’s nothing on your skin as well.
Ava
ilable from major department stores and selected pharmacies ($77.00)
Best For All Day Coverage and Covering Anything
Estee Lauder Double Wear
Available in a semi-matte liquid foundation, concealer, compact powder and now a mineral rich loose powder, this incredible range will last for up to 15 hours so you can have flawless skin all day.
For stockists call 1800 061 326 Foundation, Powder and Mineral Loose Powder ($68.00), Concealer ($45.00)
Best For Covering Pigmentation and Post Facial
Ultraceuticals Ultra Active Even Skintone Compact
Containing lightweight reflective minerals to reduce uneven skin tone, pigmentation problems and irritation, this soft powder compact is the perfect solution for sensitive post-treatment skin and will cover up any unwanted blemishes. The cute compact makes it a handbag favourite too.
Available from selected beauty salons and David Jones ($55.00)
Best For Olive Complexions
Bobbi Brown Luminous Foundation
Anything from Bobbi Brown works well with olive and Mediterranean complexions as all their foundations have a yellow under base, which is super flattering. We love this luminous foundation which leaves a soft, healthy, even-toned glow.
Available from Selected David Jones and Myer stores ($80.00)
Best Shade Selection
MAC
We love all their foundations so hard to pick just one but this is hands down the very best place to go if you have trouble finding the perfect foundation shade plus you’ll get expert advice from great make up artists
For stockists call 1800 613 828 or visit www.maccosmetics.com.au
Header image Backstage at Matthew Williamson Fall 2011 courtesy of Snapper Media