Foundation make-up was developed to create a smooth, even canvas upon which other cosmetics
could be applied and give the face an enhanced appearance. Since many women quote their problems as being that their skin is often
uneven in tone and has blemishes or spots of varying types, foundation has become a staple in most cosmetic kits. Foundation can
even out skin tone, soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles, minimize the appearance of age spots and freckles and can even
protect from sun damage when the right formula is used.
Foundation comes in a variety of forms these days: Liquid, Cream, and Powder – as well as
combinations of the three. The various manufacturers of cosmetics try to stay abreast of changing trends and provide options for
varying skin types and needs. There are foundations formulated to combat oily skin, to moisturize dry skin, and to be gentle with
sensitive skin. There are even foundation formulas to help treat and prevent breakouts in acne-prone skin.
Foundation typically offers two types of finish: dewy and matte. The dewy finish is generally
for those dry skin types to provide a soft glow to the skin, making it look youthful and healthy. Matte finish is typically used
for those who have the common signs of aging – those fine lines and wrinkles that form around the eyes and mouth. It softens the
look of these lines and helps to create a younger-looking appearance.
Skin Tone and Matching
The most difficult part of selecting foundations is often matching the skin tone with the tone
of foundation. Too often, women end up selecting a foundation that is too light or too dark for their actual skin tone. This results
in a noticeable transition from make-up to bare skin where the cosmetic ends. Some blending can help camouflage this effect, but it
is better to avoid the discrepancy from the start.
To get a sense of the skin tones we’re talking about let’s discuss the various skin tone
categories and what makes them unique:
Fair Skin:
Fair skin is generally characterized by the paleness of the skin and its sensitivity to the sun. Fair skin is susceptible to
freckling and other sun-exposure effects and is often. In color tone it is generally warm and often pinkish. It is obvious when
the individual blushes. Famous fair-skinned individuals include Audrey Hepburn and Claudia Schiffer.
Ivory Skin:
Ivory skin tone is often very similar to Fair skin in appearance, but Ivory skin tones tend to be cooler. They are often as
sun-sensitive as fair-skinned individuals, but not always. Ivory skinned individuals also often have a translucent quality to
the skin. Famous ivory-skinned individuals include Glenn Close and David Hyde-Pierce.
Olive Skin:
Olive skin is typically warm in tone and darker than either fair or ivory skin. Olive skin tones generally respond to sun exposure
by tanning, which deepens the color of the skin. The result is a bronzer shade of the Olive complexion. Famous olive-skinned
individuals include Vin Deisel and Eva Longoria.
