Yummy411: Reader question- skincare regimen, choosing foundation

I got a reader question! I love them! Keep them coming! This one is from Karla:

"Hi Yummy 411: Let me say that I love your blog. Your instructional posts and product recommendations have been more than helpful. I have two questions. First, what is your skin regime? What products do you use? Your skin looks great. Lastly, even though I use MAC products I'm interested in the Cover Girl queen collection. How do I pick a foundation? My skin color is a little darker than yours. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Take care,

Karla"

Hi Karla! Thank you Karla and thanks for reading. I'm glad you find the blog useful!

First question: my skin regimen. I hope I don't disappoint you Karla, but it's nothing fancy. I use CVS (like Walgreens or Duane's depending on your region) daily pore oil-free facial cleanser with micro scrubbers. It's gentle, lathers, smells nice, and exfoliates at a great price. It simply gets the job done. Some formulas of gentle exfoliators aren't as gentle, the beads/scrubbers are sparse, this one gets it just right in my opinion. Next, I tone with Nivea Visage Alcohol Free Moisturizing Toner. It's the winter, so I prefer products that will help embed some moisture. Lastly, I use whatever sample moisturizer I have laying around. If I don't have a great FGWP (free gift with purchase) Lancome spf sample laying around, I like to use CVS light facial moisturizer or Johnson and Johnson's Clean and Clear facial moisturizer. When my skin is feeling especially dry, I'll use an Oil of Olay sensitive skin moisturizer. I would love to use other products but for daily, constant use I need to be able to get products at the drop of a dime.


Second question: how to choose a foundation, particularly the CoverGirl foundations from the Queen Collection. Great choice! First, have you decided what coverage you like? Powder or oil-free liquid for light to medium coverage for all skin types (use together for even more coverage) and oil-free cream foundation for medium to heavy coverage (not the heaviest of coverages that may be offered at the counters) for normal to combination skin. It states that it is oil free, but for oily skin it might feel a bit uncomfortable or at least use it during colder weather.

Now after deciding which formula is right for you, it's time to decide on the color. In the drugstore it's a bit harder, but doable. Find two or three colors that are close to your skin tone. At home, do the (two or) three stripe test on the jaw to get a good match between face and neck.

Which foundation would be good for me?

Here are the shades blended out a bit. What do you think?

Clearly, the first one would be too dark for me. The second and third actually work. It's just my preference on which one I will use. I actually like a bit of color so I use the second color. After finding the right color for you, try the foundation by applying a sheer layer. Not enough coverage? Layer once more. Remember the liquid can be used with a powder on top to keep shine away and for a bit more coverage.

Now, you can either return the other foundations that you've decided weren't matches for you or keep the slightly darker color for the summer time when you will become a shade or two darker. I use (and two of the colors pictured above are) Rich Sand and Amber Glow. You may choose to go a bit darker and use Classic Bronze or Almond Glow. Good luck to you! I hope this helps!

[ETA] Tips: for those of you that have been dabbling in foundation a bit, but need a little more help.

1. We've tried the jaw test to see what color works. Now when applying, remember to do swatches of the foundation on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin and blend outward. By the time the foundation makes it to the jaw, hairline, etc. it's sheer and barely there eliminating the mask look.

2. Does it feel thick or cakey? Maybe you've applied too much? Sheer it out with moisturizer (Use oil-free moisturizer if you have oily skin.) or MAC's Fix +. Dab the moisturizer in spots on your face or pick it up with the brush/sponge and continue to blend out the foundation. If you use the Fix +, spray your brush or sponge with it a few times (to saturate it a touch) and continue to blend it out. Are you using powder only? Does the powder look to powdery or cakey. Use the Fix + as a finishing spray to bring down the dull powder look.

3. Brushes. Use whatever you feel comfortable with. Different tools give different results, however, using moisturizer/Fix + and a bit of the foundation keeps the application light and layerable. I personally love MAC's #109 (application and buffing in one) and #187 (light application) . A sponge does the job, but I find it eats (soaks up) the product. Don't be afraid to use a finger to dab or help blend spots as needed.

4. Lastly, if you just can't get the application and color down, visit a counter. Ask questions, takes notes if you have to. Take those suggestions and run with it! *Smile*

This doesn't come over night. Just takes a little practice. I want to thank my sister Antoinette and Nikkia for the answers to my questions, suggestions and even using their faces for practice!!