Face

Face makeup: foundation, powder and concealer

Face makeup creates the base of your make-up and helps achieve an even, smooth complexion. Here you will find foundations, concealers, powders, blush and skin tone perfectors for both everyday and evening looks.

The range is made for anyone who wants a light, natural finish and for those who prefer more coverage. Products come as liquids, powders and compacts, so you can find something for the handbag as well as for the dressing table.

How to choose face makeup

Start with your skin type and the coverage you want. A light foundation or fluid texture gives a natural result, while a higher-coverage foundation evens out the complexion more thoroughly. Concealer hides smaller imperfections and powder sets the result.

• Foundation: choose a shade that matches your skin tone and a texture suited to your skin type, for example oil-free for oily skin.
• Concealer: use on spots and to brighten the area under the eyes.
• Powder: sets make-up and reduces shine.
• Blush: adds colour and life to the face.

For eye make-up see our eye makeup products, and for the wider range the whole cosmetics category. For lip colour, visit lip makeup.

Choosing by skin type

• Oily skin: choose an oil-free foundation and a matte powder that keeps shine under control.
• Dry skin: hydrate the skin well before make-up and choose a creamy, light-reflecting foundation.
• Combination skin: use powder only on the T-zone and leave a creamy finish on the cheeks.
• Normal skin: a light fluid or a foundation with SPF suits everyday wear.

How do you find your shade?

A skin tone has two parts: depth and undertone. Depth is how light or dark the skin is, and undertone is whether it leans yellow, pink or neutral. A good starting point is the jawline, where the foundation should blend into the skin of the neck. Always check the colour in daylight, because indoor light changes the shade.

Foundations

Foundation is the base of face make-up. The Clinique range includes the Even Better foundation SPF15 and the Beyond Perfecting foundation and concealer, which does the job of two products. Shiseido offers a compact solution: the Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing powder foundation is a compact 9 g pack that fits in a bag.

Concealer and the under-eye area

Concealer is a small but important step. A concealer pen is precise: apply it only where you want to hide something and blend with a fingertip or a brush. To brighten the under-eye area, choose a shade that is slightly lighter than your foundation. The principle of good make-up is simple: less product, a more even result.

Powders

Powder finishes face make-up and keeps the surface even. The Superpowder Double Face Makeup is a foundation powder that does the job of powder and foundation in one. A larger compact powder, such as the Beyond Perfecting powder, stays on the dressing table at home. If you want a set, look at the Blended face powder with a brush.

Blush and glow

Blush gives the face colour, and a glow gel adds radiance. Apply the light-reflecting gel to the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose, and the blush to the apples of the cheeks and out towards the ears. Used together, the two make the face look fresh and rested.

Sun protection before make-up

Daytime make-up begins with protection. The Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro sun protection emulsion is applied to the skin before foundation, so that daytime make-up starts with protection. A foundation with sun protection simplifies the morning even more.

Self-tanner and skin tone perfector

If you want a soft sun-kissed look without the sun, see the self-tanning products. Vita Liberata Beauty Blur is made to even out the skin tone and works as a make-up base.

Popular brands

The range includes products from Clinique, Shiseido and Vita Liberata, whose Beauty Blur products help even out the skin tone.

The order of face makeup steps

The order keeps make-up even: base, concealing, setting and colour.

• Cleanse and moisturise: start with clean, hydrated skin, and the make-up sits more evenly.
• Foundation: apply a thin layer from the centre outwards.
• Concealer: dab on under the eyes and on spots.
• Powder: press lightly onto shiny areas.
• Blush and glow: finish the expression of the face.

After taking make-up off, cleanse the skin gently so that it can breathe. The face cleansing products are made for that.

Make-up for every occasion

For an ordinary day a light foundation and blush are enough. At work and in meetings, powder keeps shine under control. For the evening add a glow gel and a more covering concealer, and the make-up stays even in photographs too. For a special event, try the make-up at home first so you know how the shade and texture look on your skin.

Make-up through the seasons

In summer prefer light, airy textures and products with sun protection that add no weight to the skin. In winter, when skin needs more moisture, creamier foundations and a glow gel bring life to a grey day. When the season changes you may need a different shade too: summer skin is often darker than winter skin.

Tools and routine

Foundation can be applied with fingertips, a damp sponge or a brush. Fingers warm the product and melt it into the skin, a sponge gives a thin layer and a brush gives an even surface. A large soft brush suits powder and a smaller one suits blush. If you press the product into the skin instead of dragging it, the make-up stays even for longer.

What to keep in the make-up bag

A small make-up bag with three things covers most days: a concealer pen, a compact powder and a blush. Those three improve the complexion, hide signs of tiredness and give the face colour. All three fit in a tiny bag and are quick to use, even in a lift mirror.

Gift idea

A blush or a glow gel is easy to give, because the shade suits many people. When giving a foundation, leave the shade to the recipient. If you are unsure, choose a powder or a blush: they are simple and well liked.

Frequently asked questions