How To Choose Drugstore Foundation
This has happened to every single one of us: You go to the drugstore, stand in the beauty aisle, try to choose a foundation (even though you are completely overwhelmed with all the choices because you don't even know where to begin). So, in the end, you end up leaving with a lipstick or some other item you didn't intent to buy, or worse completely empty-handed and even more frustrated than you were before. Am I right?
Yesterday morning, I posted this image onto my Facebook page with the following caption:
"Good morning, everyone! :) Hope your weekend starts off AMAZING. We're headed out in a little bit but, before I go, I wanted to share this with you -- This combo is my brand new HOLY GRAIL BB/Foundation Combo!! The pigmentation of Rimmel's BB Cream (Medium) & Stay Matte Foundation (200 Soft Beige) is insanely good & they blend like BUTTER on top of each other ♥ Also, the Face Blender from Crown Brush made things easier to apply & blend. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you this: My makeup looks airbrushed! It's PERFECT!! The best part? The prices.
Rimmel London BB Cream $8 (Click HERE to buy!)
Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation $5 (Click HERE to buy!)
Crown Brush Face Blender $7 (Click HERE to buy!)
So, for $20 you can expect GREAT results!! Try it & let me know how you like it *kisses* Have a good one everyone!
A couple of my friends were all stoked on it saying they would check it out; however, another one of my friends said she was afraid of trying drugstore foundation because she "sucks" at shade matching. This got my gears totally grinding because we can all relate to that! It's probably one of the most frustrating things when shopping for makeup. And it's not that she sucks at shade matching, it's just that there are so many options to go for, one doesn't even know where the starting point is! Plus, you cannot test the foundations at the drugstore to see how they work with your skin since there are no testers or, if there is any, the shade they have available is not even close to yours!
Argh!!!! I'm getting all frustrated just typing this up...
Well, here are some tips to help find the perfect foundation match for you! So, go grab a mirror & a snack. We're in for a long blog post...
HOW TO CHOOSE DRUGSTORE FOUNDATION
1) Bring a shade you already own that matches your skin perfectly. This will help you in the process to figure out which drugstore foundation will work best for you. If you don't have one, it's OK. Just keep reading! ☺
2) Shop at Rite Aid. They have a great return policy on their cosmetics! It doesn't match? You don't like it? You can always return or exchange the product as long as you still have your receipt and are within the return period allowed. If you don't have a Rite Aid near you, it never hurts to ask the drugstore employees where you normally shop at what their policy is in regards to makeup.
3) Don't look at the names, think in numbers. Every foundation comes with a name and number at the drugstore. As a consumer, it's easier for you to remember a name; however, when it comes to mixing & matching , that won't help you. Think in numbers because, remember, you are dealing with a formula. This is a makeup artist's trick! We go by the numbers because it helps decide how much lighter/darker we have to go.
For example, in Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 (my all-time favorite drugstore foundation), I am 840 in Wintertime & 842 or 845 in the Summertime (depending on how dark I get). Don't ask me what the names are! I have no idea, but knowing the numbers tells me that I can jump 2 to 5 shades in darkness from Summer to Winter and my color range remains about the same. I'm always going to stay within the 'darkest light' to 'lightest medium' range, if that makes any sense. And that is my starting point for any other drugstore foundation.
4) Custom blend! You go to the drugstore and end up buying 2 of the same foundation but, one of them turns out to be too light & the other too dark, even though they are consecutive shades! *tears* Do not fret! You can always use both to custom blend to match your skin. For example, you can use 75% of the darker color & 25% of the lighter color in the summertime and, when winter comes, gradually switch to 25% of the darker color & 75% of the lighter color. It's fool-proof.
Rule of thumb: You can mix & match different shades of color as long as they are part of the same brand and same line of foundation. Do not try to mix different brands or even different lines of the same brand. The foundation can turn ashy or grayish in color. It's like trying to fix a Ford vehicle with Toyota parts - it might work, but it's never going to fit perfectly.
5) Look at your undertone. Sometimes you may have the right depth of color (lightness/darkness) but the wrong undertone! (too yellow, too red, too copper, too olive, etc.) This is the hardest part to discern when it comes to foundation & what most people tend to miss. Try the foundation on your jawline, blend it a little bit with your fingers. Now, go outside with a mirror & look at the area. Does it look off somehow? If it looks off to you, it IS off! Can you see it in the mirror?? If you cannot see it in the mirror, that's the RIGHT color for you! ☺
One day not too long ago, I went out with a concealer that was the right lightness (depth of color) for me; however, it was too pink and I have a very strong yellow undertone. While I was running errands, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and Oh the horror!! I looked like I was anemic (no lie!). See? Even after all this time, I still have to double check myself! *wink*
6) Look at your skin type. If you have dry skin, you want to go with foundations that will hydrate your skin and make you look dewy.
If you have normal skin, you can wear a whole range of different foundation types (from dewy to satin to matte, depending on what look you are going for).
If you have combination to oily skin, you might want to use semi-matte to matte finish foundations so you minimize the oiliness on your skin.
7) What are your skin concerns? If you have perfect skin, you can get away with sheer or light coverage foundations. You can even only use a tinted moisturizer (create your own by using ½ foundation, ½ moisturizer) just to even out your face.
If you have some imperfections or a bit of uneven skin tone, you can use light to medium coverage foundations. Most light to medium foundations are buildable so, if you need a bit more coverage in certain areas, you can just apply a small 2nd coat to build up where you need it most.
If you have deeper imperfections, look for a medium to full coverage foundation. Full coverage does feel a bit heavier on the skin but it hides better. With the right formula & new technologies, it should not feel like a mask on your skin. Keep that in mind.
8) Try different tools of application. So, let's say you have found the right foundation for you. You have the right color & undertone, the foundation matches your skin type and takes care of all those skin concerns you want to disguise. Yet, the darn thing looks awful when you apply it. What the heck?! Stop. Breathe. Try a different tool! Certain foundations apply better with a brush, others with a wet sponge, and others blend better with your fingers because they help the foundation warm up better!
9) Don't get discouraged! I know, I know. It can be disappointing and grueling to try drugstore foundation but, I promise, once you find the right drugstore foundation & have that Eureka! moment, all the hard work will be worth it. And, who knows? You might even hit the jackpot on the 1st try! ☺ But if you don't, know that we all have gone through it and survived it. And if you're skeptic, know that drugstore foundations have come a LONG way! So, give it a shot. You might be in for a nice surprise.
I hope you found this post helpful! ☺ Can you believe it's the beginning of February already? Where has time gone?? In any case, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2014!!! May this lunar year be full of prosperity, happiness, good fortune, wealth, and longevity!
2) Shop at Rite Aid. They have a great return policy on their cosmetics! It doesn't match? You don't like it? You can always return or exchange the product as long as you still have your receipt and are within the return period allowed. If you don't have a Rite Aid near you, it never hurts to ask the drugstore employees where you normally shop at what their policy is in regards to makeup.
3) Don't look at the names, think in numbers. Every foundation comes with a name and number at the drugstore. As a consumer, it's easier for you to remember a name; however, when it comes to mixing & matching , that won't help you. Think in numbers because, remember, you are dealing with a formula. This is a makeup artist's trick! We go by the numbers because it helps decide how much lighter/darker we have to go.
For example, in Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 (my all-time favorite drugstore foundation), I am 840 in Wintertime & 842 or 845 in the Summertime (depending on how dark I get). Don't ask me what the names are! I have no idea, but knowing the numbers tells me that I can jump 2 to 5 shades in darkness from Summer to Winter and my color range remains about the same. I'm always going to stay within the 'darkest light' to 'lightest medium' range, if that makes any sense. And that is my starting point for any other drugstore foundation.
4) Custom blend! You go to the drugstore and end up buying 2 of the same foundation but, one of them turns out to be too light & the other too dark, even though they are consecutive shades! *tears* Do not fret! You can always use both to custom blend to match your skin. For example, you can use 75% of the darker color & 25% of the lighter color in the summertime and, when winter comes, gradually switch to 25% of the darker color & 75% of the lighter color. It's fool-proof.
Rule of thumb: You can mix & match different shades of color as long as they are part of the same brand and same line of foundation. Do not try to mix different brands or even different lines of the same brand. The foundation can turn ashy or grayish in color. It's like trying to fix a Ford vehicle with Toyota parts - it might work, but it's never going to fit perfectly.
5) Look at your undertone. Sometimes you may have the right depth of color (lightness/darkness) but the wrong undertone! (too yellow, too red, too copper, too olive, etc.) This is the hardest part to discern when it comes to foundation & what most people tend to miss. Try the foundation on your jawline, blend it a little bit with your fingers. Now, go outside with a mirror & look at the area. Does it look off somehow? If it looks off to you, it IS off! Can you see it in the mirror?? If you cannot see it in the mirror, that's the RIGHT color for you! ☺
One day not too long ago, I went out with a concealer that was the right lightness (depth of color) for me; however, it was too pink and I have a very strong yellow undertone. While I was running errands, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and Oh the horror!! I looked like I was anemic (no lie!). See? Even after all this time, I still have to double check myself! *wink*
6) Look at your skin type. If you have dry skin, you want to go with foundations that will hydrate your skin and make you look dewy.
If you have normal skin, you can wear a whole range of different foundation types (from dewy to satin to matte, depending on what look you are going for).
If you have combination to oily skin, you might want to use semi-matte to matte finish foundations so you minimize the oiliness on your skin.
7) What are your skin concerns? If you have perfect skin, you can get away with sheer or light coverage foundations. You can even only use a tinted moisturizer (create your own by using ½ foundation, ½ moisturizer) just to even out your face.
If you have some imperfections or a bit of uneven skin tone, you can use light to medium coverage foundations. Most light to medium foundations are buildable so, if you need a bit more coverage in certain areas, you can just apply a small 2nd coat to build up where you need it most.
If you have deeper imperfections, look for a medium to full coverage foundation. Full coverage does feel a bit heavier on the skin but it hides better. With the right formula & new technologies, it should not feel like a mask on your skin. Keep that in mind.
8) Try different tools of application. So, let's say you have found the right foundation for you. You have the right color & undertone, the foundation matches your skin type and takes care of all those skin concerns you want to disguise. Yet, the darn thing looks awful when you apply it. What the heck?! Stop. Breathe. Try a different tool! Certain foundations apply better with a brush, others with a wet sponge, and others blend better with your fingers because they help the foundation warm up better!
9) Don't get discouraged! I know, I know. It can be disappointing and grueling to try drugstore foundation but, I promise, once you find the right drugstore foundation & have that Eureka! moment, all the hard work will be worth it. And, who knows? You might even hit the jackpot on the 1st try! ☺ But if you don't, know that we all have gone through it and survived it. And if you're skeptic, know that drugstore foundations have come a LONG way! So, give it a shot. You might be in for a nice surprise.
I hope you found this post helpful! ☺ Can you believe it's the beginning of February already? Where has time gone?? In any case, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2014!!! May this lunar year be full of prosperity, happiness, good fortune, wealth, and longevity!
'Til next time...
xoxo♥ Elizabeth
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