Looking for the perfect foundation is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. The cosmetics market offers a plethora of products all selling a dream complexion. A favorite of beautystas, the foundation guarantees an instantly magnified complexion. Before cracking, several factors must be taken into account: the shade of course, but also the texture, the coverage or the finish. Decryption with Magali Marx, expert make-up Clarins.
The foundation, the star of vanity
Very early on, the foundation arrives in our makeup bags. To hide a pimple, blur the complexion or calm the shine. Over time, needs change, we swap covering textures for more fluid formulas. Second skin foundations that do not mark, smooth the complexion transparently and infuse it with radiance. Some people love this cult cosmetic for sculpting their face, others it for special occasions, just to show off a flawless complexion in the photos. For Magali Marx, expert make-up Clarins, “ the foundation helps to unify, correct, add radiance or dullness. It’s the backdrop to a beautiful makeup. "So many assets that make this cosmetic an essential cosmetic hit.
Foundation: how to identify the right shade?
Find the perfect shade? The Graal ! And yet, despite colorimetric ranges that have continued to expand for several years, choosing the shade that sticks to your skin is always an impossible task. How to choose the most suitable shade? 3 criteria must be taken into account, confides the make-up expert:
- The first criterion is the skin color : " Before choosing your foundation, you have to try to identify your skin tone: light, medium, dark, very dark … "
- Then the undertone : " The way you tan is a good indicator. If you get sunburned or the skin tends to redden from exposure, it is clear and pink. Conversely, if the skin tans easily, it corresponds to a golden complexion. Second indicator: the color of the veins. If these are bluish, it is because the complexion is pink, if they are rather green, it is because we are in a golden undertone. Finally, when you're hesitating between a pink or golden undertone and you're afraid of making a mistake, you can go for a neutral that suits all skin tones. "
- Last criterion to find the ideal foundation, the makeup test : " the best area to try on foundation is the chin area. The neck is too light, you better find the shade closest to your face. The best option is the foundation which is not visible when you apply it »Says Magali.
Foundation: what texture for my skin?
Compact, liquid, powdery … the right texture for foundation varies according to the type of skin. If it is mixed, oily, dry or normal, Magali Marx recommends adopting a more or less fluid texture:
- If my skin is normal to dry : " Above all, dry skin needs to be hydrated and nourished deeply. You should also scrub regularly to remove dead skin and restore radiance. The makeup will only be better afterwards. The most suitable texture for this type of skin will be a fluid formula. We therefore favor a light, hydrating and luminous foundation. The Clarins trick is to add a drop of Double Serum to your foundation to boost radiance and comfort. "
- If my skin is mixed : " You can choose a fluid texture with a more matte finish, especially for the middle area of the face. You can work on the radiance, but rather on the top of the cheekbones or the tip of the nose, avoiding the T zone. The most important thing when you have combination skin is to powder your foundation with emphasis on the middle area of the face. With a sponge or with a powder puff, by applying pressure. Then with a large brush, we sweep the material outwards from the face. "
- If my skin is fat : " For this type of skin, it is impossible to ignore careful cleaning. Oily skin produces a lot of sebum which results in less good makeup hold. In order to guarantee a pretty complexion all day long, we apply a cleansing water before the foundation. It is then necessary to privilege a powdery compact which can unify and mattify at the same time without loading. "
Foundation: suitable coverage
The coverage of a foundation will depend on the needs of the skin. The more small flaws like redness or imperfections to hide, the more coverage should be. " If you have spots or small pimples, a foundation that is too light will show these small flaws in transparency, so you need more coverage. It is important to choose a foundation that will take care of the skin and let it breathe while providing sufficient coverage for a beautiful complexion "Explains expert Clarins.
How to properly apply your foundation?
To have a beautiful complexion naturally, the application of the foundation must be light without any material effect. To get this transparent finish, Magali Marx explains that you have to work with the beauty product differently depending on the texture:
- The compact apply with a sponge
- The fluids are worked with a brush. " For a transparent finish, use a slightly fluffy complexion brush with two levels of bristles to gently caress the face and blend the material (Multi-purpose brush, Clarins). For a more sophisticated make-up finish, apply the foundation with a flat brush. Whatever tool you use, it is good to finish the application by placing the palms of your hands on the center of the face while stretching outwards. This gesture helps to bring dullness and a natural finish. ".
The foundation is always applied from the inside of the face outwards: " we start from the middle zone and the chin going up, in order to flatter the features and adopt a draining movement. »Concludes the make-up Artist.
Focus on the 12 best foundations of the moment
- The best second skin foundation: Skin Illusion by Clarins
Thanks to its pigmented serum formula, Skin Illusion by Clarins warms the complexion without any material effect. A protective halo that captures the light and hits the face with a natural glow. Available in 24 shades. Price: 44 €. Available on sephora.fr
- The best radiant foundation: Natural Radiant Longwear by Nars Cosmetics
In addition to this, you need to know more about it.With buildable coverage and long-lasting hold up to 4 p.m., this second-skin foundation is easy to wear. Its asset? A radiant finish that infuses the face. Available in 33 shades. Price: 46 €. Available on narscosmetics.fr
- The best matte foundation: Studio Fix by M.A.C
Combination to oily skins love it and for good reason, the Studio Fix fluid foundation from M.A.C Cosmetics guarantees opaque coverage with a matte finish. Its formula contains an SPF15 filter as well as silicia which reduces the appearance of pores. No more shine, the complexion is unified until the evening. Available in 64 shades. Price: 35 €. Available at Marionaud and Nocibé.
- The best buildable foundation: Backstage Face & Body Foundation by Dior
This face and body foundation is the darling of makeup artists. Its buildable texture allows you to obtain tailor-made coverage with a flawless complexion, even in the event of heatstroke. The finish is natural and luminous. Available in 40 shades. Price: 39 €. Available on sephora.fr
- The best photogenic foundation: Ultra HD from Make Up For Ever
This iconic foundation combines flawless coverage with an imperceptible texture. The winning combo to sublimate the complexion without material effect. The complexion is naturally luminous and even. Available in 44 shades. Price: € 39.90. Available on sephora.fr
- The best illuminating foundation: Perfect Radiance by Nocibé
Its creamy, fluid and fresh texture merges with the skin to correct small flaws and only let shine appear. Its active ingredients (Vitamin C, Zinc and peptide) unify the skin texture and reduce age spots. Available in 6 shades. Price: € 10.46. Available on nocibe.fr
- The best fluid foundation: Vitalumière Aqua by Chanel
With its fluid texture that melts into the skin, this foundation instantly brings radiance to the complexion with transparency. A radiant complexion with no make-up effect. Available in 16 shades. Price: € 49.90. Available on sephora.fr
- The best skincare foundation: Sephora Care Natural Radiance + 10h Hydration Foundation
A smart mix between skincare and make-up, this new Sephora foundation is a little bombshell. Thanks to its formula composed of 97% natural ingredients, based on Vitamin C and Matcha tea, the skin is refreshed. The light is redeployed in overdose and the complexion glows. Available in 25 shades. Price: € 14.90. Available on sephora.fr
- The best natural foundation, Hyaluron Liquid Foundation by Lavera
Natural composition + light coverage without marking = the ideal combo for a radiant complexion. Its hydrating formula bursting with hyaluronic acid ensures comfort all day long. The skin is naturally more beautiful. Available in 4 shades. Price: 12 €. Available on amazon.fr
- Best vegan foundation: Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation by NYX Professional
This iconic NYX product has a liquid texture with a matte covering finish. Thanks to its non-comedogenic vegan formula, it is suitable for normal skin, combination to oily skin and sensitive skin. No more shine, the complexion remains even until the evening. Available in 45 shades. Price: € 15.90. Available on nyxcosmetics.fr
- The best unifying foundation: Even Better by Clinique
It's the darling of combination skin. Its moisturizing texture with moderate coverage instantly evens the complexion. Reliable, it ensures a luminous and uniform appearance for 24 hours even in the event of a heat stroke. Available in 56 shades. Price: € 39.90. Available on sephora.fr
- The best hydrating foundation: Pro Filt'r Hydrating Longwear Foundation by Fenty Beauty
Normal to dry skin will flock to this foundation with a moisturizing and comfortable texture that does not skimp on coverage. Most ? A light tube bottle that delivers the right amount of make-up. Available in 50 shades. Price: 34 €. Available on sephora.fr