AUTUMN FOUNDATION SPECIAL WITH MUA DENISE RABOR
International Makeup Artist and Founder of WOW Beauty, Denise Rabor, shares her tips and tricks on choosing the right foundation for the Autumn months and the best foundations for your skin tone.
Let me clarify a few myths- 1] Foundation is not designed to be a cover up for the face, the idea is that it is corrects imperfections, evens out and boosts the skin tone and can create a smooth and flawless finish. 2] It’s important to choose the right formula for your skin type - there are formulations for every skin type and desired finish. 3] Foundation can only do its best work on well-prepped skin, this means that you have to get the basic essentials right: great makeup begins with effective cleansing, regular exfoliation and moisturising. The better the condition of your skin, the better your make up will look. 4] More is not more - many women are guilty of over applying their foundation, which can lead to ‘caking’ and a mask like effect. The secret is to apply with a light touch and only build up if necessary. 5] It is not realistic to expect to have one foundation for all of your needs; you need at least 2 maybe even 3, to suit the seasons, day to night etc.… Tip 1. One of the best ways to choose a foundation is to do your research on the best formulas for your skin, take a little sample pot out shopping with you and ask for a sample to go and try in your own time, the reality is that store lighting is not usually conducive to choosing the best colours. Tip 2. Choose a primer - the right primer can make a big difference to the way your foundation looks and behaves on your skin. Tip 3. Because many women can have different tones on their face, neck and décolletage it's important that when choosing your foundation, you look for the shade that best unites your neck and face. If you are in any doubt about your undertones, which may be red, yellow or a mix of both, choose a neutral foundation.
There are a lot of great foundation choices available, so to be able to bring you this edit, I’ve chosen some of the products that I use the most… Oily/combination skin/long lasting/hot weather
There are some great oil free foundations available, which are great because there is no oil to mix with the oils in your skin; they tend to stay matte longer. Options to consider are:
Clinique’s ‘Even Better makeup’ - designed to help cover hyper-pigmentation and deliver brighter skin moderate to full coverage and range of shades.
Bobbi Browns Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF 15 and
Becca Ever-matte shine proof foundation this is a medium coverage foundation that controls excess oil and shine, while perfecting the skin and creating a smooth, natural finish. This is lovely because fine lines and pores become invisible.
Fashion fair perfect finish cream to powder oil free foundation - this fashion fair favourite goes on as a silky crème and dries to a powder finish and comes in a range of shades.
Lancome teint idole ultra 24 hr – this is a long lasting foundation with medium coverage that provides a flawless finish for up to 24 hours, with a great range of colours.
Estee lauder – double wear – great for medium/ full coverage this longwearing foundation stays fresh and looks natural through heat and humidity. Also has a great range of colours.
Dry skin /normal
Lancome Teint Miracle foundation – this has a lot of water so it keeps the skin hydrated and its pearlescent work to enhance natural radiance. Again a great range of shades.
Clinique chubby stick – easy to use with buildable coverage, oil free and has a good range of colours.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation- this foundation imparts a glowing, radiant but natural looking finish to the skin and is full of antioxidants to protect the skin and as with all Nars products there is a fab range of shades.
Older skin with fine lines/dullness or normal to dry skin that likes lighter coverage
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum- this glides on easily and provides a gorgeous silky finish to the skin. It contains ingredients that work to firm and nourish the skin. I love this because It’s easy to apply, you can use your fingers and a little goes a long way. It also comes in a good range of colours, which are designed to adapt to your overall skin tone. It has a SPF of 40 too.
Lancome Teint Miracle foundation
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – this is a luxurious oil free mega hydrating foundation that conceals imperfections while still leaving the skin with a nude glow.
Lighter formulas for those who don’t want much coverage I’m thankful for the trend towards lighter almost serum like foundations, which are easy to use and also adapt to your skin tone. I love the following;
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Foundation for those who prefer medium/full coverage Estee lauder – double wear Becca ultimate coverage complexion crème - A long-wearing and surprisingly lightweight full coverage foundation. It’s Oil free, lasts for up to 24 hours, is transfer resistant and is great for concealing imperfections, hyperpigmentation and uneven texture. Plus it provides a natural finish Flexible options Cover fx custom cover drops – this is the new wave, an amazing range of colour drops that you can simply add to your favourite skincare product like your serums, primers and moisturisers.
