If you’re like me you’ve loved using foundations from your preteen years. I had a very fair complexion and strawberry blonde hair so you know there had to be some freckles there, right?

So even an an early age I loved what a foundation could do to my skin. Not necessarily “hide” those freckles but smooth out my complexion and make my skin look creamy and flawless. (Thank you Cover Girl circa 1982!) Years later, it’s easy to see why foundations have, and continue to be, such good friends to so many of us girls. 

Here is a little bit of information we teach from our Southern Beauty Bootcamps regarding foundations.

As many of you know it’s best to use a foundation that fits your age and skin type. Most people need a yellow based foundation as a pink based foundation on pink-tinged skin will look even more pink and very unnatural.  A yellow based foundation is more natural and neutralizing.  Click here for a list of “Our Favorite” foundations. There are also several formulas you can choose for your foundation:

Liquids, Powders, Mineral Powders, Creams, Creams to Powders and Tinted Moisturizers.

Some of the new foundations can help to hide fine lines and wrinkles. (Thank you Make Up For Ever circa 2010!)  These anti-aging foundations will not settle into fine lines and often include light reflectors which help to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Mineral powders foundations can also work well here.

Liquid foundations can offer “buildable” coverage.  Mineral powders are also buildable and depending on the ingredients they can be good for acne prone skin and skin with rosacea.

A tinted moisturizer is a moisturizer that has a pigment (color) added to it.  Often times they come in an oil-free formula and are good for oily skin.  Tinted moisturizers are great for young skin that doesn’t need a lot of coverage and for people that prefer a more natural look.  Laura Mercier has a terrific tinted moisturizer in her line.

Today many foundations contain sunscreen which is a great way to protect the skin on a daily basis.  We recommend at least a 15 SPF.  If you have sensitive skin, sometimes sunscreen ingredients can be irritating so please be sure to read your labels. 

All in all, foundations are great to even out skin tones and smooth over imperfections but the most important thing to remember is to keep it natural and let your own personal glow shine through!