The Way We Live

It's the greatest of all beauty conundrums...what foundation to slap on your mug? If you're one of those odd, ethereal creatures that needs not a hint of cover for your angelic visage, this post will mean naught to you. However, if you are in fact a mere mortal and fancy a peaches n' cream complexion (or at least the illusion thereof), read on.....

The purpose of foundation, in my opinion, is to even out one's complexion with both color and texture to provide a base for further cosmetics. The makeup is NOT designed to:

obliterate all hint of skin underneath
cover every zit or broken capillary
change your skin tone
provide sun protection

Ideally, a good foundation will be sheer and make skin look more alive than before. For more serious concealing of flaws, make friends with your concealer. By using concealer sparingly over a sheer foundation, the overall effect will be far more natural than a death mask on your entire face.

Most people can get away with a tinted moisturizer, which reads as natural skin to the eye. Consider using this all over your face and applying a more substantial foundation on hyper-pigmentation. Newer foundations are more natural then ever...so if you haven't had luck in the past, try this modern generation of makeup. Another option is mineral makeup, which can be tricky in my book. Make sure you have a great primer or minerals can make pores and fine lines appear more prominent.

Foundation can be applied a multitude of ways...damp sponge application typically looks very natural. Of course, fingers are great to warm the product and really push it into the skin. My favorite way is to buff it in with a foundation brush for an airbrushed effect. After concealer, lightly set makeup with a loose powder if you are on the oily side. If not, skip the powder.

Lisa Eldridge, the fabulous British makeup artist who has captured my heart, has produced a Foundation Course Video Series. Check out this insider quick tips video on base.