Make-up artists reveal their favourite foundations and give expert tips on getting it right
Getting your foundation right is tricky business. With the endless varieties of base products available, from liquid to cream to powder, it can get confusing. Then there is the tedious task of finding the right shade — not too light or dark. And finally there’s the possibility of make-up melting away with the humidity and heat. In fact, most women shy away from using foundation and turn to BB creams and tinted moisturisers as a safer best. After Hrs got experts to suggest how you can put your best face forward...
Blending is key
When it comes to make-up, foundation is the main thing. If you get your base wrong, the rest of the make-up can fall flat. Vipul Bhagat, make-up expert says he swears by foundations by Bobbi Brown, MAC, Kryolan and Christian Dior as they blend really well with the Indian skin tone. “I’m not a fan of cream or powder-based foundations as they tend to become cakey. Oil-based foundations and liquid ones, camouflage well with our skin,” he says. There are two main things that one has to keep in mind — one is that the application has to be blended well as else it can look patchy. The wrong foundation can also age you. The second is picking the right shade. Apply it on one side of the face instead of the hand to test it out and compare it with the other. Ensure you check it out in a warm lighting so that you can see if it works well for you.
Test it out
Clint Fernandes, make-up expert opines that the best foundations are those that blend into the skin seamlessly and can’t really be seen. He recommends products by Chanel and Shiseido which are part of his personal kit as well. “The Chanel Perfection Lumiere is almost elastic, it leaves no cracks on the skin and stays put for really long. Shiseido’s Hydro-Liquid Compact works well too. It has a wet texture when going on, but then gives a matt uniform finish to the skin,” he adds. The best trick to test if you’ve got the perfect shade is to apply a bindi size amount on your forehead and see if it is invisible. Those with very fair skin tones could opt for one or two shades darker. He also recommends testing a product out for four to five hours before purchasing as some foundations can go dull with time. “Using a moisturiser and an eye cream pre application is essential. This will prevent the skin from getting too dry and cracking,” explains Clint.
Apply it well
While most of us are used to applying foundation all over the face, it’s not needed. Renuka Pillai, celebrity make-up artist, Avon India says dab your foundation only on the places you need. For example, cover redness on the cheeks, hide some pimples and even out your skin tone where necessary. “I would recommend AVON True foundation. It is one of the best foundations for everyday usage, and gives medium to full coverage. The other type of foundation which is in trend is two-in-one formulas, powder and cream which once dry can be used in a powder format and when wet can be used in liquid format. Use a good quality beauty blender or foundation brush to get the type of coverage you desire and don’t forget to set your base with luminous powder. Foundation is all about creating a healthy, smooth and consistent colouring throughout your face and neck.” she says.
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