Makeup masterclass: foundation and concealer
How to find the foundation and concealer to suit you, professional makeup artists share their knowledge
Powder based
Best used on oily skin as it has no liquid or moisture in it, powder-based foundation gives a matte, non-reflective finish to the skin. Another advantage is that it can be used with a brush to set makeup. Mineral powders have gained huge popularity in recent years, due to the fact they suit any skin type and are natural and chemical free.
Try: BareFaced Beauty Mineral Foundation, £10; www.barefacedbeauty.co.uk
Mousse/foam
A whipped product that gives light coverage and a natural glow or matte finish, mousse and foam foundations feel light on the skin.
Try: Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam SPF 16, £8.99; www.maybelline.co.uk
Treatment foundation
Multi-tasking foundations offer coverage and treatment technology such as anti-ageing ingredients to plump and firm the skin.
Try: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Makeup SPF15, 30ml £31; www.johnlewis.com
Tinted moisturiser
A combination of a moisturiser and some colour, the tinted moisturiser is perfect for evening out the skin tone. It gives a very light coverage, sinks easily into the skin and is a great way to smooth out blotchiness.
Try: Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Tinted Moisturising Day Cream, 50ml £3.66; www.boots.com
Celebrity secret
Try makeup artist and celebrity favourite Airbase, a foundation applied with an air-gun to the areas you most need it for a sheer or full coverage. Used for makeup shoots and fashion shows to provide the perfect touch-up free finish that lasts – and lasts! Shades are blendable for the perfect match. £32.95; find a salon or retailer near you at the Airbase professional website or phone 0115 967 8691
Concealers
Used to cover blemishes and imperfections once a foundation has been applied, concealers offer heavier coverage than foundations and also help to cover dark circles under the eyes. When choosing a concealer, you should consider both consistency and colour. It should be lightweight and creamy. The product needs to glide on smoothly and not require a lot of rubbing. Find the right shade and blend it in so it looks flawless, not obvious – it should match your skin exactly. Concealer looks most natural when you work in sheer layers and build it up gradually.
If you are covering major under-eye circles, you are going to want a formula that provides heavier coverage. If your skin is sensitive then you should choose a formula that contains only pure mineral pigment colour and no dyes, oils, talc or starch.
Click here for more great advice on how to apply foundation
See the All About You top 10 foundations for a variety of skin types
More makeup masterclasses
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Tips text is an edited extract from Makeup is Art: professional techniques for creating original looks by Jana Ririnui & Lan Nguyen, makeup artists and founders of The Academy of Freelance Makeup training institute. All beauty recommendations from the All About You beauty team.
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