The Starting Off Project: Foundation

Foundation. The base. The saviour. The thing that can turn you from bright red cheeked, freckly, grey faced (that's just me) to fooling people into thinking you have the skin of a goddess. Well you've got to find the right one first. It's okay, no need to call 999, #theSOproject has you covered... 

What do you want your foundation for?

What are you trying to hide or gain? Not all foundation will be right. There's different coverages and finishes so you need to know what to target. Thicker foundations with higher coverage can hide a multitude of sins but in summer months won't last too long if you get too hot and sweaty. Also they are harder to blend. Trying to look fresh faced and natural? A tinted moisturiser may be the way forward. So write a few bullet points of what you want from your foundation. done?

What type of foundation should I get?

As I assume you've done step one this should be a lot easier. This is a quick and brief list of what you should mainly look for depending on what you want to gain.

Tinted moisturiser - for less coverage but to even out skin tone. Great for drier skin and younger faces where you don't need to be wearing a full face of makeup. Skips a step in a routine as its two in one! Winner.

CC/BB Cream - Claims to be the Pippa Middletons bum of the foundation world, these offer a combination of SPF, moisturiser, foundation, anti ageing, brightening and concealing properties.. The list goes on! If you are looking for a multi purpose product for your routine these are great and everyone from Superdrug to Dior have their own.

Mousse Foundation - Has a very light texture and can be layered for your desired effect. These are more weightless so better for those of you that like a fresher feel to your skin.

Liquid foundation - The most common, the one I find easiest to apply. Buildable, offering all different types of coverage.  Some are thicker, others thinner, it's simply down to finding your cup o' tea.

Powder/Mineral Foundations - Not something I have great experience with using, these are good for ladies with oily skin, great for summer when sweaty face could appear and it leaves your pores well alone.

Obviously I may have missed a few here but you get my drift, eh?

Which foundation should I get?

Well, the ultimate question and not a simple answer. Many factors to consider: what's your skin tone? Higher end brands tend to have a better colour selection than high street but doesn't necessarily mean they are better. You want to be illuminated or want a matte finish? Matte everything is a la mode this days but when you are ashen you want something that will brighten the face. Money is a big one, I favour YSL Touché Éclat foundation but also have a Rimmel one on hand which I use equally as much and there's a good 15 quid difference in price. Obviously, as you wear foundation for a long time, this is somewhere where spending serious moolar isn't wasted but just make sure it's in your budget, so when you run out you aren't left hight and dry sobbing in a corner as you either choose food or new foundation. Obviously I'm not speaking from experience here... At all.

Other advice?

Have a range of colours and types. In the summer you want a darker colour than in winter (unless you are a pasty ghost all year) and may favour a lighter coverage whereas in winter you'll want something with kick ass coverage.

Remember that how you apply foundation will affect the finish. Not going too much into tools here as there will be a post on it later in the series but finger application vs brush vs sponge all provide different finishes.

Go outside and test your foundation.

Shop lights make your foundation choice hard and deceiving. Get a mate to come along and ask if you look like you've been smacked with the makeup stick or look au naturale. Even if you are in a rush go outside... Just a quick glance and you'll know.

Less is more. You don't need to apply it all over your face, normally around the centre of the face. Also, more foundation will look less polished and less natural.

Hopefully this has been helpful for you. I have decided not to go into reviews of what I use as this post should guide you to choose your own. If you've any comments or questions, drop me a line here or on Twitter (I'm @chizzasaur).

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The Starting Off Project: Concealer

Good Morning. Here you are, ready to tune in to the second instalment of The Starting Off Project (#theSOproject). Concealer isn't something I use overly, I only own one, so today I'll do a mini review of the one I favour and some general helpful tips regarding concealer wear.

Put Concealer on top of your foundation, not under.

Your foundation will mask some of the areas you want to hide. It's fact. By putting the concealer on after you may use less, you may not need any and it means you won't rub away your hard work.

Different concealers combat different things

Want to cover redness? You'll be needing a green to cover that! Under eye? You'll be wanting something with yellow pigments and perhaps something

 that highlights and luminates rather than masks. A stick concealer is great for higher coverage but will need setting whereas something in brush form is easy to put on and blend without the need to blend as it will be a thinner consistency.

Apply with Clean digits/brushes

This is a given. But wash your hands after as well! Unless you want to rub all that all over your face? Thought not. Plus a clean brush or finger means you'll only be applying the concealer you want rather than the concealer from last week that's left on your brush.

Dab not Pull

When applying concealer, dab it in to blend. If you pull/drag it won't stay where you want it to (what you are trying to hide). Nobody wants that.

SEVENTEEN Hide Away Concealer cream (£3.99 here)

Now, everyone raves about the very good Collection Concealer however I've been using this and love it. Seventeen hide away concealer. Only two shades, so limited, but it dries to a matte finish and it's consistency is thick so is great for tackling unsightly blemishes that dare appear on my face. It does need to be built up but once on it does persevere and last all the day throws at it. This might be because I set it with powder though. If you are looking at higher end alternatives I wouldn't. There are more important areas to splash the cash (foundation, skincare) rather than something you don't need all the time.

Now this is my opinion, for more check out #theSOproject on Twitter, as ladies with more experience share their wisdom with you!!

See Starting Off: Skincare here.

Win a MAC lipstick in my giveaway here. Only over a week left!

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The Starting Off Project: Skincare

The modern age means one thing: reviews are plentiful, lust is there and there are a whole sea of products all vying for you to open your purse to purchase. If you are new to this mess, where do you start? Enter The Starting Off Project (#theSOproject) the brain child of Steph over at Stephs Voice. An initiative for those who maybe need some guidance by those who have tried and tested many things, a collective of good (and questionable) advice!

Today, I'm going to talk about skincare. For reference, I have normal/combination skin that doesn't break out unless I'm having a hormone fight. Below, the products that you need, some alternatives to them and an explanation why. Oh, and nothing will cost more than a tenner. I'd like to point out that this stuff is normally on offer in one of the drugstores, so shop around. The links I've provided are for the cheapest at the time. Enjoy...

Morning

So you've woken up after a fitful nights sleep. You drank all that water you are told to before bed right? You KNOW that you are supposed to.. terrible. Drink more. In the morning I like to go the extra mile, as putting makeup on skin that isn't smooth takes more time and effort. I use Nivea Refreshing Facial Wash Gel  and depending on how the skin is feeling, either use a flannel to take it off or my Bodyshop Facial Brush, which for £4 is a bargain and if you take anything from this post go out and buy this. Once your face is clear of any dead skin cells, grime and buildup lets plump it up using a nice moisturiser. Firstly, buy one with SPF. Every little helps and all that. I use No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Normal Skin which is £12.50 but Boots normally have £5 off No7 skincare vouchers knocking around. I like the smell, it sinks in quickly and makes my skin feel plump and ready to go. For a cheaper alternative, use Nivea Visage Light Daily Moisturisng Creme. As you can imagine, this takes all of about 5 minutes, if that.

Evening

This is where a little more time is taken, as it is removing the build up of general dirt and makeup residue. Start by taking that pesky eye makeup off. I use Botanics All Bright Soothing Eye Makeup Remover as it is hardwearing against that pesky waterproof mascara. And currently its £2.66. Once that is done I like to was the face. My current fave is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Wash and Mask as it washes the face, it feels clean after but also doubles up as a 5 minute mask for more in depth cleaning. Also currently £2.66. The Biore Nose Strips are used as and when I need them, at the most once a week. These things are handy to have in your arsenal of goodies. Finally, a night cream, mine of choice being the Nivea Regenerative night cream, £3. In the morning my skin still feels moisturised, thats why I use it so much. I really rate the range, and you should too.

As you can see there are no makeup wipes. Why? Because even if you are drunk this doesn't take long, it can be done and makeup wipes are work of the devil.

Notable Extras

These are for when my face needs a little extra, or there is a bit of residue left over. Fit these in between  the cleansing and moisturising stages. Lush Eau Roma water is a Lavender based toner water that removes any excess cleanser and doubles up as a facial spritz on hot days. I leave this in the fridge.

The Neutrogena Blackhead eliminating Cleansing Lotion is a powerful little tool I use when my skin is feeling clogged.. a quick sweep over the face after taking the makeup, used every other day, keeps spots at bay. Finally a hot cloth cleansers is a great tool to have if your stash. I use the Boots Hot Cloth Cleanser but Superdrug do a great alternative too.

There you have it. The routine. All under ten pounds. Your welcome.

Do you agree with any of these? Disagree? Lets start a discussion! Let me know what you think below.

Remember, you can win a MAC lipstick of your choice by entering here.

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