Have you ever stood in the cosmetics aisle and thought “Where do I even start … ?” Yeah, that happens. Being cosmetically dependent myself, nothing makes me happier than spending an afternoon shopping for my newest liner or lipstick. That being said, I can easily become overwhelmed. Especially when it comes to foundations, powders and BB creams, so I’ve put together a few tips to help you choose the best product for your daily beauty routine.
Foundation has a thicker consistency and is designed to cover up any imperfections. Most cosmetic lines carry a variety of coverage levels, ranging from light to medium to full coverage. I personally like a medium to full coverage, because my fair skin has a tendency to become splotchy and red throughout the day. When using a heavier or full-coverage foundation, you want to make sure you set it with a light translucent power, focusing mainly on your T-zone (down your nose, on your chin and across your forehead). Using a large fluffy brush to stipple (or pat) on the powder will give you a more natural look, as opposed to using a powder puff or sponge, which can look a bit ‘caked’ on.
BB creams are a little different. There isn’t a lot of coverage, so it’s great if you’re heading out to the beach or are just looking for something easy to put on. BB creams have skincare benefits built in and are meant to clear up your skin and keep it looking flawless, while still having a bit of coverage. Using your fingers to apply the cream is great, because it’s intended to have a lighter look, and it’s pretty easy to spread it this way. One big downfall is that they’re usually limited in colors, so you have to be careful when choosing for your complexion.
The best way to get your foundation to look flawless is always starting with a great canvas. Make sure you use a gentle makeup remover and face wash every night. Using a deep-cleansing masque or even a gentle scrub once a week is a great way to make sure your complexion looks bright and smooth 24/7. Most foundations and BB creams have SPF incorporated in them, so make sure yours does as well. Even using a daily moisturizer with an SPF before you apply anything is always a good idea to make sure you aren’t leaving your skin open to dangerous rays.