E-harmony for the face

Yep, that's right. Finding your perfect match.....of foundation.

I recently asked on my instagram (annam_artistry) what people would like to read about in this blog. One of my dear friends and readers Sam posted that she would like to find out about foundation and the way to get a perfect match. I will try my best to keep this as entertaining as possible because I have a lot of information for you.

First lets talk about finding the right COLOR and then we will talk about finding the right FINISH. When shopping for foundation you must be patient. I can give you some helpful tips on finding a foundation at a department makeup counter or in a drugstore.

Drugstore color matching

1. You MUST buy from a store that has a amazing return policy. Target is my suggestion because they return with no questions asked as long as you have your receipt.
2. Use whatever helpful swatches they have. A lot of drugstores do not have testers that you can test on your skin, but they sometimes have see-through swatches that you can hold up to your skin to help determine your shade and undertone.
3. Read below to find the rest of the matching techniques.

Department store matching

1. Shop around and ask questions! Do not feel stuck to one brand because it is what you are familiar with. Just because Bare Minerals is known for mineral makeup does not mean they are the only ones with mineral makeup.  Also, shop around with your beauty consultants. You want to find someone that you are comfortable talking with and you can feel that they are not just trying to get a sale. If they get pushy, just be straight forward with them "I'm not looking to buy today you sales hungry bitch" Or something of the sorts. But WHY would you say that? Because you AREN'T looking to buy today.
2. Do not expect to purchase the first time you visit the counter. Much like dating, you have to date around before you find someone that is a perfect fit. The key to this is sampling, become a hoe when it comes to foundation. Don't commit, dabble. Be proud of your freedom and if your foundation doesn't understand then tell it there are many other brands out there and you don't need their judgement.
3. Match it to your face and neck. So often I see people match their arm or their hand and, well, how can I say this politely? Oh, how about this... hold your hand in front of your face, look in the mirror and then.... SMACK YOURSELF ACROSS THE FACE. Because clearly your body is a different color than your face. Often skincare and foundation have SPF so your face is protected but your body is not. Hence, white face, tan body. Also, if your neck is tanner than your face, match to your neck so you won't have a foundation line.






4. Know your undertone. There are warm undertones and cool undertones.

Such as these:

Warm undertones are more yellows and golden colors in your skin



Cool undertones are more pink, red or blueish



5. Get samples. Most makeup counters have sample cups so you can take the makeup home and try it. I would try and have the consultant put some on your face so you can wear it throughout the day, see it in natural light (yes it looks different in florescent lighting) and make sure it doesn't "turn" on the skin. What I mean by "turning" is when the makeup oxidizes (air hits the makeup) it can often change colors.


With these tips you will surely find your perfect match. Color match. You can call me.... the matchmaster.

Now to talk about Finish

Foundation finishes are often described as Dewy, Satin, and Matte. There is also a sub category of semi-matte but you can figure that out for yourself, hopefully.

Matte finish means that there is no shine. Most people with oily skin really enjoy this type of finish because it helps matte down the oils and give an almost powdery look. This is very good for texturized skin. Also, this is great for film or casual pictures because it keeps the oil down. However, matte finish can take a way the dimensions of the face. Meaning when the light hits the skin it doesn't give bounce back the high and low planes of the face. Making it appear flat, almost as if Spain was right, they probably wore matte foundation. Ok maybe not but you get it.



Satin finish means that the foundation dries very silky on the skin. It is almost as if you took shimmer and grinded into micro beads and then mixed it into the foundation. This looks absolutely beautiful....on the right skin. It shimmers across the skin almost as if it was one of those pantene commercials. I will say that this is not for everyone, meaning if you don't have baby soft skin it can make your skin look like a Los Angeles side street.... potholes, bumps, broken glass and dog shit. A little extreme but you get it.


Dewy finish means very glowy. This is my favorite maybe only because I have very DRY skin so it makes my skin look like it has naturally beautiful shining glow. This foundation looks as if it never dries. It has a consistent glow and looks beautiful in professional pictures. It makes the skin look hydrated and healthy. Almost as if you had a quick workout, making you appear as if you juice, are gluten free, environmentally friendly, drive a prius, and have high self esteem. Ok a little extreme but you get it.


Hope this was helpful and please feel free to leave any questions you may have.

Till next time

MUAH!

Anna Milhouse Artistry
530.941.3677
Fb: Anna Milhouse Artistry
IG: Annam_artistry
Vine: Anna Marie Milhouse
Twitter: anna_reeee 

Comments

  1. Transforming brides into their most beautiful selves because every bride deserves to feel special.

    Harmony Makeup Studior

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment