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Foundation is the unsung hero of makeup. The right one will make you look younger and healthier, the wrong one may not give you the desired results…Here's how to ensure a flawless finish.

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WHY PRIMER IS IMPORTANT
Primers are designed to take your foundation to the next level. They create a layer that is smoother and silkier than your actual skin, so any product you apply to it will enhance your look and won't sink into pores or creases. Primer also helps foundation stay put for longer, and some are specifically formulated for oily or ruddy skins. Apply your primer after your sunscreen or moisturiser, and before your foundation. And wait for it to dry before applying foundation.

ARE BB CREAMS FOR YOU?
These are tinted moisturisers on steroids. They're jam-packed with beneficial ingredients, including antioxidants and other powerful anti-ageing agents, as well as an SPF. If you find foundations (even the sheer ones) to be too thick in formula, give BB creams a bash. They hydrate, even out skin tone and give you a very natural-looking finish.

HOW ABOUT CC CREAMS?
While similar to BB creams, CC creams focus on colour correcting the skin. They have light-diffusing particles that visibly even out the skin, tone down redness and lighten pigmentation. They also contain an SPF. If you suffer from redness, pigmentation or an uneven skin tone but still want makeup coverage, then use a CC cream. They often contain antioxidants to treat the skin but their main function is colour-correcting.

CHOOSE YOUR COVERAGE

SHEER: Foundations with a sheer coverage have lightweight formulas that blend easily into the skin. They're great for adding a touch of colour to sallow, pale skin and create a subtle effect on the complexion. Ideal for 'weekend makeup', sheer formulas can be worn at the beach or when you feel like giving your skin a break from heavier base.

MEDIUM COVERAGE: This is perfect for women who suffer from redness or breakouts. Foundations with medium coverage allow you to decide how heavy or subtle you’d like to go when applying them. Their long-wearing formulas make them ideal for weddings and other events where you need your makeup to last.

Every skin has a different undertone and shade, so try different shades of foundation to fi nd your perfect match.

FULL COVERAGE
These thick formulas are designed to conceal any imperfections, such as scarring, acne, sun and age spots, or pigmentation. Be careful not to overdo it, and make sure the shade perfectly matches your skin tone.

MATCH YOUR FOUNDATION TO YOUR SKIN TYPE FOR MATURE SKIN
Choose a foundation that provides good coverage and which has lifting, tightening and firming ingedients. Look out for formulas with pigments that reflect light off your skin, making your complexion look more radiant and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

FOR OILY OR BLEMISHPRONE SKIN
Opt for a ‘mattifying’ foundation that is oil-free and has the ability to control excess shine and unwanted breakouts. These foundations are usually buildable and provide longlasting coverage even though their textures are rather lightweight.

FOR DRY, DEHYDRATED SKIN
Choose a foundation with moisturising properties. They are slightly thicker than oil-free foundations and very easy to blend. They’re designed to give your skin a healthy glow.

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Nowadays, there are a host of fabulous foundations that cater for those with sensitive skins. Look for foundations that have gentle, soothing properties such as vitamins E and C, which calm and protect the skin instead of causing it to flare up.

HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT FOUNDATION

1. ‘Always compare different shades,’ says Gina Myers, senior makeup artist for Elizabeth Arden South Africa. ‘Every skin has a different undertone and shade, so try different ones to find your perfect match’
   
   
2. ‘Test your chosen foundation on your jawline. If it disappears when you blend it in, you’ve found your perfect match,’ says Gina. ‘Your ideal shade could be the combination of two different foundation shades, particularly during the change from summer to winter. Don’t be scared to experiment and play around.’
   
   
3. ‘Ensure skin is properly moisturised when testing foundation,’ says Kelli Clifton, FAIRLADY’s beauty editor. ‘You can’t experience the foundation’s true texture when trying out a product on dry, flaky skin.’
   
   
4. ‘Test the foundation on your jawline in natural lighting,’ suggests Kelli. ‘The artifi cial lighting in shopping malls may affect your true foundation colour.’
   
   
5. ‘Chat to your consultant about your concerns when buying foundation,’ says Kelli. ‘If you want something lightweight, or to cover blemishes, let them know.’

JBG products are available at selected Jet stores. View our list of stores.