Tips for Finding the Perfect Foundation: Where to Begin??

Here's the scenario: You are at your favorite makeup store and you want to look for makeup that will cover your blemishes and redness. Something that isn't to heavy so you don't get that "makeupy" look. As an artist, this is the hardest question thus far!! For those who are lucky enough to have great skin, my job couldn't be any easier, but like most people, we need a little bit of "cover up". A foundation, by definition is a product that is a flesh-toned, applied to the face, to even out skin tone. But the problem is, that's only half the battle. With so many types of products out there, WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? So, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

-"hyperpigmentation": which is skin discoloration that occur due to increase in melanin, which is the primary determinant of our coloring. Thus, this is the reason why most women are uneven toned.
- You may notice that we are usually really red around the cheeks, nose and chin areas. This redness can be due to hormonal changes in our bodies.
- DARK CIRCLES. Your shiners, your raccoon eyes, your blue luggage... whatever you call your dark under-eye circles, here's what they really are: oxidizing hemoglobin.

Dark under-eye circles begin in the capillaries, the tiny blood vessels that web the delicate skin around the eyes. Now, your capillaries are so small that red blood cells sometimes have to line up, single file, to get through. Frequently, red blood cells get lost and wander into the surrounding skin. This isn't a problem - it happens all the time - and your body has a mechanism to mop up these escapees. Enzymes in your body break down the red blood cells, including their hemoglobin (the molecule that gives them their distinctive red color).

No problem, right? Except for one thing: when hemoglobin is broken down, its remaining components have a dark blue-black color. Just like a bruise. So your dark under-eye circles are actually caused by leaky capillaries. So that is why often times, the "bruise-like" circles under your a reddish-purplish in color. The good news is is that everyone goes through this mechanism. The more translucent and sheer your skin tends to be under the eyes, the more visible the dark circles tends to be.

Hopefully this helps you with your search! Just remember, we are all not one toned, and it may take a few different colors to evenly match your skin tone. Also know your skin type, oily, dry, combo, etc.! This will be useful when it comes to choosing the right texture of foundation that best suits your type.

Til next time!!