Matching Makeup for your Skin

Matching Makeup for your Skin

The condition of your skin does to some degree affect the end result of your makeup. Problems such as flakiness and oiliness can affect the appearance and longevity of your foundation and powder.

So, do you need to match makeup to your skin type? To some degree you do, but it is not completely necessary. It is actually more important to maintain the condition of your skin to achieve the best results.

If you do experience makeup problems due to skin concerns, do not feel pressured into purchasing expensive products. Research has repeatedly shown that cheaper lotions and potions are just as effective in keeping your skin clean, healthy and smooth.

The importance of moisturiser is to provide a barrier between the dry air and your skin, so it need not cost a fortune. NO cream will ever rid your lovely face of lines & wrinkles, no matter what the manufacturer promises! Without a doubt, the best anti-ageing cream is sunblock.

There are many cosmetics targeted at specific skin types, but don't allow this to keep you from experimentation. So-called incompatible products may still be used; it may simply be a matter of placement. This applies especially if you have combination skin.

Try oily-based and moisture-rich products where your skin tends to be dry and flaky. These include liquid & creme foundations, creme cheek colours & eyeshadows and liquid bronzers/illuminisers.

Try non-oily products where your skin is prone to shine, such as your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Examples include stick/cake foundations, face powder, powder cheek colours & eyeshadows & powder bronzers/illuminiers. A skin primer may also help to combat oiliness.

Oil-based foundations can blotch on the skin; therefore you may prefer to use a non-oily foundation to avoid this problem, even on dry skin.

To combat oily foundation, blot with a tissue after application. Shaking the bottle well before use can also assist in reducing oily patches on the skin.

Tip: if you prefer creamy formulations but experience issues with creasing and/or shine, apply a light layer of face powder before applying cremes over the top.

A patchy and flaky finish to your foundation could be due to dry skin. Regular exfoliation and moisturising can assist in reducing this problem (lemon juice and sugar mixed together make a wonderful scrub). Moisturiser applied prior to foundation will help to avoid dryness. Any excess moisturiser can be blotted with a tissue.

Tip: if you already have non-oily products which you find are not suited to your skin type, rather than throwing them out, adjust as required by adding some moisturiser.

To help remove excess makeup after cleansing, witch hazel makes an excellent cleanser and toner. It is completely natural, inexpensive and easy to apply with a cotton ball.

There are no hard-and-fast rules about skin type & makeup choice, as each person's preference is different. Experimentation will determine which types you like best and what works best for you.