Beautiful Blogging ~ The essentials of Foundation & How to use plus, a give-a-way

Welcome to week 2 of Beautiful Blogging! Be sure and read the entire post today as I am having a give-a-way this week and you don't want to miss out!

But first, we are going to talk about Foundation. I had a couple of requests last week so I did my homework and found out some great information!

If you're like me, foundation is essential, even in the summer! I have oily skin plus I still get acne and have some ruddiness on my face that I like to even out. If you think about it, foundation is just that: the foundation upon which the rest of our make-up is applied. Thus, it is very important to choose the right foundation for you! There is absolutely no excuse these days for not finding the "just-right" foundation for you as there are about a zillion different types and brands out there. Of course mineral make-up is all the rage these days but is it right for your skin type?



How to choose the "perfect" color for your skin
~ Contrary to popular belief, putting foundation on your inner wrist is NOT a great way to determine the color. Rather, apply it to you jawline in daylight to see if it "melts" into your skin. So, head on over to your favorite make-up counter with clean, moisturize skin and select a few colors that you think might match. Apply to the jawline and head to the nearest window (ask to borrow a hand-held mirror if you don't have one). Natural light is always the best. If it vanishes then it is your match! Remember too that if you don't like it when you try it at home then return it! Now I know department store counters can be expensive. However, there are occasions where I prefer to work with an expert and the price is worth it to me. You can always make one purchase and then head to your drug store with your new knowledge when you need more!
~Don't try to add color to your skin by going darker or by choosing a bronze shade. Rather, apply bronzing powder AFTER you've applied the right foundation.


What type of foundation should you use
That of course depends on the amount of coverage you're looking for as well as the type of skin you have!
~Women with "normal" skin can basically choose what they like. Gosh, I'd like to meet this woman, ha!
~Oily Skin? Be sure and choose a foundation that is WATER-BASED. If you have acne--prone skin try to choose one that has "Non-Comedogenic" on the label or Salicylic Acid listed in the ingredients. These types will keep pores cleaner than other types.
~Dry Skin - Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!!!!!!!!!!! Moisturize before you do anything else. This is a good step for all of us, but especially for those who suffer from dry skin. Foundation ALWAYS looks better on hydrated skin. It seems that the best option is a CREAM oil-based foundation is the right choice. Powders will simply dry you skin out more and highlight the flakes, while matte finishes will simply make you skin look lifeless!
~Aging Skin is something we are all dealing with or soon will be. I think many of us want to apply heavy foundation to cover up signs of aging but that will only accentuate lines and wrinkles. You want to apply foundation that gives you medium coverage that moisturizes and evens out skin tone. Try one with light-reflecting pigments because this will soften the appearance of "flaws."
~Many of us fall into the Combination Skin category. This typically means that our "T-Zone" (forehead, nose, and chin) tends to be oily. Choose a foundation that is oil-free but that has moisturizers in it.

What coverage to use
there are so many different types of coverage you can choose from so here's a quick guide to help you decide. There are several different types of coverage: Sheer - lightweight with minimal coverage, Medium which is the standard and Heavy which will cover most of our "flaws."
~Tinted moisturizes provide light coverage and are great for those who just want to even out skin tones.
~Liquid foundations are good for dry, normal, or combination skin types. It comes in sheer, medium, and heavy coverage. Best for those seeking medium coverage.
~Cream foundation is perfect for those with dry skin and provides medium to heavy coverage.
~Powder foundations are best for those with oil skin and they provide medium to heavy coverage.
~Mineral Make-up is designed for all skin types and you can achieve a medium to heavy coverage by using a kabuki brush. Want a more sheer coverage? Did your make-up brush in water then foundation and apply! Dry skin? Again, use the proper moisturizer and you should be able to wear it! In some cases, in comes in liquid form which you may prefer.


How to apply foundation
~ Again choose the color that is closest to your skin type
~Always moisturize before you apply make-up.
~Begin applying to the center of your face - cheeks, nose, chin - apply with a sponge, make-up brush or your fingers (I prefer the latter).
~BLEND, BLEND, BLEND out towards your hair and jawline until it "vanishes." Pay special attention to the nose, jawline, and mouth to ensure a smooth finish.

A note about sunscreen - many foundations have a built-in SPF. However, this generally isn't enough plus we don't always put make-up on all of the exposed areas. So, apply an SPF before your foundation ensuring you apply to the neck, ears, and about 1/2" into the hairline. Remember to re-apply throughout the day!

Now for my very first give-a-way for which I am soooooooo excited! Easy as pie to enter. Simply comment on this post with a topic you'd like to hear more about that relates to health, beauty, exercise etc... Reply with as many topics as you would like, but you are only counted once. Want a second chance? Simply follow me or if you already are following me, let me know! I will draw a name randomly from all of the entries on Sunday May 23rd and post on my blog. Please leave me your email so I can email you with the good news! If I don't hear from the winner by May 26th I will draw another winner. Super, duper easy, right? Here's what you'll win:

A beautiful "Dare to Dream" hand-crafted Journal, a lovely embellished bottle filled with Lavender Scented Dead Sea Salts, and a gorgeous set of three Rose Gift Tags. I may even throw in something else!

I am so looking forward to hearing your thoughts and I can't wait to draw a name to win these fabulous goodies!

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Jacalyn

References:

http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/bestcosmeticfo_sbzn.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/how-should-i-choose-the-best-foundation-makeup.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_162_apply-foundation.html

http://beauty.about.com/od/makeuptrickstips/ht/foundation.htm

http://www.newbeauty.com/dailybeauty/entry.aspx?ID=1470

5/23 ~ WE HAVE A WINNER ~ ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU!