Building Your Makeup Kit / Collection #1 - Foundation.

Just like building up or renewing a wardrobe, building a makeup collection can sometimes be a little confusing. With that in mind, I thought it would be good to start another little series going through my recommended basic makeup products to start with when building up your makeup collection. I consider these all products that make a good foundation (get it?!) to start any collection (big or small) from!
I'll talk about all the things I think it's important to consider when looking for certain products as well as giving product examples I've tried and tested to!
 Okay, so after that rather lengthy introduction, let's get started with our first basic makeup product; foundation...

1. Coverage / Formula:

One of the main things to consider when purchasing a foundation is the kind of coverage you are going for. Many women prefer a thicker coverage in Winter months and something a little more lightweight in the Summer.  Medium-full coverage foundations are often a lot thicker in formula and consistency whereas lighter foundations tend to be more watery. Recently, products like BB and CC creams have become popular as alternatives to light coverage foundations for a more natural looking finish. A lot of them either have colour correcting properties with minimal coverage or give something very light along the lines of a tinted moisturiser. 

The coverage you want may also depend on the condition of your skin, you may desire more coverage if you have problem, blemish prone skin whereas you could want something lighter if your skin is fairly clear and problem-free. It's ultimately up to you and what you prefer the look of.

Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream is
one of my favourite BB creams. It has a really nice light
coverage but it still evens it out your skin tone nicely.
Buy at Boots for £7.99
(Photo credit: Google images)

REVLON Colorstay is a full coverage,
matte finish foundation that is long
 lasting and comes in formulas for
 various skin types.
Buy at Boots for £12.49.
(Photo credit: Google images)

2. Skin Type, Priming & Foundation Finish:

Skin type is something important to consider when purchasing any face product. This is especially the case if you have sensitive skin like me. If possible, opting for a foundation that is specifically for your own skin type is always helpful as it's going to look the best for you. As well as sensitive skin, common skin types are combination, oily and dry. Those of use with dry skin tend to stay away from foundations that provide matte finishes because this can emphasise the already dry skin. Vice versa, those with oily skin will want to stay away from anything that gives a very dewy finish so as not to look even more oily. Of course though, this doesn't mean you can't have a fresh dewy look with oily skin or a more matte look with dryer skin - it's more about using a product like powder or a highlighter in specific ways to get the look you want without emphasising your problem areas!

It's also worth doing research and reading reviews on certain foundations especially if makeup in general tends to break you out and / or you have acne prone skin. Priming before foundation application can be a great way to help prevent breakouts and pore blockage AND it helps to make makeup last for longer. Always make sure that you also have a super clean face before ever applying any makeup product to your face as that as well as not properly removing makeup can be a common factor in breakouts.

Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation is a great, light to medium coverage
 foundation that provides your skin with a nice, natural glow.
Buy at Boots for £8.99.
(Photo credit: Google images)

MAC's Studio Fix Fluid is a medium-buildable coverage
foundation that gives the skin a nice, natural matte finish.
Be warned though, it can break some people out though
I've never had that problem as of yet!
Buy at Debenhams for £21.50
(Photo credit: Google images)

3. Finding Your Shade! (Surface tones and Undertones):

This is probably one of the trickiest things about finding the right foundation. We all find this difficult because there are just so many shades of foundation and our skin shades can sometimes be confusing to figure out. The main thing you'll want to do is firstly figure out your skin's undertone. The undertone is the skin's colour underneath the surface. Finding this out will not only help with choosing the right foundation but also with anything you wear - you'll know what colours flatter you the most whether that be in a lipstick or a dress. There are 3 types of undertone:

• Cool - pink, red or blush undertones
• Warm - yellow, golden and peach undertones
• Neutral - a general mix of both warm and cool undertones

> Not all foundations have shades for different undertones, but companies are definitely making sure considering this more.

As well as your undertone, you'll of course want to figure out your skins surface tone. Are you ivory, light, medium, tan? I think the best way to figure this one out is to go and swatch, swatch, swatch! Swatch the foundation testers on your arm and hand and simply see what matches. If it's still a tricky task don't be afraid to ask for help - a lot of places will offer a free colour matching service so you can find your perfect shade.

MAC are a great example of a company
that offer various foundation shades in different undertones.
(Photo credit: MAC Website)

** It might also be worth noting that if you self tan, or if you're in a place that has equally large periods of cold and sunny weather, you might need two shades of foundation - one for when you're paler and when you've darkened from tanning or the sun.**

4. Powder:

Not everyone uses powder, it's something I myself sometimes skip depending on how long I'll be wearing makeup. Regardless, it's still something I'd consider a staple when wearing foundation because it helps to last that much longer as well as helps it to set. It can also be great for on the go if you're losing a bit of coverage in your foundation or if you're looking a little oily throughout the day. You can also purchase actual powder foundations or mineral based foundations if that is something you'd prefer rather than a liquid or cream foundation.
You can also opt for a coloured powder to set your foundation to add that little bit more coverage if you so wish or simply choose translucent if you just want to matte out certain areas of your face.

Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder is one
of my favourite setting powder for
liquid foundation!
Buy at Boots for £3.99
(Photo credit: Google images)

So, I think that pretty much covers it for foundations and that the recommendations that I'd make for it. Let me know what you think of this series and if you like the idea of it - I'd really love to know your thoughts! Stay tuned for the next post in this series as well! 

Thank you all for reading!