How to select makeup for your skin type

Good skincare and understanding the behaviour of different skin types and the issues that come with that is the first step to flawless looking foundation.

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OILY SKIN
Oily skin tends to produce excess sebum that sits on the surface of the skin and gives it a shiny appearance. The problem with this is that it causes pimples, and makeup doesn’t sit quite well. So, taking care of these skin concerns before applying makeup will help a great deal.

Once you’ve dealt with your skin’s concerns, your search for the right foundation begins. Look for matte and long-lasting foundation options. These normally come in the form of compacts and liquids. Pair your foundation with mattifying primer for a lasting effect. Finish your base off with a mattifying setting spray.

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COMBINATION SKIN
This skin type has both oily and dehydrated parts, which may cause it to have an uneven texture and colour. Hydrating face washes and water-based hydration are key for combination skin as it nourishes the dehydrated areas and balances the oiliness of those shiny areas.

You can use mattifying foundation, but this may exacerbate the dehydrated areas. Instead, go for mousse foundations and natural-finish foundations that are neither too matte nor too heavy.

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DRY SKIN
Unlike the dehydrated patches in dehydrated skin, dry skin doesn’t produce enough sebum. This causes it to become sensitive and uneven, sometimes developing rashes. Nourishing and soothing skincare is essential to calm dry skin and replenish what’s needed. Milky and non-foaming facewashes help cleanse the skin without stripping it, and face balms and oils are good for moisturising.

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Hydrating foundations will work well with this skin type. These leave the skin looking dewy and don’t make it dry. Avoid powder and setting spray as these are meant to set makeup and can have a drying effect.

5 TIPS WHEN SHOPPING FOR MAKE-UP

• Avoid buying foundation just because it’s on promotion. Unless you’ve used it before and liked it, the sales lady may just be trying to score a sale. Ask questions and make sure it’s the right one for you before you commit.
• Do your research, find out which brands are highly rated online and what the comments are from users.
• Test the foundation against the jaw, this way you will be able to see if it will blend in easily on both the neck and face.
• Ask for samples of the foundations you would like, try these out in different settings to see how they behave on your skin.
• Expensive doesn’t always mean better, there are some good quality foundations that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

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