Skin types have been so overwhelmingly categorised that in this day and age, it can be difficult to really (without sounding too medical) 'diagnose' your skin type. Between dry, oily, combination, acne prone, dull and lots more to choose from, the perfect make-up base can become a minefield of skin and make-up products, all promising to deliver the 'perfect' base.
Well ladies, it's time to officially initiate you into the Fragrance Direct Base Camp. We understand that when it comes to skin, the task at hand can sometimes feel a little bit more than daunting. Our skin is a huge part of us and truth be told, we only get one skin, so why not put that little bit of extra effort in to take proper care of it? It's a partnership that will literally last a lifetime.
Of course it's always good to start by looking at how to enhance your skin base with the most natural qualities and saving a bit of cash along the way never did any harm, so let's start using something that doesn't require being in the beauty elite club. It's cheap (practically free), it's attainable and it has qualities that out span just your skin. We're of course talking all things water! From the tap or the bottle, water is a skin saviour. We're not going to bore with you with all the well known details, but what we will say is drink up! Smooth lines, firm the skin and improve undereye circles with the world's most renowned beauty elixir!
Before getting to the make-up application, achieving a smooth make-up base can be the tricky part! If your skin is oily, you may want to steer clear of heavy cleansers, moisturisers and pre make-up treatments that could clog your pores, while dry skin needs lots of hydrating ingredients to soak up any dry patches.
For an all round moisturising product, we like L'Oreal's Derma Genesis Day Cream with SPF 15. Designed to suit all skin types, it sinks into the skin and helps to even out skin tone. It also helps to generate new skin cells and slow the aging process down so whether you want to fight the signs of aging or not, you've got a multi formatted product that will do the job for you.
Before you start thinking about foundation, you may want to consider whether a primer would be a step in the right direction when it comes to applying your make-up. Ultimately, primer works to create longevity to your foundation, no matter what the day may bring. The Maybelline Instant Anti Age Retexturising Primer is a nice product for prepping the skin before make-up application. It helps to hide any enlarged pores while keeping your skin feeling soft and hydrated, which is key for achieving a fresh and dewy make-up look.
Alternatively, if you don't want to use a primer, but still want to create a dewy make-up base, try mixing a small swatch of your moisturiser in with your foundation to create a hydrating and moisturising formula that won't create a caked make-up look.
I like to use a little help when it comes to actually applying my make-up base. Some foundation formulas work well by using your fingers to blend in the make-up, but personally, I don't like getting my fingers dirty! One of my favourite make-up 'accessories' is a foundation brush. There is such a diverse range to choose from on the market and they can all do lots of different things. A blogger favourite is the Real Techniques Foundation brush. Designed by pro make-up artist, Samantha Chapman, this brush is designed to build coverage steadily so that you can take control of how heavy or light you want your make-up to look.
If you want to achieve a natural looking make-up base, try a light foundation that will blend into your skin easily and will allow you to build up coverage at your own pace. Almay's Nearly Naked Foundation sums up its qualities perfectly just by its title. Blending seamlessly into the skin, this foundation works to an even finish; leaving you feeling like you aren't wearing make-up at all.
For oiler skin types, mineral foundation is great for soaking up any unwanted moisture and evening out the skin tone. The Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Make-up comes with a kabuki brush applicator so that you can work the product into your skin by buffing the brush. It also contains a shine free formula which works well for any special occasions you may attend as any photos taken won't pick up unwanted shine and oil.
An important last point to remember is, if you want to maintain a healthy, fresh complexion, it's vital to take your make-up off at the end of the day. If like me, you love the feeling of clean and clear skin, you'll know what I mean, but it is very easy to fall into that 'wearing make-up to bed' slump. Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes has been a cult beauty favourite for years. They have a gentle, vitamin filled formula which wipes make-up away easily to leave your skin feeling refreshed and toned.
What are your favourite products for achieving your make-up base? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
