“How to pick the perfect foundation for your skin type”.

Lynn’s top 4 Summer Foundations

It’s SUMMER!!!…. the birds are tweeting, the sun is teasing us with it’s rays and let’s face it more often than not, our foundation is melting and on the verge of falling off our faces altogether. So, what do we do to make our foundations last and what type of foundation is best in a warm/hot climate??
This article will apply to summer foundations only as I feel they are the most relevant at the moment, I will focus on other foundation types coming into Autumn.
For me Summer is all about embracing your skin, letting it breathe and applying a foundation that will allow your skins natural radiance shine (not literally!) through.
In terms of choosing the RIGHT shade of foundation it’s quite simple really. If you are a ‘tan junkie’ then opt for a YELLOW BASED foundation, this is because fake tans once developed tend to have a yellow tone.
MAC do an amazing collection of both PINK and YELLOW based foundations which makes matching your tan a lot easier. I think that Irish skin when naturally tanned retains it’s golden/pinky tone, so in that sense I would always opt for a Pink Based foundation. MAC also make it easy to differentiate between the 2 bases as the colours either start with an NW or an NC. The NW is pink based and the NC is yellow toned.
I’m going to keep this really simple and list the current foundations on the market. Under each Foundation I’ll specify what skin type it is good for and why…
　
1) Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer spf 20

I absolutely ADORE Laura Mercier’s new tinted moisturizers. They are a revelation in the sense that they have an spf 20 but they are non greasy and long wearing. They have an golden/off yellow tone which makes it suitable for both with and without false tan.
This Tint is great for Normal/Dry and combination skin types. I would also say it’s great for Sensitive skin types but with sensitive skin I ALWAYS recommend that a sample of the foundation is tried and tested prior to purchase.
NB) Use a translucent powder on any oily areas on the face to increase staying power whilst eliminating shine.
Here are a few key points on Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer spf 20 :
It comes in 9 shades.
Moisturizing formula hydrates skin
dewy finish Features an antioxidant vitamin complex that acts as a free radical scavenger to protect the skin from even the most aggressive effects of the environment
Extremely long-wearing, stays colour true & wears evenly Add SPF and a sheer finish to the skin by mixing 50% Tinted Moisturizer into your Foundation 1.5 fl. oz./40ml
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2) Laura Mercier Tinted Oil- Free Moisturizer spf 20

This cult award winning tinted moisturizer AGAIN from Laura Mercier had made my summer/humid days a non shiney breeze! As mentioned before I have the classic combination skin dry on the cheek and oily on the T Zone and this product is like a party on my face! Why??, because it’s OIL FREE!
Now I can have a radiant complexion in all the RIGHT places, GENIUS!
Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer is a sheer, lightweight, buildable foundation that can be worn by all skin types but especially those with acne prone, sensitive or oily skin.

Here are a few key points on Laura Mercier’s Tinted Oil - Free Moisturizer spf 20:
Hydrating, oil-free formula softens skin offering a healthy glow
Helps to prevent excess oil from setting on the surface of the skin Controls oil breakthrough while providing hydration to prevent dryness
Buildable coverage for those hard-to-cover places
Offers further protection from UVB rays and harmful effects of the environment

3) Mac ‘Face and Body’ Foundation

Another great love of mine because it’s WATER- RESISTANT! This means us ladies can indulge in water activities on our holidays and look just as good coming out of the pool/sea as we did going in, Marvellous!
‘Face and Body’ is a buildable foundation allowing light-medium coverage.
This is suitable for ALL skin types, and is a favourite of mine for Dry and Mature skins as it doesn’t show up a lot of texture.
Here are a few key points on Mac‘s ‘Face and Body’ Foundation:
water-based, water-resistant formulae that provides long-lasting, natural coverage for face and/or body.
Ideal for all skin types.
Face and Body Foundation provides sheer, natural looking coverage in an easy to blend, water-resistant formula.
The long-lasting formula is available in a wide range of colours and contains several emollients to help moisturize and condition the skin.
It delivers professional looking results that meet the exacting standards of beauty photography and is ideal for perfecting the face and body.
NB) Make sure you wear an spf in your Moisturizer with this product as there is no spf.

4) Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation spf 20

Now, just to clarify it’s taken me a long LONG time to find a Mineral Powder Foundation worthy or my rants, but alas I have found it. Ladies and select Gentlemen I give you Elizabeth Arden ‘Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation’ spf 20.
With out boring you all with the science end if things Mineralized products are beneficial for your skin as they are fortified with natural vitamins and minerals.
This formulae and foundation type is perfect for those who do not like apply liquids. Quite simply it’s ‘hassle free’ and ‘quick’.
For me this is a another revelation in the form of Mineralized foundations because bar some unbranded Mineralized foundations that I don’t like the look of , this is the ONLY one to be Talc free. This is a BIG DEAL as Talc clogs pores, meaning this foundation is:
non acnegenic
non comedogenic
Therefore, it you are prone to acne and spots/blackheads this foundations ticks all the right boxes.
Like all the above this foundation is buildable, making it light/medium coverage.
　
　
Setting the Tinted Moisturizers

Because tints radiate a sheer finish on the skin it is IMPORTANT to use a powder on the oily zones of your face (this does NOT apply to the Elizaberth Arden loose Mineralize powder foundation).
I recommend using the MAC Mineralized pressed powder. It is also Talc free but does not interrupt the natural coverage of your tints as it is virtually invisible but DOES set your tint.
These 3 foundations are excellent for MATURE SKIN as they are all lightweight and buildable, allowing the individual to achieve desired coverage. In my opinion tints ARE the best foundation type for mature skin, as they are kind to both the complexion and the skin’s natural texture.
A lot of ladies as they mature make the mistake of opting for a foundation that has a heavy coverage as they think this will ‘cover’ the skins texture. This decision actually has the opposite result and in fact increases the appearance of ageing as additional/heavier application and increased coverage magnifies.
Just to finish off I would like to include a visual of a model I used the above ‘Face and Body’ foundation on so as you can visually see the result.
In the immortal words of the divine Cilla Black ..”Tara chucks and see you next time”

False lashes are a saviour in many of our lives... we can go from having a virtually 'bald' eye lid to having floor sweepers in a matter of seconds (or minutes..depending on your false lash application experience:).
I have had to gradually wean myself off them last year, cause once you pop you just CAN'T STOP. It was an actual addiction, but thank god I am over the worst of it now and can embrace my true normal lashed self!

SO, here is the main, relevant question I get asked by clients who want lashes but don't know which ones to get and how to apply them :

1.) Which brand and types of lashes should I go for?
This all depends on the overall look you hope to achieve. I generally stick to 4 no.s of lashes and they're all MAC no's 7, 2, 20 and 36. They're all wonderful in the own individual way and have entirely different effects on the eye.
Check out
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT150&PRODUCT_ID=299

Mac no. 7 Lashes - are a great option if you want to keep the length naturally long and fresh. These are my ULTIMATE favourite because they have realistic gaps allowing your own lashes to come through. They also have a lovely discreet curl at the end, and give the illusion of 'Big' open eyes. Absolutely stunning on brides for all the above reasons and to be honest suit EVERYONE. I have quite literally never applied these and been in a situation where they didn't suit. All around WINNER!!!!

Mac No. 2 Lashes - These babies are long, but STUNNING! They don't quite hit Katie Price territory and are beautiful on almond eye shapes. Because of their length you really do have to be careful. Take into consideration the distance between your socket bone and eyebrow. If you think the lashes will be hitting off your brow, I suggest you reconsider!

Mac No. 20 'Corner Lashes' - Another Fabulous lash invention. Ideal for those who don't like the idea or additional weight of the full sets. They instantly make the eye look more feline because of their luscious swoop at the ends. I would suggest that you wear a liner with a 'flick' with these. The afore mentioned 'swoop' is slightly exaggerated so the liner makes them look more 'realistic'.

Mac No. 36 Lashes - Fabulous for a 'natural' or 'dramatic' effect. All these lashes are beautiful with a smokey eye, however I do think these are the most 'Sultry' of all... and lets face it as women SULTRY = GOOD.

2.) Application:
N.B) Lash length may need to be altered depending on your eye shape. Always measure the lash strip against your own eye length and cut the lashes from the outer corner inwards (generally longest length of lash).
I also suggest that you use the brand 'Duo Glue' lash adhesive. This product rocks as it doesn't sting or BURN your sacred eye and although it's white it dissolves clear a few moments after application. GENIUS!
- Once/If you've altered your lash, apply the glue in a thin layer to the RIM (line that lashes are stuck to), hold the lashes by the centre, staying clear of the glue. Then use either your middle finger and thumb or tweezers and secure the lash onto the centre of the lash line and then concentrate on squeezing the lash as close into your lash line as possible.
If you are using 'corner lashes' and have applied your liner, literally align the longest outer lash to the end of your own lashes.
Try avoiding gaps between your natural lash line and the false lash line, this is a TOTAL GIVEAWAY!

TOP TIP- Use a small hand held mirror at collar bone level with your left hand. This allows you to look downwards and have a clear view of your lash line, thus making the actual 'placement' less streesful!

Another TOP TIP!! - DON'T throw away your lashes after one night out on the tiles. Instead place them back into their original box and when you want them again simply pick off the tacky Duo glue left on rim and reapply, Marvellous.
I myself have a corner of my bathroom windowsill sectioned off for my lash collection or "Lash farm" as my boyfriend like to refer to them.. if only I could breed them, I would be rich...RICH BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMS!!!

Another Brand I LOVE for lashes are Shu Uemura, they are absolutely stunning and range from Naural to Fantasy. Check out http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/accessories/false-eyelashes/natural.aspx

For cheaper tasteful brands of Lashes, i am quite partial to the Boots 'Eyelure' collection, including the 'Girls Aloud' lashes... my preference being Kimberly's. I personally think that 'Eyelure' are 'gingist' as poor Nicola's set are slightly horrifying.
Salon services's lashes are also tasteful, cheap and come in a wide style choice.

My personal belief is that lashes are better than sliced bread :)
They are at their ultimate best when visually, they're enhancing your own beauty.
O.T.T lashes lack proportion and can suck the life out of your features.

If anyone would like to comment or add addiional 'Lash' information please do so.