Lustre Magazine September 2013 | Page 32

SEPTEMBER Avoid Foundation Fail! Words by ALEESA HALL Foundation is one of those things, isn’t it? It’s either right or wrong. Being a make-up artist, I can spot a “wrong” foundation a mile off. Fake tanners can be the biggest offenders with the wearing of their natural skin coloured foundation instead of introducing   a more bronzed foundation colour to the mix. Mismatched face to body’ is indeed quite the common faux pas.   So, for this most important part of your make-up, how can you choose the right foundation? erly, the foundation in question must be applied to a clean face. Most of the makeup houses also have skincare, so the counter person should be more than happy to clean off your makeup. I’m also a big advocate of applying foundation to at least half of your face. Doing a little stroke of foundie on the cheek or neck is not going to cut it. Lighting So, you’re in David Jones with half your face made up, but how’s that department store lighting? Now, I used to work the counters in my time, “To really avoid ‘mismatched and from experience, face to body’ (observe photos) it’s an uphill battle to try matching the foundation to get your colour right in that lighting. Big time. your décolletage.” I used to drag my customer to the middle of Pitt St. mall, mirror in hand Time and Preparation to really get the dealio. NatuFirstly, this is an exercise that ral light is your friend. It tells no needs some time. Fronting up to lies. If in doubt, get a sample to a counter on your lunch-break take home. wearing a face full of makeup with the intention of purchasing Match the foundation… a new foundation in 5 minutes is not the right approach. That where? attitude is sure to get you the The assumption is to match dreaded ‘mismatched face to the foundation to your face body’. Set aside some time to it makes sense, right? Wrong. shop for the best foundation for To really avoid ‘mismatched face to body’ (observe photos) you. try matching the foundation to your décolletage. By correct Try Before You Buy You must try it on. Not on the back of your hand as this is totally different to the skin on your face.Straight on the dial is the best way. To do this prop ly colour-matching in this way you’ll be complete in more than just a made up head on a body way. (I’m sure you are a whole fabulous person but you get my drift.) Choosing the Foundation Right Have a good hard look at yourself and ask the question: Do I look better? Or do I look like I could be performing in a circus or nightclub?  Have I aged since wearing this foundation? The purpose of foundation is to even out your skin-tone, cover flaws and to improve the appearance of your skin texture. If these boxes aren’t ticked, move on. Now, if your skin is in bad nick (dry, crusty, etc.), buying a foundation that is going to turn you into a 20 year old super-model is quite an ask. Good, daily skincare is the first step in ensuring the foundation you choose will enhance your skin. If you have a dry visages – avoid powder-based foundations. Choose rich liquid formulas that add lustre to the skin while oily faces – avoid dewy bases (your natural oils will do that for you) and opt for more matte textures. Follow these tips & you will never waste your money on the wrong foundation ever again. -Aleesa x