Foundation "or base" as it is sometimes known, can either be liquid, powder or cream, and is used to even out skin tone across the face (some formulations can be used for the body as well, if desired).
The most important thing to remember when choosing foundation is to make sure that it matches the skin tone exactly. For women with Caucasian skin tones, excellent foundation ranges can be found at Chanel, Dior and Lancôme. Prescriptives, MAC and Bobbi Brown are all excellent choices for women with darker or mixed skin tones.
Once you reach your department store of choice, you will find counter staff trained to help you to find the right shade. It is very important to try foundation on your face, as opposed to your hand or wrist, and then to check it outside in daylight-- light in department stores can distort your perception of the color. The color that disappears into your skin in sunlight is the right match for you!
Also consider your skin type when buying foundation (dry, oily or combination) and how much coverage you want for your skin. The lightest form of coverage is the tinted moisturizer, which provides a small amount of coverage for those who feel they don't want a heavy foundation. Liquid foundation is next in coverage density and tends to be excellent for women with drier skin. Cream is usually the heaviest foundation and is useful for those seeking to completely cover imperfections, such as freckles or acne eruptions. Finally, powder foundation is perfect for women with oily skin who like heavier coverage.
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