Dear Bek,

I was wondering if you could tell me what is the best way to match a foundation to my skin tone??

Thanks,

Vicki.

Dear Vicki,

Great question!  Choosing the wrong foundation colour is a common, but easily avoidable mistake.

The first thing to consider is your skin type…. for those with oily skin, you might find that a powder or mineral foundation works best.  For those with dry or mature skin, you might find that a creme or liquid foundation is more suitable.

If you’re buying your foundation from a cosmetic counter, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance!

Most often the cosmetic consultant will remove the makeup from part of your jaw line, and will apply three different foundations that appear to be a good match… usually one is too dark, one is too light, and one should be just right.  You will know it’s the right colour when it disappears into your skin.  The reason the colour is tested in the jaw line is to ensure you choose a colour that transitions well from face to neck.

If you’re not at a cosmetic counter, it is quite easy to do this yourself if you have a mirror handy.

What people don’t often realise is that your face is often a different colour to your chest.  You may be fairer in the face compared to your chest which may see the sun a bit more… if you match the foundation colour to your face, then often it will look too light against your chest area (or vice versa)!!!  So choose a colour that blends from face to neck to chest - this is VERY important!!

It’s also important to check the colour in different lighting, if possible.

The right foundation will be virtually indistinguishable from your actual skin. If you want your skin to appear darker or tanned, add a light dust of bronzing powder or use a self-tanner, but please don’t attempt to create this look with your foundation.  It could have disastrous effects, and look terribly fake!

Always remember to finish your foundation with a light translucent powder, being careful to avoid wrinkled areas or areas you don’t wish to highlight.

I hope I have answered your question!!!  Good luck!

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah

www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

If you have any beauty, skin care, and makeup related questions, feel free to email me at rebekah@beyondthebride.com.au and I will endeavour to answer your questions as quickly as possible!

Your question and answer will be reproduced in this blog, so that others can benefit from the information.

You can remain anonymous if you so wish, just let me know!!!

Thanks!

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah

www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

One of the most important things you can do in the lead up to your wedding day is to prepare your skin. Every bride wants to look beautiful, and although a good makeup artist can hide blemishes, nothing beats having beautiful, glamorous looking skin for that big day. There are many ways to achieve this, but it is important to start thinking about your skin at least 3 or 4 months in advance of your wedding.

Drink lots of water

This is the most important thing you can do. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Water cleans your skin improving its texture and eliminates blemishes.

Eat healthy foods

Eating healthy foods make a huge difference. Eating loads of fruits and vegetables, and foods which are high in anti-oxidants, like berries, help to repair your skin. Avoid foods high in salt and sugar, as well as alcohol. It is also a good idea to take vitamins every day.

Sleep well

Your skin rejuvenates while you sleep. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, it will show on your skin! Try to get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep a night, if possible.

Exercise

Daily exercise is really important. The increase in circulation keeps your skin looking radiant (not to mention your body in shape!)

Develop a strict skin care regiment

It is so important to cleanse, tone, and moisturise twice daily (in the morning, and in the evening). You don’t have to use expensive products. Supermarket brands such as Loreal and Garnier can be just as effective (and are better than nothing!). The main thing is that your skin is clean. Never go to bed with makeup still on your face!!! This is a big no-no! Your skin needs to breath, particularly when you sleep, so even if you are dead tired, wipe off that eye-makeup and cleanse the skin before bed. If you really can’t be bothered, invest in a packet of makeup remover towelettes from the supermarket and use those to clean your face after a late night.

It’s important to GENTLY remove your eye makeup. A cheap and effective way is to wet the eye and remove the makeup with sorbolene crème on a cotton makeup pad. Use gentle upward and downward strokes. You’ll be surprised how easy it comes off.

Use an eye crème

It is important to use an eye crème with your daily skin care regime. For those with puffy eyes, an eye gel will be more effective.

Exfoliate at least twice a week

It is important to exfoliate at least once or twice a week. Micro-dermabrasion is very effective, and these days you can buy at-home kits relatively cheap. I would recommend the Nutrimetics Micro-dermabrasion kit as a start… I personally use this product and noticed the effects almost instantly!

Always follow with a good moisturizer.

Acne

It is better to flush out your skin of acne, rather than suppress it. Exfoliate regularly, and start months before your wedding to allow your skin to repair itself in time for your wedding. If you are using Acne products like Pro-activ or Clearasil, make sure you patch test first, and start using the product at least a few months before your wedding in case you have any reactions.

Facials

If you are adamant about getting a facial before your wedding, remember this….. the purpose of a facial is to draw out impurities… and often lead to break outs. If you’ve never had a facial before, please schedule one in at least a few months before your wedding, and get them done regularly right up until the wedding. Don’t get a facial done for the first time a week or two before the wedding. Chances are it will backfire and you’ll end up with skin you would rather not have on your wedding day! Some people react badly to facials (especially those with acne problems). However, for some people the results are fantastic!

Use sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to your face and neck every day. Many moisturisers and day crèmes come with an in-built sunscreen, which means less hassle.

Sun exposure can be detrimental to your skin, so avoid long periods in the sun unprotected, as well as tanning. If you are using a fake tan or spray on tan it is important to have a ‘trial’ at least a few months before your wedding. You will be surprised how many brides end up looking ‘orange’ on their wedding day!

There’s nothing wrong with going ‘natural’… Healthy, fresh, fair skin is very fashionable!

Rebekah Foxe

Makeup Artistry by Rebekah

www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Have a question you would like to ask Bek?? email Bek at - rebekah@beyondthebride.com.au