Foundation may literally be the base of your makeup routine, but it isn’t always easy to find the right one! To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 7 things you need to know before heading to the store.

1. The Formula

Your skin type and lifestyle play a large part in your selection. If you are always on-the-go, stick foundations are the easiest to tote around. Those with drier complexions or ones who have some time to do up their face, can opt for cream or liquid formulas. For combination-to-oily skin, powders are the best bet.

2. The Finish

Now that you’ve figured out your skin type, consider which finish you want. Usually, normal-to-dry skinned people go for luminous foundations, whilst those with oily skin veer towards matte formulas.

Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 | Source: Clinique
Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 | Source: Clinique

3. The Coverage

Love the no-makeup look? Look for a sheer foundation or one that promises natural-looking skin. For those who require a little concealing, medium coverage products are the right ones for daily use. For special occasions, choose a fully coverage formula.

4. Your Undertones

It isn’t easy to determine your exact foundation match, but it is simple to find out your undertones! People with green veins usually are warm-toned, whilst blue and purple veins signify cooler tones. If your veins look blue-green, you probably have neutral undertones.

5. The Ingredients

Your foundation can do so much more than just cover up things! Formulas with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid are ideal for dry skin. Those with acne can look for products containing salicylic acid. Or you can double up the sun protection by getting yourself a foundation with SPF.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup | Source: Neutrogena
Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup | Source: Neutrogena

6. The Right Shade

Whilst the store assistants are great at helping you find the perfect shade, you should keep a few things in mind too. Swatch the foundation on your jawline to see how seamlessly it will blend into your skin. Check the colour in both, store lighting and natural sunlight, to gauge how it really looks.

7. The Return Policy

Sometimes, you go home and find out that a product just doesn’t work for you! Although it’s a major bummer, remember to ask the shop for their return policies. If they don’t allow you to give back the product, ask them for samples that you can try for a few days before making a purchase.

We hope this guide will help you make the right choice! Let us know if you have any queries by leaving a comment below.

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