What is the basis of your foundation?

We all have a foundation that we stand on, a place from which our belief systems stem. We were taught this early on as a child and/or developed it through our trials and tribulations.  Regardless of where it originated from, we all have one.  It is how or if we use it that really matters.  Another important point is: has our “foundation” changed over time?  Have we sacrificed it for the sake of others (good or bad?)

Personally, I know women use many foundations.  Are you surprised?  We do have more hormones then men and we are emotional and outspoken—basically, we will take it to the mattress (love the Godfather and You’ve Got Mail) when it comes to our skin.  Did you think I was prompting a deep, engaging thought where you would find yourself pondering your past, present, and future?  I’m talking about FOUNDATIONS!    

There are countless types of foundations on the market today.  Many different shades come in: liquid, mousse, whipped, cream to powder, mineral, light, heavy, self adjusting shades, stick, and spray on,  just to name a few.  No wonder women have issues, talk about information overload!  Talk about being self-conscious, hating other women who say, “Oh, I rolled out of bed looking like this.”  The one that kills me is… “the natural beauty.”  Really?  C’mon….

If you’re dating, exclusive, engaged, married, thinking about divorce, divorced, or never have even gotten into men, you know we all exhibit SGB (single girl behavior.)  SGB is when you lock yourself in the bathroom and examine your face.  You pinch, probe, pick, stab, and wish you had your best friend’s skin!  You and I both know the countless hours we spend in front of the mirror hating ourselves.  We wonder: where did our flaws come from, how do we get rid of them, who do we hide them from, and should I go to the doctor or head to Sephora and see what products can help get rid of them?

When we choose a foundation, we unfortunately start out on the wrong foot.  We head to our favorite makeup counter/store and start trying them on.  You should make an appointment with a makeup artist from your favorite brand of cosmetics and arrive at your appointment WEARING NO MAKEUP!  In order to get an accurate reading you need to see the foundation on your skin in natural light.  That’s the tough part: there’s no natural light in a store, so I suggest you purchase two shades and bring them home.  Try them on, and return the one that you’re not comfortable with.  They want us to be “happy customers” and they want repeat business, don’t they?  Never feel pressured to buy something you’re not comfortable with (you’ll regret it later.) Remember that the foundation should match your skin tone, not lighter or darker.  If you want to hide blemishes, sun damage, scars, etc…that’s another topic we will definitely cover later on.

I don’t have a favorite when it comes to foundation.  I use two:  Bobbi Brown and MAC (I have a lot to hide.)  In the past, I have used tinted (which is great in the summer), crème to powder, mineral, and stick.  I am a firm believer that you don’t have to stay with one brand when it comes to buying products.  Mix and match; it’s fine!  The cosmetic companies want you to believe that you shouldn’t because they want all your money, but think of yourself and your wallet.  They do, don’t they?

I think finding a foundation is like trying on a bathing suit in January; it’s stressful!  So, lunch with a friend might help ease the pain.  Don’t get discouraged, and remember as we age our skin changes and so must our foundation.

I know there are some people who are dying to see me in a ponytail (it must be a California thing) and all I can say is, “they have no idea what I’m trying to conceal!”

Be good to yourself and remember: it’s just the foundation we put on our face, not the foundation we stand on.

xo, jo