Makeup should look like a second skin, not a mask. Today’s foundation formulas are smooth as silk, helping to even out skin tone, add radiance and hydration and, in some cases, UV protection.
That is, of course, if you’re choosing the right texture and shade for your skin type, colouring and age, as well as applying it for optimum effect.
The right makeup can help you look years younger, and vice versa. CosBeauty gets the foundation lowdown from the experts. And click here for our guide to some of the best second skins on the market.
And click here for CosBeauty‘s guide to new generation foundations from some of Australia’s most popular brands.
Rae Morris
`An amazing foundation is the most crucial product in your makeup bag,’ says the internationally-renowned Australian makeup artist and L’Oreal Paris ambassador, who has made up such beauties as Miranda Kerr, Jen Hawkins and Jessica Biel.
`In my experience a foundation that makes your skin moist, radiant and helps even out skin tone can make you look up to 15 years younger,’ she says.
`It’s important to be age-appropriate. What worked for us at 18 simply won’t work for us at 40 and beyond. As we get older we need to change our makeup habits.’
Rae’s latest book, Timeless Makeup (RRP $39.99, published by Allen and Unwin) is dedicated to enhancing the face of the 35-plus woman. Here are some of her top tips:
- Have a couple of different shades of foundation, one for each season as your skin tone will change, and that beautifully covers pigmentation and veins.
- Only use one product under your foundation- adding too many will make skin oil or any powder you use look cakey. She recommends a water-based moisturiser containing sunscreen.
- Don’t overdo the powder because it can make skin look flat and dead. In fact, Rae recommends not using powder at all.
- Don’t use pinky-beige foundation colours because they are ageing.
- Don’t test foundation on the back of your hand.
- Apply 80 percent of your makeup while looking at yourself directly in the mirror. The rear view mirror in a car provides the best light for application – but naturally not while driving!
- Makeup is meant to be reapplied during the day: `It’s all about how good it looks, not how long it lasts,’ says Rae.
TRY: L’Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Foundation, RRP $33.95
Bobbi Brown
`Foundation should look like skin – not makeup,’ says the New York-based cosmetics guru. `For the most natural look, choose a yellow-toned foundation that’s the same colour as your skin.
`It’s important to prepare the skin with moisturiser before every makeup application. Moisturiser keeps skin hydrated, giving you a fresh and healthy appearance. It also helps ensure an even makeup application so skin looks flawless and fresh.’
Bobbi says one of the biggest mistakes that women make is not choosing the right shade.
`If your foundation changes the colour of your face, it’s not the right shade,’ she says. `To find your perfect match, swatch foundation along your jaw line and also on your forehead and check your reflection in natural light.
`You know you’ve found the right shade when you can’t see it. Yellow-toned foundations look the most natural on all skin tones, from fair to dark. Avoid pink-toned foundation, which can make you look like you’re wearing a mask.’
Bobbi says a hydrating foundation is key to looking youthful because it addresses fine lines, sagging skin and uneven skin tone all at the same time. She recommends a creamy formula because `it will glide over, rather than settle into facial lines. Stay away from a heavy foundation, as it will simply accumulate in your lines and make them more noticeable.’
All of Bobbi’s foundations are made to “look like skin” – to quote the guru herself.
`Today, there’s a very fine line (no pun intended!) between foundation and skincare,’ she explains.
`Many foundations are now formulated with the same anti-ageing ingredients that you find in moisturisers. Try a foundation that has vitamin A, which will help skin look firmer, and vitamins C and E, which will protect skin from damaging free radicals.;
Try: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, RRP $78, a long-wearing formula that evens tone, minimises the appearance of pores, conceals imperfections and offers broad spectrum UV protection.
TRY: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, RRP $78.
