A GOOD FOUNDATION

Words: Leila Petersen | Model images: Dom-Aguiar/Unsplash images

Possibly, the most integral part of any beauty look is a really good foundation. It is the unsung hero behind a fresh, glowing and flawless complexion. But to make your foundation look it’s very best, the skin beneath it needs to look good too.This is where the transformative power of a primer comes in; when layered underneath your foundation, the combination elevates your complexion to look it’s very best. But what primer to choose and how to find the perfect foundation? Dont stress we’ve got you covered. Read on and discover why this game-changing product should be a staple in your makeup bag and which foundation formula should be your go-to.

WHAT?

Applied under your foundation, primer is an essential pre-makeup step as it creates a barrier between your skin and your foundation, helping to minimise pores, smooth your skin’s surface and extend the wear of your coverage.

WHY?

A primer may add an additional step to your makeup routine, but it boasts multiple benefits. Not only does it create a silky-smooth canvas for your makeup to adhere to, but it can also brighten skin, fade fine lines and wrinkles, target acne, and add a ton of moisture.

WHICH ONE?

On the one hand, you have silicone-based primers which create a smoother, more flawless finish (however not ideal for acne) and on the other you have water-based primers, which often fuse skincare into their formulas, better suited for those with dry skin.

FIND YOUR FORMULA

Different makeup primers have various functions:

Skin-perfecting Primers

From hiding wrinkles to reducing pores, these powerful primers are all about creating the perfect canvas for your makeup application.

Brightening Primers

These winning formulas generally contain a healthy dose of nutrients or light-reflecting particles that work on the skin and impart a lit-from-within glow.

Mattifying Primers

Invest in a mattifying primer to help control oil, minimise pores and create a flawless base for make-up to glide easily on.

Colour Correcting Primers

These multi-tasking marvels not only create a perfect complexion but they conceal specific concerns too. If your skin is suffering from blotchy redness, a green primer will neutralise your skin tone. Need to brighten and get rid of unwanted yellow undertones? A purple corrector will add radiance and if you feel tired and overworked a pink primer will add luminosity and create an all-round healthier complexion.

Now that you’ve established which primer to invest in, next is to find your perfect foundation match. But you should never pick one at random. Choosing the right foundation should be done with care and consideration – everyone’s skin is different and the right base products can determine the effectiveness of the rest of your makeup.The key is to first determine your skin type (oily, dry, normal or combination), before choosing your desired finish – matte, radiant or natural. And then, match these with your ideal formula.

FIND YOUR FORMULA

Whether you prefer tinted moisturisers or liquid formulas, the new wave of bases have clever, refined formulas with ingredients that will improve the texture, tone and appearance of your skin.

TINTED MOISTURISER

Offering the sheerest and lightest coverage, tinted moisturisers occupies the middle ground between moisturiser and foundation.

LIQUID FOUNDATION

Arguably the most classic foundation formula, liquids offer the most shade ranges, finishes and benefits that extend way past coverage, as many formulas are infused with skincaring ingredients. They’re also the most versatile allowing you to build and blend your foundation until the desired effect.

STICK FOUNDATIONS

Portable and buildable, stick foundations are the ultimate shortcut-routine superheroes –great for those on the go! Apply them with your fingers or with tools, and then either layer them for maximum coverage or diffuse them for lighter coverage.

COMPACT FOUNDATIONS

Convenient, long lasting and easy to apply, compact foundations can be used as full coverage or to touch up your make-up throughout the day. Generally they come in 2 variants: Cream, which offers hydrating and moisturising properties-great for those with dry skin or powder, which often has a matte finish so perfect for those with oily complexions.