VIDEO: Expert tips for picking your perfect foundation

The 3 essential things you need to consider

Beauty Crew Editor / October 31 2016

When it comes to picking your perfect foundation, there are a few things you need to consider beyond matching the shade to your skin tone. 

And because it can be overwhelming trying to figure it all out, here are our top tips for picking the right foundation.

#1 / Consider your skin type

I think the best place to start, is to identify what type of skin type you have,” says Milczarczyk. If you have oily skin, you should look for a foundation that can help tackle excess oil and shine, and if your skin tends to be on the drier side, your foundation should keep your skin nourished and hydrated. And if you’re somewhere in the middle, it’s best to look for a foundation that will keep your skin balanced. 

#2/ Consider your skin concerns

These days, foundation is so much more than just foundation, and many are formulated to not only provide great coverage, but they can help tackle certain skin concerns. If you’re worried about lines and wrinkles, look for a formulation that contains age-fighting ingredients, and if pigmentation is a big concern, pick a foundation that can cover it while treating it. Sometimes redness, especially around the nose and chin, can be an issue, so a foundation that can help conceal the colour will be a great option. 

#3 / Consider the occasion

You may be all about low-key beauty looks during the week, but amp up the glamour on the weekend, so it’s important to use a foundation that suits the occasion and the finish you’re after. A sheer or medium coverage foundation is great for daytime and low-key makeup looks, and a full coverage formulation is great for nighttime and special events.

TOP TIP: If you’re not sure about your foundation, get colour and foundation matched in-store, and ask for a full-face application so you can see how the formula wears through the day.

Clinique offer an incredible range of foundations for all skin types and levels of coverage, so we asked makeup artist Ania Milczarczyk to foundation match three women, and here’s what she had to say about her picks.

Alana, mid-20s, perfect match:

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

“The great thing about this foundation is that you can use it as a concealer to touch up problem areas during the day, such as around the nose or the chin, which can sometimes get a bit red.”

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation

Emma, mid-30s, perfect match:

Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup SPF15

“This foundation adds hydration where necessary, but it also helps to control areas of oil such as the T-zone and it adds a matte finish. I’m using my fingers to apply this foundation, because it’s got a really lightweight formula, and you can really blend it into the pores by dabbing it in.”

Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup SPF15

Tam, mid-20s, perfect match:

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15

“I’ve chosen Even Better, because it’s oil free, its got an SPF and it not only covers pigmentation, but it actually helps to treat it.”

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15

For more from Ania Milczarczyk, watch the video above.

Carli was BEAUTYcrew’s Editor from launch in 2016 until May 2020. You can find her words right here on BEAUTYcrew, and previously on beautyheaven.