All you need to know about choosing a foundation for your skin type

The quest for the perfect foundation that brightens, blurs and conceals the after-effects of your chaotic sleep pattern and inconsistent skincare habits can seem never-ending, especially considering the constant innovation and newer formulas taking the shelves every single day. To avoid losing your way in the maze of marketing gimmicks, it helps to be armed with a precise knowledge of what works for your specific skin type, so that you don’t end up with your foundation running to your jawline even before you’ve had your first sip of coffee at work.

Have you seen acres of newsprint devoted to the importance of using the right beauty products for your skin type, but aren’t too sure which category yours falls under? We got celebrity dermatologist, Dr Harshna Bijlani to share her easy, foolproof formula for finding out. She says, “The most effective way to determine your personal skin type is to go to sleep without using any products and without the air conditioner. When you wake up the next morning, first feel your skin. Your results will likely fall into one of the following categories:

• If your skin feels sticky and oily all over when you wake up, and squeaky clean once you wash it, then you have oily skin. People with oily skin tend to be a little more prone to acne and blocked pores, they also tend to feel like the makeup they wear sweats off their face.
• People with dry skin, on the other hand, may wake up with their skin feeling a little stretchy, dry, and maybe even a little flaky and dehydrated. These are signs point to dry skin, that usually necessitates the use of a moisturiser after washing the face in the mornings, and during the day as well.
• Combination skin refers to a mix of the two, and people with this skin type tend to have dry, tight and dehydrated skin in certain parts of their face and sticky or oily skin in the other parts of their face, especially the T-zone, consisting of the forehead, nose and certain areas around the nose and chin.
• People with sensitive skin tend to find that their skin gets irritated or inflamed very easily, and need to be more careful about their product texture and ingredients while choosing any kind of skincare products. For best results, people with sensitive skin should try a product on a patch of their face first, before applying it on the rest of their face.”

How to pick the correct foundation for your skin type

Oily skin

Celebrity makeup artist Mitali Vakil advises, “You need to avoid caking down your face too much, as it will dry your skin out. Instead, always begin with a pore-perfecting primer for that illuminating final look.” Dr Bijlani adds, “Look for a foundation that is more gel- or powder-based, so as to not increase the oil level on your face. A compact or powder foundation can be of help if you’re looking for sheer coverage, whereas a liquid powder foundation is handy for full coverage. You can also opt for a matte oil-free option or foundations with ingredients like salicylic acid, which help absorb oil and prevent makeup from running off.”
Our pick: Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15

Dry skin

It is, indeed, all about that base, according to Vakil. “For dry skin, you’ll find that the prep is more important than the final foundation. A solid hand with the primer will ensure that your makeup sits better, and will also help boost your skin’s hydration levels,” she says. To narrow your shortlist down further, Dr Bijlani recommends, “Opt for foundations that are creamy or emollient to provide your skin with the hydration it needs. You can also layer it by using a heavy moisturising cream, followed by a creamy foundation. When shopping, scan the product labels for hydrating and moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid and argan oil, among others. People with dry skin also need to make sure they prep their skin well before using their foundation to avoid looking cakey; try using a light sheer formula when possible, rather than full coverage.”
Our pick: Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Combination skin

Since your skin doesn’t fall under any one end of the spectrum, your foundation requirements will, likewise, call for an innovative amalgamation. “You can look for a hybrid formula like a compact with foundation, a powder foundation or a light liquid foundation to avoid blocking your oily zone and to prevent any makeup smears in the problem areas throughout the day. You should also avoid overwashing the dry part of your face,” Dr Bijlani further adds.
Our pick: Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover Foundation

Sensitive skin

“For easily irritable skin, it is best to opt for a foundation that is more mineral-based or organic and hypoallergenic, with as few chemicals as possible. If you tend to have easily irritated red skin, you can opt for an anti-blemish formula as well,” says the Mumbai-based dermatologist. And while the majority of beauty products claim that they are formulated for sensitive skin, Vakil advises some due diligence on your part when shopping. “You may not want to believe everything that you read about beauty products for sensitive skin; instead, it helps to personally read the labels to ensure that you aren’t allergic to any of the components.”
Our pick: Bareminerals Matte Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Mature skin

“The key is to maintain your skin’s hydration levels to prevent the wrinkles and open pores from acting up,” advises Vakil. The next time you are shopping, Dr Bijlani recommends that you “look for a foundation with anti-ageing ingredients like Vitamin E, plant stem cells and moisturising agents, to prevent your wrinkles from accentuating due to dry skin. Also, bear in mind the texture and coverage you opt for. Look for lighter foundations that help soften the skin, rather than full coverage. For mature skin, sheer coverage is always recommended, because if you have fine lines on your face, full coverage could seep in and further accentuate the wrinkles, making your face look cakey.”
Our pick: Estée Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Serum Foundation SPF 25

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