Your Skin Type and How to Make it Look and Feel Better

When I work with a new client the first thing I do is evaluate her skin.  This helps me know what kind of skin care and foundation to recommend.  Applying the right products makes a BIG difference in her final look and affects how the makeup will last throughout the day.  To understand the skin issues the client is battling, I look closely at the skin and feel the texture. This helps me know what I can do to balance her skin with the right products.

To do this on your own, you must first understand your skin type.  This will help you choose the products that are specific to the needs of your skin.  As I said in my earlier post “How to Apply Flawless Foundation”, although Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation is a favorite of mine, it doesn’t help those with oily skin.

 Basic skin types and how to make them look better:

DRY SKIN  feels tight.

If your skin is dry, it’s dehydrated.  If it feels tight and uncomfortable it’s sorely lacking in moisture.  You need to put all that moisture back in your skin.  Good moisturizing products plus consistent skincare will make a big difference.  Steer clear of anything that will further dry out your skin such as exfoliators, peels and harsh cleansers.  For foundation, I like stila’s Illuminating Liquid Foundation.  It’s not heavy and it covers effectively.

OILY SKIN looks greasy.

If your skin is oily, try skipping moisturizer or use something really lightweight.  Use a toner that will help balance your skin.  I recommend using a water based primer underneath your foundation.  Then try a foundation that is more matte like Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Foundation. Less is more when dealing with oily skin.  If your pores are larger (a common problem with oily skin), apply this foundation with the Beauty Blender.

COMBINATION SKIN is oily in the T-Zone but dry or normal everywhere else.

Combination skin needs to be balanced.  This can be achieved through smart skincare decisions.  Try moisturizing only where you NEED it and leave the rest of your skin free of product.  Also, use a mild cleanser. Pressed powder or blotting sheets can help minimize the oil in your T-Zone.  Find a foundation that gives your face a satin finish.

SENSITIVE SKIN is easily irritated by products.

Less product is usually better if your skin is sensitive.  Your skin is likely to be acne prone or allergic to certain products.  When it comes to skincare, use products that are gentle like Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser.  Instead of foundation, try stila’s CC cream.  It only has three active ingredients, is extremely gentle, and it covers well.  If you want more coverage, try mixing a little bit of stila’s Perfecting Concealer with the cc cream.

If you don’t have any of these issues, consider yourself lucky – your skin is probably NORMAL!  Pick a foundation that looks the best on your skin and make sure the color matches.  When it comes to skincare, don’t break what is working!