nikkiyvonneblogs: Foundation tips & favourites

Until a year and a half ago, I had used foundation maybe once or twice, so when I started writing my blog it was still quite a daunting product for me. I've come quite a way from my first foundation post, mostly due to how much I've experimented and researched; I now have firm favourites, and picking out new foundations isn't as hard as it used to be.

If you're in the same kind of situation as me, even just wanting to try new things out, here's a little list of suggestions I've made, whether you're looking for cheaper or more expensive foundations! It's also my trick to finding the right shade in high street brands without too much hassle.

Have a look into what foundations would be good for your skin type, or just what you want to try out; I mostly read through blogs of people who have similar skin colours and types
Go to some make up counters, and get matched to one or two that you like the sound of. My favourites are MAC, Clinique and Bobbi Brown
Test out the samples! The sample pots normally have enough for anything from 2-7 days use, depending how much you put on each use
Use the samples that you have to compare to drugstore brands or other high end ones; leave a little in the pot if you're going to compare to high street brands, and see how the colours match up when you're in the shop*
Don't be scared of asking for help! I used to be terrified of approaching beauty counters, but they don't bite
Also don't be scared of patch tests; but my advice is don't go before you have a big day in front of you in case you don't like it**
Find the right way to apply your foundation! Everyone prefers a different way and they all produce different effects; also consider the packaging, if you're likely to spill it everywhere, maybe a bottle isn't the one for you

*it doesn't matter if it's on the back of your hand! You're looking for how well they match the sample, not to the colour of the skin on your hand.

**my first ever foundation was Benefit Hello Flawless, and a full makeover at a Benefit counter; while I love it, I didn't feel like I was matched to the right colour and had to go into college with a full face of tangerine. Not exactly confidence boosting!

I hope this has been useful to someone! In case you're wondering, these are my favourite foundations at the moment (below) and I've put some links to all the foundation reviews that I've put up on my blog before. But watch this space, I've got about three more to come!