Recently I was browsing through pictures of my facebook friends and I noticed a beautiful face with the wrong color foundation.  A gorgeous smile with a ashy gray mask of makeup and a bold line of demarcation.  I wanted to scream WHY!!!!! I thought to myself, choosing the right shade can be a little tricky. Never to fear I am here to help.

For starters make sure you have selected the right formula for your skin type. You can purchase foundation in creams, powders and liquids. If you have clear skin with minimal blemishes, you can wear a liquid. If you have skin that requires more of a cover up, you should select a cream, just be careful of oil content. Powder foundations can be worn for most skin types. Even with powder you still need to be mindful of coverage, is sheer or full coverage best for you?

When I worked for MAC Cosmetics many people loved the Studio Fix powder foundation because it is easy to use and provides great coverage. Most did not know that although it is a great product it sometimes makes your skin appear different in photographs, especially if you apply it with a sponge. I recommend applying it with a powder brush. Don’t forget to always prepare skin for makeup by applying a moisturizer, if you skip this step makeup will not look its best! Remember the following tips to help you select the right foundation shade.

• I like purchasing foundations at a department store because you get to try the color on before your purchase.

•  Once you have selected at least 2-3 shades, take a mirror and go outside to see the shade in natural light.
• Read ingredients, you don’t want to put anything on your skin that may cause it to produce more oil.
• If you decide to shop at a drug store purchase 2-3 shades, you can try them all and simply return the ones that don’t work for you. (check your drug store’s return policy)
• Change your foundation seasonally, you may need a darker shade in the summer when skin gets tan. You may need a creamier foundation in the winter when skin gets dryer.
• This is the one product you should splurge on, if you find a great color and coverage treat yourself and don’t be afraid to pay a higher price.