What’s makeup without foundation? Foundation gives you an even skin tone, hides your dark spots and enhances your natural beauty. There are many different shades of foundation available and many brands to choose from. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before buying a skin foundation.

Check the Ingredients
Before buying a skin foundation look at the label and check all the ingredients. Make sure you are not allergic to any of them. Also, try and buy a foundation that uses more natural ingredients.

Check the Base
Foundations may be water-based or oil-based. If you have oily skin, a water-based foundation would be better but if you have dry skin, choose an oil-based foundation.

Ensure it’s Waterproof
There’s nothing worse than having your makeup ruined by sweat or the rain. To prevent this from happening, always buy a waterproof foundation. This way, you will look your best even if it suddenly begins to pour!

Do a Patch Test
Sometimes, you may have allergies that you are not aware of. Before buying a skin foundation, apply a small amount of the foundation on your inner elbow. Let the foundation sit for 24 hours and look for any signs of an allergic reaction. Buy it only if your skin remains clear till the next day.

Check the Shade on Your Face
Your skin tone on your arms and face may be different. So, once the foundation has cleared the patch test, apply a small amount on your face to find the shade that best suits you.

Test the Foundation in Different Lights
Stores that sell foundation may not always have bright lights. This can make it difficult to see how the shade looks against your natural skin tone. Hence, after applying a test patch on your face, step outside and see how it looks in the sunshine.

Keep Your Base Color in Mind
Shopping for foundation just after a holiday at the beach is not a good idea. Your skin would have tanned and thus it might be difficult to find the right shade of foundation. If you can’t avoid shopping for a foundation, at such times, keep your base color in mind and choose a foundation accordingly.

Stick to One Brand
Once you’ve found a foundation that suits your skin tone and skin type, avoid experimenting with other types of foundation. Your skin will thank you and restocking your makeup kit will become easier.

Check the Shelf Life
Depending on the frequency with which you wear foundation and how you wear it, you should be able to approximate how long a bottle will last. So, before buying a skin foundation, check the expiry date and make sure you buy a bottle that will not expire before it gets over.

Buy Different Foundations for Different Seasons
Your skin may be oily in the winter but dry in the summer. Thus, buy a foundation to suit your skin for each season.

These tips are useful not just before buying skin foundation but for all types of makeup.