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What is foundation?

Makeup has been popular for ages. In the ancient times to hide skin defects women rubbed lead dust onto skin. In the 30s of the 20th century the forefather of today’s foundation came into existence.

Creamy powder soon became an inevitable part of woman’s life and her basic cosmetic. New types of foundation at the beginning of the 21st century changed it into the second skin and people do not believe anymore in tales connected with its harmful side-effects (e.g. about blocking up pores).

The foundation or base is the first and most important step in makeup application. Despite color pigments they also include special dyes for colour products reacting to light, light elements of silicon as well as important protective ingredients which supplement and support facial cream. Foundations protect skin against ultraviolet, frost, air pollution, contain anti-solar filters and substances catching free radicals.

Choosing the right foundation

The foundation you will choose depends on how much you are ready to spend and on your skin type and color.

To choose the best foundation apply a couple dots of each color on areas of your jawline (the inner wrist or hand aren't the best spots, contrary to popular belief).Take a good, long look -- near a window. Ask to borrow a hand mirror and stand near a doorway, or step outside, to see which foundation looks best in the natural light. The right shade is one that you can't see because it blends in so well.

There are two main color tones – warm and cold which are suitable for women of warm or cold look (for more information see: The appearance type). In warm tone these are yellow, peach, warm beige and brown which dominate, whereas in cold tone – pink, grey, cold beige and sandy beige.

Here is my advice about choosing the right foundation:

If your vessels are chapped, choose cold beige; peach color skin likes warm, preferably golden tones;
Pink foundation will brighten up grey, tired skin;
Skin with dilated pores does not like dark foundations, no matter the consistency. Avoid brightening foundations;
If you have wrinkles, try lifting foundations – you will get rid of lines for a few hours;
If you’re nubile, use fair or pearly beige foundations containing mica which refracts light;
If you don’t like your freckles (although I believe they are one of the natural wonders) and want to hide them, remember that freckled skin combined with too fair foundations will seem earthy and unhealthy;
If you suffer from melanoderma, use foundations with yellow pigment taking into account the fact that darker foundations will conceal defects;
Have acne scars? Do not apply those products that contain brightening ingredients – they will emphasize rough places;
Each skin type needs different foundation;

How to apply Foundation?

Having chosen perfect foundation, you have to learn how to use it properly. No matter the brand or ingredients when you cannot apply it correctly.

The right foundation will even out your skin tone and give you the appearance of flawless skin. But you have to do it right, otherwise you risk looking like a ... clown. Follow these steps for a flawless complexion.

There are two methods of applying foundation. The first claims that you should do it with the tips of your fingers as it quickly reaches the right temperature and gets into skin. The latter is in favour of a sponge which is said to "know" how much foundation to use on your face (the rest will stay onto the sponge without leaving trails on your skin). Liquid foundation will be better applied with fingers.

Foundation is a great but extremely difficult product. You cannot hurry when using it. It needs patience and precision, so save a couple of minutes before leaving home to apply foundation. If you use liquid foundation, do not put it just after using face cream – the cream will dilute the foundation and its layer will become too thin.

Remember not to use two layers of foundation, especially near eyes. If you use cream or brightening toner, apply less foundation.
Always apply the foundation in one and the same direction – from the middle parts (nose and chin) to outer parts, pressing it gently.
Do not cover bottom eyelids, especially when you’re over 30. Used under eyes it will highlight even the slightest wrinkles (which are normally difficult to notice).
But it’s advisable to use a drop of foundation on your upper lid – combined with loose powder it will be an ideal basis for eye shadows which will be easier to apply, last longer and won’t gather at the lid bending. If you have dilated pores, don’t smudge foundation, but press it.
Having used protective cream, get rid of it beforehand – otherwise it will roll out.
It often happens that foundations divide into layers in their containers. To avoid it, shake container before using.
Be careful with the tip of the nose – apply foundation twice as precisely.
You may also use makeup on your ears. It’s especially advisable during winter when your eyes become red because of cold.