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    Find your perfect foundation

    Updated:3 May 2017 9:57 AM | Posted by
    bh's Carli Alman's picture
    bh's Carli Alman
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    Sick of applying seemingly perfect foundation only to step outside and realise it’s not as flawless as you first thought?

    Whether you’re using the wrong shade for your complexion, or need a few tips on your make-up technique we’ve got you covered (literally!) with our back-to-basics guide to purchasing and application.


    Shopping for your shade
    To find the right hue for you it’s imperative you test the product properly. “A lot of women try out their foundation on the back of their hands thinking it will give them the closest match to their face,” says Revlon Training Specialist, Bree Sharpe. “As our hands are often exposed to more sun, the skin on them can be up to two shades darker than that on our faces, which means it’s unlikely you’ll get a true indication of how a foundation will look on your face.”

    The easiest way to find the perfect shade of foundation is to pick the hue that you think might be right for you, then select one shade lighter and one shade darker than your initial choice. Next, apply a stripe of all three shades next to each other on your jaw line (right by your chin). “Having three hues next to each other gives a really clear comparison and lets you sort your perfect shade from the almost-there-but-not-quite-right colours,” says Sharpe. “Your ideal foundation will be the one that disappears in to your skin and makes the other two stripes stand out.”

    Seasonal update
    If the colour of your skin is prone to changing during summer (and by that we mean through the use of faux-glow products of course!), you may want to consider buying two different shades of foundation. “If you tan easily I’d recommend purchasing another shade within the first few weeks of the new season,” Sharpe advises. Keep in mind you may also need to consider the formula of your foundation when switching for the seasons. For example, if your skin tends to become oilier in hot weather, opt for a light, mattifying base in summer. Likewise, if it’s prone to dryness in winter, choose a foundation with moisturising properties for the colder months.

    Perfect application
    To achieve a photo-worthy complexion, you should always start by preparing your skin properly. “A good moisturiser and primer are very important in creating a long-lasting flawless finish,” says Sharpe. “Priming your skin creates an ‘artificial’ smooth surface so that your make-up goes on easily, looks better and lasts longer – it’s a must for all foundation wearers!” Try: Revlon Absolute C Radiance Moisture Crème, and Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer.

    Foundation is next. Starting at the centre of your face, blend out and downwards to ensure that less product is applied to the jaw line and eliminate the dreaded demarcation line (otherwise known as ‘pancake’ face). We like Revlon PhotoReady Makeup as it contains light-reflecting pigments to erase all flaws and produce an airbrushed finish. It also contains an SPF 20 making it the perfect foundation for everyday use.
    Finish with a light dusting of Revlon PhotoReady Powder or Translucent Finisher to set your foundation and minimise shine.

    69 Member Comments

    skincare junkie 27 Aug 2017 2:55 PM

    I think relying on sale assistants to match foundation colour is a waste of time. I recently have my foundation matched by Estee Lauder in Myer. I am NC 25 and she matched me to "Bone", one of the lightest shades in double wear. I knew it was wrong when I was at the counter but I didn't say anything because it may look different when I go outside. And yes it was different - it was worse! Now I trust myself when it comes to matching. Not going to ask for it to be matched for me again!

    Linda_Vesinger 19 Jan 2016 7:24 PM

    Sometimes the trickiest part of foundation shopping is getting that perfect shade match

    Thaliaho 24 Nov 2010 10:26 PM

    Love this article !

    Madixoxo1 26 Jun 2010 4:12 AM

    The tips on how to choose a shade are great! I've always struggled with getting a perfect match, hopefully now I will be able to!

    KarenSaid 14 May 2010 9:35 AM

    Great tips for really finally getting foolproof foundation! But hm, these still leave me a little lost on powder foundation, as they sound most suited for liquid formulas?

    Sydneyswans910 7 Apr 2010 1:09 AM

    Great tips, and I LOVE Revlon - I use their ColorStay foundation religiously!!

    Pandr134 17 Mar 2010 4:47 AM

    I have tried revlon, but always have difficulty getting the right shade. The last time I bought some I asked the beautician at the counter to choose one for me but it still was not right. I think the problem is the lighting in Department stores - it looks good there but when you get home it can look completely different.

    Lovlor 9 Mar 2010 9:35 AM

    Maybe it should change my foundation...

    Lash2 2 Mar 2010 3:50 AM

    I have tried many foundations and always end up going back to Revlon New complexion liquid foundation. I find it gives me the most natural look without a shiny finish and I don't get break outs.

    Diddimin 2 Mar 2010 2:51 AM

    I am a bit partial to Revlon too.

    xCherrybliss 28 Feb 2010 6:39 AM

    I love the tips, i really need two shades of foundation because my skin always changes colour through the course of the year along with my skin condition.

    Biancarushton 27 Feb 2010 10:31 AM

    thanks for the tips. i had alot of trouble finding foundation, i kept finding the perfect shade in the shop, bringing it home and finding it too dark. i realised that some shops had quite orange lights, so it all looked normal. i got a free sample of a clarins foundation and it matched my skin absolutely perfectly and ive never looked back. its a little more expensive than i like but its perfect.

    tannecy 26 Feb 2010 11:11 AM

    i prefer to leave the matching of colour to the consultants at DJ or myer too, or if the foundation is a cheapie or i cannot try first then i will get 2 shades (if its cheap enough) coz can always use a darker one in summer and lighter one in winter. Wondering if BH can (if not already have) do a feature in the difference and recommendations in different types of foundations? powder, cream, mouse, liquid, compact, press powder etc etc...

    Nicole Daye 26 Feb 2010 6:36 AM

    Great advise, thank you.

    Nicole Daye 26 Feb 2010 6:36 AM

    Great advise, thank you.

    Nicole Daye 26 Feb 2010 6:36 AM

    Great advise, thank you.

    Nicole Daye 26 Feb 2010 6:36 AM

    Great advise, thank you.

    Naazmij 26 Feb 2010 2:43 AM

    great tips. so handy. I always have trouble with this

    Pauli 25 Feb 2010 8:23 PM

    The reason your face looks white in photos is the sunscreen in the foundation. If you are having photos taken wear a foundation without sunscreen.

    Dragonflygirl1 25 Feb 2010 1:22 PM

    thank you for the tips, it will definately help me.

    freaky 25 Feb 2010 9:01 AM

    revlon is always been so innovative always keeping up with what us women want. Thanks for the tips here.

    bh's Debbie Black 25 Feb 2010 5:28 AM

    Hey Beauties, So glad you guys found this article useful. Finding your perfect foundation will change your life - or at least the way you look :-) I'm happy to hear that some of you are mixing two shades of foundation too. I probably should have mentioned that because it's a great way to achieve your ideal shade if you love a particular brand but are in between shades. xDeb

    Angelique 25 Feb 2010 2:02 AM

    I've recently picked up Clairns Instant Smooth Foundation, the texture is amazing!! It melts into your skin and provides flawless coverage. It's the most amazing foundation I have tried so far.

    Tayler28 24 Feb 2010 12:16 PM

    I used to always find that in photos my face was white (like a ghost), but when I switched to revlon's Infalllible that stopped and they have a great range of shades as well.

    Dee255 24 Feb 2010 7:22 AM

    I can never find the right shade. At the moment I am using a mix of two - a light Revlon Colorstay and a slightly darker Chanel Mat Lumiere.

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