5 Must-Have Features in a Face Foundation

05 Feb.,2024

 

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Many people are put off by makeup because they’re under the impression they need a lot of products and that it takes an age to apply them. Then comes the issue of, what products should you actually buy? And how do you apply them?

But in reality, you only really need a few basic products in your everyday makeup routine. These products are super simple to apply. And you’ll be able to apply them in less than 5 minutes. Plus they’ll instantly make you look and feel utterly fabulous.

So are you ready to find out what the ONLY 6 Basic Makeup Essentials you really need are?

What Makeup Is NOT!

Before I reveal the products, I’m first going to dispell 3 myths for you.

1. You DON’T need a lot of products to create a beautiful, natural look.

2. It does NOT take a long time to apply makeup every day.

3. The ONLY thing that makeup significantly changes is your self-confidence.

So what DOES makeup do?

Makeup should make you look like YOU, only even more beautiful. It enhances your naturally beautiful features, not change them or cover them up.

Think about a gorgeous piece of clothing you own that you LOVE to wear. You wear it because it enhances a particular part of your body. And it makes you look and feel amazing. Perhaps it enhances your gorgeous figure or your lovely legs. Or maybe it really brings out the colour of your eyes. Either way, it makes you look and feel FABULOUS. And yet you still look like you. Makeup does the exact same thing.

So now that you know makeup still makes you look like you, that you can apply it in minutes and that you really only need a few products, let’s get started with what those basic makeup essentials actually are.

The 6 Basic Makeup Essentials

1. FACE PRIMER

Now, I’ll be the first one to admit that there are SO many makeup and beauty products we’re told that we absolutely need! Yet half the time they’re totally unnecessary. But face primer is NOT one of those products! And it makes my list of the only 6 basic makeup products you actually need for very good reason.

For one thing, it’s actually an extension of your skincare. And it’s the basis for a smooth, even makeup application. Whilst you may think applying a face primer is just another unnecessary step in your makeup routine. It’s actually going to save you time and money in the long run.

But perhaps you’re still a bit unsure as to what it is. So if this is you, make sure to read my post explaining what face primer is, what it does and why it’s a must-have in your beauty routine.

2. CONCEALER

Apart from mascara, concealer is one of my can’t-live-without makeup products. I actually consider both of then my top two basic makeup essentials. Concealer is a little miracle worker to me. And it instantly does a great job of making me look and feel better. A lot of people get confused between concealer and foundation and what each one actually does. So I’ll break this down for you now. It’s actually concealer that’s really going to do all the hard work for you, not your foundation.

What is Concealer & What is its Purpose

Concealer is essentially a colour corrector. Its purpose is to counteract or neutralise discolouration such as redness or pigmentation marks. It lightens shadowed areas such as dark circles under the eye area or around the mouth. And it can also camouflage blemishes.

Concealer is generally thicker in consistency than foundation, as just like face primer, it’s laying the groundwork for your foundation.

Now I’m not going to go into too much detail today about how to choose the correct shade of concealer, as this topic takes a little bit more explanation. So I’ve written a second post explaining the correct way to choose your perfect concealer shade. Make sure to check it out, as this is a vital step to know before wasting your money on buying the wrong concealer for your skin tone.

3. FOUNDATION

So many of my clients tell me that they’re afraid to wear foundation because they don’t want to look like they’re wearing a mask!

Let me reassure you that wearing foundation is not going to make you look like you’re wearing a mask!

Foundations have come a very long way over the past decade. And when you choose the right foundation for your skin type, it’s going to look and feel amazing. It will make your skin look refreshed, radiant and like you had 10 hours sleep (when in reality you’ve only had 4!).

So what is the purpose of Foundation & how is it different to concealer?

Whilst the purpose of concealer is to colour correct, the purpose of foundation is to even out your skin tone. Your foundation is almost like a second skin. It should look like you’re not wearing makeup at all and give the appearance of an even skin tone.

Remember, LESS IS MORE when it comes to foundation. You don’t need to apply a lot of it. I actually prefer to apply concealer first, then foundation. That way, you won’t need to apply as much foundation, as you’re concealer will already have begun to even out your skin tone.

Also, using less foundation gives a much more natural finish to the skin. It’s better to build up the product slowly. You can always apply a little more if you feel you need a bit more coverage.

Choosing the correct foundation

Like I said, a foundation should look like a second skin. It should not be noticeable that you’re wearing makeup. It should make you look like you, just much more awake and refreshed.

Whilst choosing the right shade of foundation is important. It’s NOT the most important part of choosing a foundation. You need to first consider your skin type!

Make sure to check out my Foundation Essentials Masterclass where I’ve explained in greater detail. And you’ll learn how to choose the right foundation for your complexion.

4. BLUSHER

Blusher is another one of those products that people often shy away from. One of the main reasons being that they don’t know how to apply it. But blusher is such an amazing little product. It can make you go from looking tired and pale to fresh and radiant in seconds. For this reason, blusher makes it onto my basic makeup essentials product list.

Perhaps you’re someone who’s put off by blusher. Maybe you’re scared that the shade of blusher is going look too dark on you. Or even worse, that it’s going to make you look like a clown! Don’t worry. It absolutely does not have to be like that.

The key to applying blusher correctly is the amount you apply and where you apply it. Once you learn how to do those two things, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t been applying blush all your life!

I’ve explained here how to choose the best blusher for your face. So if you need help deciding whether powder or cream blusher is best for you, or which shade to choose, make sure to read this guide.

If applying blusher is what you struggle with, this post teaches you how to apply blusher correctly. Trust me, it’s much easier than you think.

5. MASCARA

No basic makeup essentials list would be complete without mascara. Mascara is my absolute favourite makeup product of all time! Simply applying just 1 coat of mascara makes you look INSTANTLY awake and refreshed. Even without applying any other eye makeup products, such as eyeshadow, it will enhance your eyes and will instantly give a more fresh-faced appearance.

There are many different types of mascara to choose from, which can seem overwhelming. Especially if you’re a makeup beginner. The type of mascara you choose really just depends on the type of look you want to achieve.

Be sure to check out my guide to choosing the perfect mascara for your eyes. In it, I’ve explained what the 4 main categories are and how to choose the best one for you.

6. LIP PRODUCT OF YOUR CHOICE

And last, but not least on the list of basic makeup essentials are lip products. Applying a lip product in a gorgeous, flattering shade really finishes off the look perfectly.

Choose your favourite lipstick or lipgloss in whatever shade you feel like wearing that day.

As the look is quite natural, you could even play around a bit and opt for more of a bolder or brighter shade.

If lipstick or lipgloss isn’t your thing, try a tinted lip balm instead. These do the same job as a lip balm, but they have just a hint of colour to them.

They still look really natural. But the hint of colour will really add an extra touch of radiance to your face.

And if you really don’t want to wear any of these, a regular lip balm will do just fine.

I’ve never used makeup before. So which of these basic makeup essentials should I start with?

If you’re completely new to makeup, I suggest starting off slowly by introducing 1 to 2 of the basic makeup essentials at a time.

So for example, you could start off with concealer and foundation. Then you could introduce mascara and primer into your routine. And lastly blusher and lip products.

Use this method if it feels less overwhelming to you.

What if I only have a few minutes?

If you really truly don’t have much time at all, just applying even a little bit of concealer and mascara will instantly make you look fresher and more awake. Not only will applying just these few products make you look better. They’ll also make you FEEL better. Which in turn is going to really allow your natural beauty to shine even more.

So what do I do now?

As you can see, these 6 basic makeup essentials are so easy to apply. And it literally only takes a few minutes to apply them. There are, of course, other products which are great add on’s to these. But these 6 basic makeup essentials are great to get you started. Or for those days when you really don’t have any time at all.

Remember, it’s better to have only a few products that you actually use and know how to use than a lot of products that you’ve no idea how to use or if they even suit you.

Did you find this post helpful? I really hope this has helped take some of the overwhelm away.

Would you prefer some help choosing your perfect-for-you shades?

I’d absolutely love to help you with this. You can find out more here about how I can create a customised routine with your personalised product recommendations here.

Selecting the perfect foundation is essential if you want flawless-looking skin. One misstep and your foundation can look unnatural or disintegrate throughout the day. The last thing you want to build a makeup look off of is a foundation you can't trust. 

Knowing the right things to look for when purchasing a foundation is key. You need one that fits your skin type and blends in effortlessly. Finding a product the checks all the boxes can feel overwhelming. 

Let your foundation worries go. We're here to help you choose a foundation. You'll know all the things you need in a foundation and will always be able to pick the best one. 

1. Understanding Your Skin’s Undertone

Let's start with one of the most overlooked aspects of selecting a foundation. You know to find your shade, but what about you're skin's undertone? Most people don't even realize there's a difference between their skin's shade and tone. 

However, if you don't know how to distinguish the difference, you may never find a foundation that truly matches. Your undertone is the color within your skin. It's what you see just below the surface, the hue of your skin. You may have noticed that your skin looks slightly pink or yellow or another color. This color is your undertone. 

There are three main undertones a person can be: warm, neutral, and cool. Foundation comes in a variety of shades under the three undertones. Therefore, when looking for a makeup product, especially foundation, be on the lookout for the undertone. 

How To Find Your Undertone

If you're not sure what your undertone could possibly be, there are some tests you can do! You can also see a dermatologist if you want a quick answer, but if not, try the following. 

How Does Your Skin React to the Sun?

Consider how your skin reacts after sun exposure because it can be very telling when it comes to your undertone. If you tend to burn easily, you most likely have cool undertones. If you burn and then tan, you may have a neutral undertone. Warm undertones generally don't get sunburned very often. 

Consider the Color of Your Veins

Looking at the color of your veins is a great way to discover your undertone. Try to find veins in your face and neck area. If you see blue veins, you probably have cool undertones. If your veins look green or olive, you have warm undertones. Neutral undertones can have a mixture of the two or not have any noticeable color. 

Examine Your Other Features

Your eye and hair color can also be a way to figure out your undertone. People with deeper skin tones and dark eye color generally have warm undertones. Meanwhile, people with fair skin and light-colored hair and eyes tend to have cool or neutral undertones. 

White T-shirt Test

If you still can't tell what your undertone is, throw on a pure white t-shirt. In natural light, examine how your skin looks. If your face has a yellow hue, your undertone is warm. If your skin looks pink compared to the shirt, your undertone is cool. Neutral undertones don't have a noticeable hue when wearing white. 

2. Find Your Shade

Finding the correct foundation shade is much easier once you know your undertone. Almost all foundation brands have different shades for each of the three main undertones. You can immediately eliminate most of the shades just by looking at them. 

You may even be able to narrow it down to the perfect shade without even using the product. However, you can test out two shades if you need to. Apply a test patch to your face, like on your jawline. After waiting a minute or two, look at the foundation under natural and artificial light. If your foundation blends in perfectly then, you've found your match. 

HIDE offers a shade finder if you already know what your color is in another product. It makes shopping quick and easy!

3. The Right Formula

The next thing you need to consider is the foundation formula that would work best with your skin. There are countless formulas foundation comes in, but some of the main ones are powder, stick, cream, and liquid.

Powder: This formula works well for people with oily skin since the powder can absorb excess oil. 

Stick: This type of foundation also works for people with skin on the oily side but can be too drying for others. 

Cream: Cream formulas offer more hydration than stick foundations but can still be too dry for some. They offer high coverage, and people with acne generally like to use this type of foundation. 

Liquid: This type of foundation offers the most moisture. People with dry skin can achieve a smooth complexion with a liquid foundation. However, all skin types can use this formulation. 

HIDE Premium Foundation has a water-based liquid formulation. It offers all-day coverage, no matter what type of skin you have. 

4. The Ideal Finish

Foundation comes in various finishes, and the ideal type will help your complexion not hurt it. Let's go over the different foundation finishes. 

Dewy: When you use a foundation with a dewy finish, your skin will look somewhat shiny. It is best suited for people with dry or mature skin since it offers a youthful glow. 

Luminous: A luminous finish gives you a glowy appearance. This finish type won't make you look as shiny as a dewy foundation but can still give you a radiant complexion. It's ideal for dry to combination skin types. 

Natural: This finish is the most common. It is between dewy and matte, not shiny or flat, the perfect in-between. A natural finish works well for most skin types. 

Matte: A matte finish doesn't allow any shine to show throw. It's ideal for oily skin types and can reduce the appearance of pores.

HIDE Premium Foundation comes in a semi-matte finish. It's not completely flat but is going to keep you shine-free all day. 

5. Consider the Coverage Level

The last thing your need to consider is the coverage level you desire. Foundations come in a range from sheer to full coverage. The lighter the coverage, the more your natural skin is going to show through your makeup.

People that don’t like a lot of makeup love sheer coverage. If you have an imperfection or two, you can try medium coverage. Full coverage is excellent for people with blemishes or that love a glam makeup look. 

You can always sheer out a full coverage foundation for days you want lighter coverage. If you're using a liquid foundation, you can mix in a little moisturizer to sheer it out. HIDE Premium Foundation offers medium to full coverage. It is buildable, so you can customize the amount of coverage you want.

Applying Your Perfect Foundation

Applying the perfect foundation for your skin is easy. You'll need a makeup tool to blend it out. A foundation brush or damp makeup sponge works well. Stipple or dab the product into your skin and blend it out on your jawline and down your neck. 

Start with a small amount of product and add if you want more coverage. You can also use concealer to hide any blemishes or imperfections. HIDE Premium Concealer is an excellent option. 

Examine your makeup in natural light to double-check that everything is blended. Once you're happy with your complexion, you can set your face with a translucent powder or setting spray. 

In Summary

Finding the best foundation for your skin type is possible with a little effort. When you consider your undertone, skin shade, formulation, finish, and coverage, you'll find the right foundation. HIDE offers a high-quality foundation that is an excellent choice for anyone!

Get the Look

Shop the look at HIDE for makeup that will be a perfect match for your skin type. Our products are easy to blend out and will give you a flawless complexion. 


Sources

​​Sunburn Treatment: Photosensitivity, Light Eruption, Tips, Sunscreen | Web MD

Skin Types: Overview and More | Very Well Health

Skin Undertones Chart: Warm, Cool, Neutral, Pink, Yellow, and More | Healthline

5 Must-Have Features in a Face Foundation

How To Pick the Right Foundation: 5 Things To Look For

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