One of the biggest mistakes you can make when applying make up is to use the wrong shade and the type of foundation. This is the base of your make up and if it is not correct, then your efforts would be in vain. Like any skin care product, foundation must be chosen to suit your skin type. It should be applied to the face, neck and ears and blended in very carefully with a sponge so as to be even. It should be dotted on the face with your fingertips, starting from the centre of your face and then blended in.

Types of Foundations
Foundations come in types liquid and cream. When using the liquid one, after spreading it on the face, neck, shoulders and ears, blend it down wards with a sponge. Then dub compact powder all over the face and neck with a puff. If you use the cream type, use a loose, translucent powder as it sets the cream base better than a compact does. It is better to use a liquid foundation during the day and leave the creamy for special occasions unless your face is very blemished. But before applying the foundation, your skin must be cleansed to need, moisturized with products meant for your type of skin.

About the Skin
If your skin is oily, after cleansing and toning apply an oil-free and preferably water-based moisturizer. If you tend to perspire a lot or your skin is excessively oily, then avoid using the moisturizer. Now apply a liquid foundation which is very light. L Oreal's True Match is excellent for oily skins. Over this, use some compact to help set the foundation. And close the pores. Shiseidos Hydro Liquid Compact is also an excellent base to use. It is a water fresh foundation with an SPF 15 built into it to protect your skin from the ultra violet rays of the sun. It gives you the coverage of a liquid and at the same time is a compact. Combination skin – you need a liquid foundation and compact. But as this type of skin throws up oil in a particular area but feels dry elsewhere, it is tricky to use foundation. The best for this type of skin is a water liquid foundation and compact. L'Oreal has come out with an ideal balance range suitable for this skin type. The foundation from this range is suitable for a combination skin as it balances the oil.

Normal skin – if you're lucky to have this type of skin, keep your foundation to a minimum. A liquid foundation mixed with skin lights and a bit of compact to set it in should be enough. Dry skin – usually foundation “lakes” on a very dry skin and looks artificial. In order to get a more natural look, you will need one that is of a lighter consistency. Revlon's liquid foundation mixed with a little of their skin light face illuminator gives the skin a clevy look. Whatever type of skin you have, remember that a well applied foundation makes all the difference to your final look. If the foundation is patchy or not blended in perfectly at the jaw and hairline, your face will be a different colour to the rest of the skin which is exposed. Blend it in with a sponge and then use a brush to feather over the edges. You can renew your compact after a few hours if you perspire too much, but never reapply foundation.

In our type of hot, humid weather remember that less is better than more.
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