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Foundation is an important facet of makeup - the blank canvas on which the rest of your makeup is applied. It is the base for any makeup application - to hide facial imperfections such as scars, depressions and pigmented areas of skin. According to Cindy Crawford, foundation is the most individualized makeup you wear. Foundation is not merely about adding color to your skin but also as a protective covering from the drying sun, wind and air conditioning.

The base for your makeup is very important - it must be closest to your skin color or your makeup will be a mess. Before you shop for a foundation, stop a while and learn about the kinds of foundation available in market so that you can choose the best makeup foundation for your skin type and color.

Liquid foundation

Liquid foundations are probably the most versatile and suit most skin types. Liquid formulations are easy to use and they come as thick liquid in a bottle. They are available in oil-based and water-based formulas. Water based foundations blend effortlessly and evenly over the face. They contain oil or emollient that cover the skin smoothly with a hint of sheen. They are best suited for women of color as they leave a small amount of shine behind on the skin.

Water based foundations usually contain some silicon oil and offer very light coverage as compared to oil based liquid foundation. Similarly oil based foundations work well for women with extremely dry or wrinkled skin. Though they are greasy and thick, they blend quite well with such skin making it look dewy and moist. Liquid makeup captures moisture within the skin. It also lends a luminous finish.

Cream Foundation

Cream foundations are ideal for dry skin. These are usually creamy and offer excellent coverage to the skin. Their advantage is heavier coverage and more intense moisturizing properties. Women with normal, dry and especially extra-dry skin can opt for these. Compact foundation - This creamy yet powdery option works well with most skin tones and glides easily with a sponge. It is easily portable.

Cake or Stick foundation

These foundations are solid in form and they have a greater drying effect. The cake or stick types are best suited for an oily skin. They give dense matte cover and are good for covering blemishes and scars. Due to their texture, they can also double as concealers. Solid foundations like cake and stick are good for occasional use, especially photography sessions. Applying it may need some getting used to.

Waterproof foundation

Sometimes the extra coverage of a foundation may not really last for a long time. This is especially possible in summer due to the humidity and high temperatures that may prevail throughout the day. During these days, waterproof foundation is of great help to your skin. Waterproof makeup comes in different shades to suit a variety of skin types. They are water-resistant and make your skin look glamorous in spite of the sweltering conditions.

Mineral Foundation

Mineral foundations contain minerals that have been used for cosmetic purposes for thousands of years. Most of these minerals are used to prepare foundations to suit all skin types. They are medicated and they can also be used to cover acne and pimples. Loose mineral foundation can be applied dry or wet and usually provides full spectrum sunscreen. Containing mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides and zinc oxide, mineral makeup provides a dewy fresh look.

Spray Foundation

Spray foundations are yet another medicated foundation that are preferred for acne scarring and post surgical skin. Spray foundations are used to retain the makeup for long hours. You can just spray them over your makeup to refresh it at anytime. They come in different shades for different skin tones.

Foundation makeup tips

With a myriad colors and types of makeup foundations lining the cosmetic shelves, shopping for the best one for your skin can be really daunting. Foundations set the tone for a woman's appearance, so it is essential to make the correct choice.

Skin type and foundation

• If you have an oily skin go in for oil-free or oil-control foundation. On the other hand if you have dry skin shop for the moisturizing kind. If you have combination of oily and dry skin, determine the most type prevalent in your skin and purchase a foundation accordingly. Cream-to-powder based foundation work best for combination skin. Once and for all its over.
  
  
• Select a color that seems close to your natural skin tone. Yellow based colors look most natural on all skin types. However if you are very fair, try pink or a cooler shade. Women make a primary mistake of choosing a foundation that is too light for their skin in the hope of appearing whiter or fairer. This ends up looking ashy. You can pick them up in colors ranging from cream and ivory to peach and darker. Test a color by applying a thin line of color to the jaw line. This will allow you to compare color to the skin on the face as well as the neck to avoid any obvious differences. The color should blend perfectly with your skin tone. Once and for all its over.
  
  
• The vital makeup foundation tip is to blend it well. Ensure that your face and neck appear the same color and the makeup has been well blended near the hairline and the jaw line.

Applying makeup foundation

Foundation has to be spread well on the skin to avoid spots and streaks. Liquid foundation can be applied and blended with a sponge. Apply dots of makeup on your cheeks, chin, forehead and tip of the nose with a makeup sponge or the tips of your fingers. Do not be afraid to experiment with colors and textures.

You can then discover what works best for you. You can choose a foundation with sunblock. Apply concealer under your eyes if you need to camouflage dark circles or baggy eyelids. You can blot your face with a tissue to seal the foundation as well as remove any excess. Set your makeup with loose powder and you can all set for the rest of your makeup!