Back to Base-ics: Your Foundation Checklist

This excellent post is brought to you by Bobbi Brown.

We can remember a time—and not too long ago at that—where it was near impossible for women to find a foundation that was perfectly suited to our complexion. At the beginning of her career, our very own editor-in-chief Eleanor Pendleton would receive press kits suited to a porcelain skin, that never matched to her warm olive skin (which she gives thanks to her Filipino heritage). Most of us typically just muddled through with what was available on the beauty shelves despite our true skin tone, and had to place ourselves within a shade selection that typically only extended to light, medium or dark. There was one brand who always was at the forefront of championing diversity, though, and that was Bobbi Brown.

Initially launching the iconic Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in 1992 with 10 varying shades—which was virtually unheard of at the time—the brand has understood what a woman needs from her makeup, in particular foundation. Not only is makeup a way that we can express ourselves, it makes us feel good, the perfect match foundation boosts our confidence levels, and importantly, works hard for us.

Finding the right shade of foundation for your skin tone, though, is often not an easy task, which is something that stylist, creative director and social media influencer Vydia Rishie knows a thing or two about. In her busy day-to-day life, where no two days are ever the same—whether she’s styling for a campaign, creating content, or attending an event—she needs a foundation that not only looks great on camera and feels comfortable, but also that will last the distance.

The good news is that uncovering a foundation now no longer falls under a one-size-fits-all mentality, and, as you can see, Bobbi Brown is one of the beauty brands continuing to promote diversity. The brand’s iconic Skin Long-Wear Weightless Skin Foundation SP15 has just extended the existing shade range from 25 to 43 hues, encompassing a broad spectrum of tones so you’re guaranteed to find your perfect match.

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Here’s what you need to know: the first step is identifying your skin’s true undertones—and no, we’re not talking about when you’re wearing self-tan and your skin tone appears significantly deeper! We’re talking the undertones that form your unique skin colour, and the best way to determine this is to discover whether your undertones are 1) warm, 2) neutral or 3) cool—this way, you can then uncover your shade. Bobbi Brown’s The Foundation Finder can also give you a hand.

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As for the formula, Bobbi Brown’s Skin Long-Wear Weightless Skin Foundation SPF15 promises an incredible 16 hours of wear time, and offers a matte—but not at all drying—finish, with natural mineral powders and marine sugar cane working to absorb excess oil for a finish that provides a full coverage but still keeps your skin hydrated, and allows it to breathe. The good news is it works to conceal redness, imperfections and blur enlarged pores, so you know that you’re onto a good thing.

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When it comes to application, it’s best applied using a foundation sponge, gently working it into the skin, or with a foundation brush like Bobbi Brown’s Full Coverage Face Brush. Begin by applying a primer to prep your skin for foundation, and then, starting in the centre of the face, gently buff the foundation into your skin, blending outwards to achieve a seamless finish. Follow it up with a corrector and concealer to any areas that need a little extra helping hand.

Bobbi Brown’s Skin Long-Wear Weightless Skin Foundation SPF15 is available now.

What do you look for in a foundation? Have you found it difficult to find your perfect shade?