I tried cheap stuff, expensive blends. Powders, creams, and liquids, but nothing was just right. I spent a small fortune and had nothing to show for it but a box full of barely used paint.
It was a hard lesson made all the more difficult because unlike a lot of other cosmetics this is one that you MUST try on to get right.
That alone can be scary, but also kind of fun. Just remember to be bold and brazen (say it with me: Bold and Brazen). And don't worry about the salesclerks. At the minimum they will get a kick out of working with you and if they are any good at all they will enjoy the challenge.
I'm going to leave the very special challenge of beard cover for another article, because it is a subject unto itself. But for now just keep in mind that your are NOT selecting a foundation to match your beard cover, but your natural skin tone. Where is the most natural tone? Well it sure isn't on your wrist. Try matching to your your cheekbones or forehead.
I am also going to save discussion different types of foundation for another article, because that too is a subject of its own. For now, the focus will be on color.
Many transsexuals go through a no make-up phase, but thankfully many of them eventually realize that hormones are not a cure for all skin problems and that most people over 25 can use a little help. Transvestites really don't have a choice. Without the skin softening effects of hormones, a good foundation is a must for the occasional woman
The goal is a clean, natural look. But wait, how can a cosmetic, especially one so "heavy" as a foundation, help create a "natural" look? The answer is in color matching and the type of product you use.
If you ever have the slightest inkling that the foundation you are using is off somehow, get rid of it. Especially the cheap drugstore stuff. Not that inexpensive foundations are bad, au contraire, cheap is good, but if it makes you look bad get rid of it. Besides, now you're going to learn how to get a foundation that works. Once you find the right one you will use it all up, I promise.
You need to now identify the range of shades that work best with your season. Jackson says that if you are Winter or a Summer, you want to find cool or rose-based shades. These will often be labeled rose, sand rachel, mahogany, or neutral. Autumns and Springs should look for warm or yellow-based shades. These often are called ivory, peach, golden, bronze, or natural.
You will be faced with a bewildering variety of choices, but the sales person should be able to tell you which of the colors are rose-based or yellow-based.
Unlike most things cosmetic, our redheads and strawberry blonde girls (the Autumns and Springs) will likely have a little easier time at this point. Makeup artists and cosmetics sales people seem to like working with the yellow-based products better than the roses. I think this is because they are often working under fluorescent light in a department store which brings me to my next little tip:
Never buy a foundation without seeing how it looks in daylight!
Okay, that is easier said than done, but as always it comes down to this: you either get this done right once or you'll be fooling around, making mistakes and spending unnecessary money in an endless quest for the right shade. I know this, because BOTH my wife and I went through a bunch of wrong shades before we wised up to this simple idea. Scared? Well what are you anyway? A man or mou...wait that isn't quite right is it...Anyway you get the point.
Before you go outside, narrow down your field by putting trying three or four different shades on your face in the store, a "strip" of color will do. See which one or ones seem to "disappear".
Ask the sales person to let you borrow a mirror, or have one of your own, go outside and check it out. No one will care. (Bold and brazen always) The one that you cannot see is the right one. The ones that don't work will sit there and you'll see them.
For you scaredy-cats with a lot of money to burn here is what Carole Jackson recommends as general guidelines (from the "Color Me Beautiful Makeup Book"):
Winters will look best in a cool, neutral shade, and that includes Asian or black winters. Try a slightly rosy
beige if you have visible pink in your skin; a pale, sand color if you are very fair.
Summers: a pinkish beige if you have visible pink in your skin; a neutral cool shade if your skin is more beige than pink.
Autumns: a warm peach if you have ruddiness or lots off freckles; ivory if you are fair and slightly creamy; a warm natural beige if your skin is beige; golden beige if your skin is quite golden.
Springs: a warm peach or pinky peach, if your face is ruddy or you have "high coloring"; porcelain or ivory if your complexion is creamy and light; golden beige if your skin is darker and golden.
Once you've got the right color, buy it! Spend the money on the best quality you can afford because it will last longer and go on lighter. Furthermore, once you know what the right shade is, you can take a flyer or two on drugstore "cheapies" that look kind of close...who knows you might get luck for $6.
Next month: Which type of foundation: cream, liquid or powder?
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