Find the Right Foundation Shade for Your Skin Tone

The first step in putting your best face forward is figuring out the right base color. Think of foundation as the canvas in which you highlight your best facial assets, and cover the uneven spots with concealer (a girl's best friend!) Finding the right base color is a task all its own, so here's what I recommend:

• When shopping for a foundation, look for the word non-comodenogenic (the fancy term that means it doesn't clog your pores). The product's claim should also be that it goes on evenly, or better yet, that it makes your skin glow.
• Test the base on the back of your hand. If it blends into your skin without a visible line or dramatic tone difference, this could be the one.
• Blend, blend, blend. Foundation isn't a mask. Your true skin should shine through. Concealer should be one shade lighter then your base. Make sure that you dot under the eyes (use your pinky!) and dot over any blotchiness, blemishes or redness, and then blend some more. (Did I say blend?)

Final words: Don't hide behind a mask of makeup as I once did. It took me years(!) to learn not to use heavy powder, especially under the eyes because it screams to the world: LOOK, I'M WEARING MAKEUP! The goal here is to let your natural beauty shine through—and shine you shall!

Remember, beauty is simplicity!

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