Have you ever bought a foundation online, only to find out that it doesn’t match your skin at all? If so, you know how frustrating and disappointing it can be. Online shopping for foundation is not as simple as picking a colour that looks good on the screen. You need to consider your skin type, tone, undertone, and coverage preference, as well as the quality and accuracy of the product images and descriptions.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to pick the perfect foundation online, without wasting time or money on products that don’t suit you!
How to Choose the Right Foundation Formula for Your Skin Type
The first step to picking the perfect foundation online is to figure out what kind of formula you need for your skin type. Different foundation formulas have different benefits and drawbacks for different skin types. Knowing what works best for you will help you narrow down your options and avoid disappointment.
Here are some general guidelines on how to choose the right foundation formula for your skin type:
#1 Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you’ll want a foundation that hydrates and nourishes your skin, without clinging to dry patches or accentuating fine lines. A liquid or cream foundation with a dewy or satin finish would be ideal for you. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane that boost moisture and plumpness.
#2 Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you’ll want a foundation that controls shine and oil production, without clogging your pores or causing breakouts. A powder or matte liquid foundation would be ideal for you. Look for ingredients that absorb excess oil and prevent acne.
#3 Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, you’ll want a foundation that balances your skin’s needs, without making it too dry or too oily. A satin or natural finish liquid foundation would be ideal for you. Look for ingredients that are gentle and non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores.
#4 Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want a foundation that soothes and protects your skin, without irritating it or causing allergic reactions. A mineral or hypoallergenic foundation would be ideal for you. Look for ingredients that are natural, organic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free.
The key is to know what works best for you and what doesn’t. You can also check out online reviews and ratings from other customers who have similar skin types as yours to get an idea of how different foundations perform on them.
How to Find Your Perfect Foundation Shade Online
Finding the right shade online is probably the most challenging part of the process, as there are so many factors that can affect how a foundation looks on your skin, such as lighting, camera quality, screen resolution, etc.
But don’t fret, there are some ways to make this easier and more accurate. Here are some tips on how to find your perfect foundation shade online:
#1 Know your skin tone and undertone
Your skin tone is how light or dark your skin is, while your undertone is the subtle hue that shows through your skin. There are three main undertones: cool (pink or blue), warm (yellow or golden), and neutral (a mix of both). Most brands will indicate the undertone of their foundation shades, such as “cool ivory” or “warm beige”. This will make the process of choosing the right shade easier.
#2 Look for a reference image
Another way to find your foundation shade online is to look for a reference image of someone who has a similar skin tone and undertone as yours. This could be a celebrity, an influencer, a friend, or even yourself. You can then search for what foundation shade they wear or recommend, and see if it matches your skin. Of course, this is not a foolproof method, as different lighting and editing can alter how a foundation looks on camera, but it can give you a ballpark idea of what to look for.
#3 Order samples or trial packs
The best way to find your foundation shade online is to try it on your skin before buying the full-size product. You can easily order trial packs of different foundation shades from Smytten, before you buy them. This way, you can test the foundation on your skin and see how it blends with your skin tone and undertone in natural light.
How to Fix a Foundation Shade That Doesn’t Match Your Skin
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may end up with a foundation shade that is too light, too dark, too pink, or too yellow for your skin. But don’t panic, there are some ways to fix this and make it work for you. Here are some tips on how to fix a foundation shade that doesn’t match your skin:
Mix and match: One of the easiest ways to fix a foundation shade that doesn’t match your skin is to mix it with another foundation shade that does. For example, if your foundation is too light, you can mix it with a darker foundation to create a custom shade that matches your skin. Or if your foundation is too pink, you can mix it with a more yellow or neutral foundation to balance out the undertone. You can also use other makeup products like concealer, bronzer, or highlighter to adjust the tone and depth of your foundation.
Use colour correctors. Another way to fix a foundation shade that doesn’t match your skin is to use colour correctors underneath or on top of your foundation. Colour correctors are makeup products that have opposite colours on the colour wheel to your skin’s discolouration. For example, if your foundation is too yellow, you can use a purple colour corrector to cancel out the yellow tones and make your skin look more even. Or if your foundation is too dark, you can use a peach or orange colour corrector to brighten up your complexion and make it look more radiant.
Wrap Up
Picking the perfect foundation online can be a breeze if you follow the tips and tricks given above. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing Smytten’s selection of foundations and find your dream match today!
And if you need more help or advice on anything beauty-related, tune in for our future blogs!
FAQs
Q1. How do I know what coverage I need?
A. The coverage you need depends on your personal preference and skin concerns. If you have clear and even skin, you may prefer a sheer or light coverage foundation that lets your skin breathe and shine through. If you have blemishes, scars, redness, or hyperpigmentation, you may prefer a medium or full coverage foundation that covers them up and creates a flawless base.
Q2. How do I apply my foundation?
A. The way you apply your foundation depends on the type of formula and finish you choose. Generally speaking, liquid and cream foundations are best applied with a damp sponge or a synthetic brush for an even and smooth application. Powder foundations are best applied with a fluffy brush or a puff for an airy and matte application. Stick foundations are best applied with your fingers or a dense brush for a precise and creamy application.
Q3. How do I make my foundation last longer?
A. Here are some tips and tricks to make your foundation last longer and look fresh throughout the day:
- Use a primer before applying your foundation to create a smooth and even base that helps your foundation adhere better to your skin.
- Use a setting spray or powder after applying your foundation to lock it in place and prevent it from sliding off or fading away.
- Blot your face with blotting papers or tissues throughout the day to absorb excess oil and shine without disturbing your makeup.
Q4. How do I remove my foundation?
A. You can use a micellar water, an oil-based cleanser, or a cleansing balm to dissolve and wipe off your foundation with a cotton pad or a washcloth. You can also use a double-cleansing method, where you first use an oil-based cleanser to remove your makeup, and then use a water-based cleanser to cleanse your skin.
