How To Tell If You’re Wearing The Wrong Foundation

It’s the most important step in your make-up routine, and arguably, if you’re foundation isn’t flawless, the rest of your make-up probably won’t be looking so fabulous either. So, how do you know if you’re wearing the wrong one? These five signs suggest it might be time to invest in a new one.

It’s noticeable

Foundation is meant to seamlessly even out your complexion, instead yours looks and feels heavy, and sits in your pores. A pro tip? Make-up artist Clare Hogan recommends that you only apply your foundation where you need it for a more natural finish. “It’s about using the correct products only where you need them and using light layers that are set well. Piling on thick makeup to cover problem areas such as spots or dark circles can actually make these issues look worse than they are,” she explains.

It’s sliding off

#Grr. Your foundation looked on point this morning, but come lunch it’s taken on a more fluid consistency and rubbed off, specifically on your nose, forehead and chin. An oily t-zone is likely to blame. To fix it, apply an oil-controlling primer like Benefit’s The POREfessional Agent Zero Shine, €33.50 and look for a water-based foundation, that will give skin an added moisture boost, while helping to keep excess oil at bay. We like L’Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint, €13.99.

It looks cakey

You applied with the lightest touch, but still your foundation formula is looking like you hashed it on with a trowel. Damn. It’s likely dry skin that’s the problem. Look to a lightweight hydrating formula like Bobbi Brown Extra Repair foundation, €52 and check you’re using the correct moisturiser and primer for your skin type, too.

It makes you look washed out or orange

It’s the age old foundation colour conundrum. As a rule, if you have warn undertones you should wear foundations with a pinky hue, while cool toned gals should look for yellow bases. If in doubt, “all you need to do is visit a beauty counter and ask for a foundation that is a perfect match to your skin tone, not one two shades darker,” explains make-up artist Mark Rogers. “You can use the likes of bronzers to add warmth but you should always choose your perfect match with your foundation.”

It feels heavy

A good foundation should feel like you aren’t wearing any. Yours feeling thick and heavy on your skin? Look to more lightweight formulas like Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation, €14.82. Or if you require minimal coverage, opt for a BB cream. We heart Dior Nude BB Cream, €43.17.

• Beauty
• Cosmetics
• foundation
• make-up
• make-up artist