Applying too much, or too little of foundation can change your overall makeup look. And, unlike lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes, you cannot play around with a variety of colors. It’s all about the foundation here that’s the most important aspect of flawless makeup. An ill-applied foundation can ruin everything, forcing you to start from square one.
Finding the right shade is just the beginning, and you’ve to consider your skin type before choosing the type of foundation. Nailing the right foundation is the most important step towards achieving a flawless finish.

1. Know your skin type
   Knowing your skin type thoroughly is the prime aspect of picking the ideal foundation. There are three main skin types, including dry, oily, and combination skin. Specific foundations suit a particular skin type, and don’t suit other skin types.

• For dry skin, choose a liquid or stick foundation that has a creamy and moisturizing content. A hydrating powder foundation blended with moisturizing ingredients that offer more coverage than regular pressed powders is also a great option.
• Oily skin requires an oil-free powder or liquid foundation that absorbs oil and gives a smooth, matte finish. Foundation infused with minerals has dry particles that absorb moisture. If you experience breakouts, opt for a foundation that contains salicylic acid that dries the oil-producing glands that cause pimples.
• A powder foundation that covers oil-producing makeup only where it is required is perfect for a combination skin type. It doesn’t spread to areas where absorption is not required, spreads evenly, and doesn’t cause visible lines.

1. Know your undertone
   Your undertone is the color that provides an overall hue to your skin. Your skin color can change as per the season, but your undertone remains the same. The undertone has nothing to do with the color of your skin. If you have a warm undertone, you’ll have a peachy or golden glow to your skin, and a cool undertone has hues of pinks and blues. There’s also the neutral undertone that is a balance of warm and cool tones. Check your vein color or hold a white paper next to your face to determine your undertone.
2. Know your coverage level
   If you don’t like wearing makeup, a full-coverage foundation feels heavy. Hence, it’s important to understand the look of every coverage level to pick the one best suited for you. You can choose a sheer foundation that provides light to medium coverage. A full-coverage foundation works best only when you have acne, discoloration, or if you want to wear all-day long makeup where you don’t require mid-day touch-ups.
3. Swatch foundation the right way
   If you’ve swatched the foundation on your hand or cheeks, you’re bound to pick the wrong shade. You also realize that it doesn’t match your neck at all, making you look unnatural with a mask on. The ideal way is to swatch the foundation along your jawline and the jawbone. This helps you check if the foundation matches your cheek and neck and helps you pick the right shade for your skin.