How do can you tell if you are buying the correct shade of foundation/powder?

Question

I always think that I am getting the correct shade, but it always turns out to be too light, or to golden

And is loose powder better than pressed powder?

Answer 1

If when you apply your foundation...if the foundation looks like a maske when you put it on it is not your correct color. You need a foundation that is going to match your skin yet make your skin look flawless. Depending on skin tone loose powder is good as long as you get good products.(ex: bare minerals)

Answer 2

loose powder is better for your skin.

natural light is best so if there is a window near by go over to it and hold up the make-up to your neck.  

Answer 3

Pressed powder is better as it is more firm.

Try the foundation on your hand to see if it is in tone with your skin colour before purchasing :-)

Answer 4

i perfer pressed powder, but loose powder is better if you want a powder foundation, but loose powder and pressed powder are equal, it depends on what you are looking for

you can open the container(if you can) and then put a little dab on the inside of your fore-arm (the whitest part) and then see if it is sort of close to your face shade if there is a mirror, so you can see how it looks on skin. it SHOULD be a couple shades darker, because your face is more tan than your arm.

Answer 5

Some people actually have to mix a few colors to get the right shade for their skin. Nothing wrong with that. So try mixing and see what that does.

Color match to your neck. Don't judge the color against your hand, or anywhere else on your body, because it won't be accurate. You match the color to your neck so that when you apply your foundation, there's no line at your jawline that shows. You should not look like you're wearing foundation.

And for the powder, I find that a pressed is easier for travel and to carry around for quick touch-ups throughout the day. So if you're on the go a lot, you might opt for the pressed. If you don't have to worry about too much shine throughout the day, just using a loose powder in the morning should be fine.

If you have a problem with always getting the wrong foundation color, I would suggest finding a Mary Kay consultant in your area (you can go to www.marykay.com), and she can help you find the perfect foundation for your skin tone and type.

Answer 6

The best thing to use is Loreal Bare Naturals...it is a loose powder but sticks good like foundation...it is similar the Bare Minerals they advertise. It covers up VERY WELL and stays all day long!

The best thing I always do is put it next to the top of my hand and check the color to see if it matches...you don't want it TOO light or you will look "ghostly white" but you don't want it too dark where you face is darker than the rest of your body or neck! You just want it to blend in and cover flaws.

I quit using foundation 2 years ago when I discovered this Loreal stuff...I LOVE IT!

Answer 7

I was having the same problem.  Either it was too light, too dark, too yellow, too pink.....I just could not find the right shade.  I finally went to Sephora and had them help me choose a correct color foundation and they matched my skin exactly.  So, I would suggest that you go to Sephora or to a make-up counter in a department store and ask one of the make-up consultants to help you.  Even if you don't purchase the foundation that they are selling, you can at least see what is your proper color and go from there.  

Answer 8

The best thing to do is go to Clinique or some other makeup counter in the mall. They have samples out so you can match them to your skin. The skin on your hand down between your forefinger and thumb is the closest to your face. You'll also probably need different colors for the summer and winter since the pigment in your skin will be different.

I definitely prefer loose powder because it doesn't look caked on.

Answer 9

just buy them all

Answer 10

Open the bottle and spread a little of the foundation on your hand, if it blends in, you have the correct shade, if not, go lighter or darker.  I prefer loose powder to pressed myself, but neither is really "better" than the other.

Answer 11

The new  mineral makeups are absolutely fabulous to wear and very easy to blend.  Go to a makeup counter in Myers or DJ's and get the beautician to give you a free makeover.  You'll be able to tell by their advise what works best for you.  After all, it's their job and they do this every day with their expertise.  You also don't need powder with this type of makeup.  Good luck!