How do I choose the right foundation? Pick the perfect foundation based on color, coverage, and more

With the vast array of products in the beauty industry, it can be overwhelming to try to find the best foundation for your skin. As you shop around, you’ll notice there is no shortage of finishes, shades, coverages, and formulas to choose from, allowing for optimal customization but also making the process of finding the right foundation tricky.

Ultimately, you want to invest in a foundation that enhances, rather than masks your skin. At the end of the day, the goal is to create an even, uniform complexion that highlights your best features and allows you to look and feel your best. Keep reading to uncover how to find the best foundation makeup.

Key Takeaways

· Choosing a foundation is easy, if you know what to look for.

· Matching your foundation color to your jawline for the best match for your skintone.

· Look at your veins in your arms to determine your undertone. If they look green, you have warmer undertones, and more of a blue tint is a cool undertone.

· Make sure to have a clean and primed face before applying foundation for the best application.

· Choosing the right foundation for your needs and skin is a personal choice, but one we walk you through, from choosing the right foundation color to the best finish.



How to choose a foundation color that matches

You may be asking yourself, “how do I choose my foundation color?” Rest assured the process doesn’t have to be complicated. Most people test the shade of their foundation on either the outside or inside of their forearms. While this is convenient, it’s not the most effective way to check if the shade is going to suit your skin tone.

Instead, test foundation on your jawline. Here’s why: Your jawline more closely resembles the skin on your neck and face and can make it easier to find a shade that works for you.

Also, don’t forget that lighting matters. Test various shades in natural lighting to see how they truly look on your skin.

If you need to stand by a window or step outside, go for it. A dimly lit room or bright lights may lead to a mismatch. Remember that where and how you test your foundation can mean the difference between a flawless look and an unnatural finish that draws attention to, rather than conceals your flaws

Think about undertones

Unless you want to spend an awfully long time on color-correction, it’s best to consider your undertone before you buy foundation makeup. So, what is an undertone?

Put simply, your undertone is the naturally occurring color beneath your skin. It will fall in the warm, cool, or neutral category and help dictate the ideal foundation product. The best way to find out your undertone is the vein test. Take a close look at your veins on your forearms. If they have a green tinge, you probably have warm undertones. A bluish tinge, however, is a telltale sign of cool undertones.

If you have a warm skin tone, go with a foundation that has a slight yellow tone in it. On the other hand, cool skin tones should go for a foundation with a warm undertone like pink. Keep in mind that it’s perfectly okay to buy a foundation that is simply neutral, just to play it safe. It’s easier to match with different skin tones and with different outfits and times of the day.



Know your skin type and goals

It’s important to consider your skin type before buying a new foundation. Take into account whether you have dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, or are prone to acne before choosing the best foundation for you. Here are our foundations recommendations for various skin types:

●    Dry or normal skin: Dewy foundations are the best foundation for dry skin or normal skin types. This kind of foundation can be moisturizing, working well with this skin type because there can be a lack of shine.

●    Oily or combination skin: Matte foundation is the best foundation for oily or combination skin. Matte can be thicker but less oily than other foundations, which could make other skin types irritated but can provide the right base for oily or combination skin.

●    Mature skin: Avoid matte foundation if you are looking for the best foundation for mature skin. Matte has the propensity to emphasize deep wrinkles. For mature skin, liquid foundations are your best bet as they offer hydration and adequate coverage to provide a natural look.





Consider the right coverage: super sheer to full coverage

There is a range of coverage to choose from when buying a foundation. What you get is totally dependent on your skin and personal preference. The best full coverage foundation is thick and quite heavy and is more suited to those who hope to disguise flaws, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. Full coverage is also ideal if you’re looking for a foundation that lasts the whole day and doesn’t need touch-ups.

If you don’t wear much makeup and are going for the nude look, then a full coverage foundation is going to feel too heavy. Instead of a full coverage product, consider a sheer foundation that can even out your skin and give you a more uniform appearance. Depending on the sheer product you choose, you may even forget you’re wearing it.

Understanding the level of coverage you are going to need is essential to finding the best makeup foundation for your skin. If you aren’t sure, we advise going for a lighter coverage foundation as these are easy to add onto and build a thicker coverage if need be.





The secret to a seamless finish: expert application tips

Finding the right foundation is only half the battle. The way you apply your product is just as important. First, start with a clean canvas to prep your skin. Wash your face with a face cleanser and apply a primer, such as the SOS Color Correcting + Hydrating Primer. This way, you’ll create a perfectly smooth surface that allows your foundation to look its best.

Once your skin is all prepped and you’re in an area with natural lighting, use your clean fingers, a brush, or sponge to seamlessly blend the foundation into your skin, starting in the center of your face and blending outwards to prevent a cakey look.

While your fingers are the quickest way to apply it, using a brush can provide more coverage. A sponge can give you a flawless look but it can also waste more product. You don’t have to stick to one application method and may even want to mix and match.

It’s a good idea to experiment with each one to determine the ideal option(s) for your unique skin type and preferences. Regardless of how you apply the foundation, remember to blend all the way down to your neck to avoid visible lines. Pro tip: Start with a dime size amount and add more product as needed.



Choosing the right foundation formula for your skin’s needs

The best foundation for you is entirely dependent on everything we mentioned above, as well as any blemishes you want to cover, and what look you are going for when you are doing your makeup. You should keep this in mind as you figure out how to find the right foundation makeup.

Since the ideal foundation may vary according to season and occasion, it’s always best to have more than one kind of foundation to choose from. Fortunately, Clarins foundation colors offer something for everyone. While some of our formulas offer long-lasting coverage, others are all about hydration or radiance.

If you are looking for a flawless finish that makes your skin radiant but still results in the ultra-nude look, Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation is the ideal product. This is our first serum foundation that is made of pure plant oils and the perfect pigment amount for ultimate breathability. It creates a super-flawless, smooth skin look that is perfect for the natural makeup look.

With Clarins’ HD Light Optimizing complex—containing pink pearls and soft-focus powders—it provides an instantaneous skin radiance and the healthy glow you’ve been longing for. For soft-looking skin, we’ve added Mary’s Thistle Oil and Organic Leaf of Life for hydration.

For medium, buildable coverage and a velvety matte finish, try out our Everlasting for up to 18 hours of wear. Bamboo Powders visibly mattify to deliver a flawless finish, while the hydrating formula leaves skin looking supple and smooth.



Common foundation mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Get your foundation right and you’ll look and feel like a million bucks. Get it wrong and your skin can look cakey, pale, or orange. While it may be tempting to quickly apply your foundation and head out the door, failing to wash and moisturize your skin to prep for the product can lead to a patchy, uneven application.

Also, ignoring your undertone is bound to leave you with a mismatched color. It’ll also make it difficult to blend the product into your skin. Lastly, going overboard and applying too much foundation can look a little off. Start with one pump or a dime sized amount and gradually apply more as needed.

Final tips to feel confident

In the end, foundation is highly personal. The foundation product that your friend or neighbor uses may not be the best fit for you and your unique skin type. Fortunately, Clarins is here to take the guesswork out of finding the right foundation. Our tools and expert advice can steer you toward the perfect match. A match that feels like your skin, only better.

Any questions?

Why is understanding my skin's undertone important when selecting foundation?

Knowing your skin’s undertone is essential if you’d like to ensure your foundation looks subtle. If you disregard it, your foundation might make your skin appear too orange, yellow, or pale, especially in natural lighting.

What are the differences between sheer and full-coverage foundations?

Sheer foundations are usually lightweight and formulated to provide a thin layer of coverage and even out your complexion. Full-coverage foundations, on the other hand, tend to be thicker as they’re intended to completely cover your skin and imperfections, such as blemishes, freckles, and sun spots.

How does my skin type influence the choice of foundation?

Your skin type will help determine which type of foundation formula meets your skin’s unique needs. If you have oily skin, for example, you’d likely benefit from a powder or liquid-to-powder formula that can absorb excess oil and leave you with a matte finish. For dry skin, a hydrating liquid or stick foundation is a better option.

What are the different types of foundation formulas available?

Foundation is available in liquid, powder, and stick formulas. The right product for you depends on your unique skin type, goals, and preferences. 

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