Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Foundation

Foundation is no doubt a product you’ll see in most makeup clutches. But even though it’s something most of us use, it’s far from a one-size-fits-all kind of product, as many other must-have beauty products can be. When you’re shopping for the perfect foundation there is a number of factors to consider – both in relation to you skin and personal needs. 

We asked beauty expert and makeup artist Marie Dausell for advice on what to take into account, when choosing the right foundation. 

1. Determine your desired result 

There are countless variations of foundations. All with different functions, formulas and results, so before you start trying different brands, it’s a good idea to determine the outcome you’re looking for. “What you should consider when buying a new foundation is, what you want it to do,” Dausell explains. Being specific about what you want with your foundation, makes it easier to select, which foundations to try out. Dausell recommends asking questions such as; how much do you want it to cover, should it be a dewy or mat finish, powder or liquid, and so on. “When you have asked yourself those questions it will make it much easier to find the right foundation,” she says.

2. Choose the right color

Once you’ve determined what you looking for over all, it’s time to find the right color. And here there's no space for sloppiness. Most of us will likely recall the early teenage years, where the color of your face didn’t always match the rest of the body, and that mistake is actually easier to make than you might think. According to Dausell, the well-known trick with testing foundation on your hand, is in fact a misunderstanding. “The best way to find the right color foundation is to test in it the face. Many tries foundation on the hands, which is a mistake, as the color on the hands rarely match the one in the face. Besides, it’s always a good idea to see yourself in daylight with the chosen foundation. This way you can see the exact color and texture,” she explains.  

3. Consider you need for coverage

Even with a good foundation, it’s still important to keep your skin healthy and clean. Foundation is meant to even the skin color in your face, rather than cover breakouts. With that said, there can be periods of time where you’ll need more coverage than others. And during summertime you might even need to change for a darker tone when you got a tan. It’s therefore necessary to consider your need for coverage, as well as adapt your makeup routine to your different needs. That could mean having different foundations to swap between or different means of application. 

4. Application

“There is no correct way to apply foundation,” Dausell explains. As with much else, it comes down to personal preferences and what you work with the best, when you decide how to apply your foundation. But there can be significant differences using a brush compared to a sponge or any other appliances. It’s therefore a good idea to try different methods to determine, which one works the best for you. “I prefer using both a brush and my fingers. First, I apply the foundation with a brush, and then I use the heat from my hands to ‘melt’ the foundation into the skin. It gives a nice and natural result,” Dausell tells. 

5. If in doubt, ask for help

The world of makeup can be somewhat of a jungle. It’s hard to navigate through good advice and recommendations because what worked for the person next to you, might not work for you. It’s therefore important to stay critical, and not only choose the first and best you’re introduced to, if it doesn’t give you your desired result. If you’re in doubt about what to choose, then get the help you need from our staff at ILLUM Beauty Hall. Here you can get help finding the right foundation, get you skin scanned to determine your perfect color match, as well as learn the techniques for applying foundation or even contouring, if you take it a step further. Find the makeup service that suits your needs and book a time here. 

If you already know which foundation meets your needs, then shop via ILLUM On Demand, and have it delivered staight to your door. 

Editorial staff

Photographer: Linus Morales