Finding the Perfect Match: Your Foundation Guide

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Foundation is arguably the most important element of a makeup routine. It provides the base that creates a seamless canvas for the rest of your makeup regimen. Thus, it is essential to select a foundation that best suits your needs.

Freelance makeup artist and certified professional eyelash extensionist Kyra Kropp is an expert when it comes to foundation matching.

“Some of the key characteristics to consider include the formula, affordability and shade range of the product,” Kropp said. “I’ve been doing makeup for years now, on clients with all different skin types. It is crucial to use a foundation with the right formula to achieve the most flawless finish possible”.

Using the wrong foundation can lead to a cakey, flakey catastrophe, so I suggest adhering to the following guide to help you select the best foundation match possible!

Normal Skin

Normal skin is characterized as skin that is not oily or dry and tends to have few blemishes.

An affordable foundation that is perfect for those with a normal skin type is Maybelline’s Fit Me! foundation. Despite being a medium to full coverage product, this dewy foundation is known for its natural finish that leaves your skin looking hydrated and fresh. With 24 shades, this foundation befits a vast range of complexions. Selling for just $7.99, Fit Me! foundation is extremely accessible and can be found at your local drug-store!

If you are looking for a higher-end foundation, bareMinerals Barepro Performance Wear Liquid Foundation is your answer. This product’s lightweight, full-coverage formula is perfect for those with a normal skin type. Offered in a whopping 30 shades, this highly inclusive product is sure to offer the perfect shade match to nearly anyone. At $34 per bottle, this product is a bit pricier; however, the seamless matte finish is worth the pretty penny.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is described as flakey or dehydrated skin that lacks moisture.

It is crucial for those with dry skin to choose a foundation that is hydrating and leaves the skin with a dewy and glowing finish.

My favorite foundation for dry skin, which just so happens to be extremely affordable at a mere $12.99 per bottle via the L’ORÉAL’ website, is L’ORÉAL’s Infallible Pro-Glow liquid foundation. This medium-coverage foundation leaves the skin with a radiant glow that lasts all day.

Another foundation perfect for a dry skin type is Clinique's Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing Makeup. This hydrating foundation is praised for its revitalizing effect and flawless finish. This foundation is sold at $32, and its commended formula makes it worth every penny. You can find this product online, or at beauty stores like Ulta or Sephora. The naturally stunning finish will have everyone believing you woke up like this!

Oily Skin

Oily skin type describes skin that produces excess oil, often creating a shiny or greasy appearance.

For those with an oily skin type, matte and shine proof foundations are your best friend.

An affordable, drug-store product that minimizes oily-looking skin is Revlon’s ColorStay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin. This full coverage foundation has it all and is offered in 43 shades. That’s right, 43! This oil-free product embraces an immense range of complexions, thus making it feasible for everyone to find the perfect shade. Go pick up this foundation at your local drugstore for just $14.99, and prepare for a flawless, matte finish.

Similarly, Make Up Forever’s Matte Velvet Skin Foundation guarantees a matte and velvety finish. Say goodbye to shiny skin with this oil-free and creamy-as-can-be formula. This long lasting foundation comes in 40 shades, leaving almost all complexions looking naturally flawless. While this product is on the more expensive side at $38, it is known to be an exceptional option for those prone to oily skin. This can be purchased online, or at beauty stores like Ulta or Sephora.

Foundation matching can be a little bit overwhelming. Sometimes, it takes trial and error to find a foundation that has the perfect formula and shade for you, and that’s okay! Hopefully this guide helps steer you in the right direction during your foundation-matching endeavors. Without further ado, find the match perfect for you!