Beauty: The perfect switch

The switch

Finding a foundation shade that matches your skin tone is a painful exercise but when you finally find your match, it’ s a dream come true, and you tend to stick with it. However, according to Wet n Wild, our skin tones change with seasons, so whatever foundation shade was working in winter probably isn ’t ideal for summer.

Our skin tone is prone to change, especially between seasons. This means the perfect match of foundation shade you found in July is no longer your perfect match in

December. Skin lightens and darkens gradually, so you are likely to see a change in tone over time and not overnight.

Makeup brand Wet n Wild says that our faces are often worse off post-sun exposure. This is partly because the skin around our eyes is thin and vulnerable. Our faces are more prone to showing the signs of UVA-induced ageing because most of us are guilty of not reapplying SPF to our faces throughout the day. Truth is, even when you follow all the guidelines, it is still possible for your skin to darken in the summer months and lighten in the winter months.

Where does that leave you when it comes to a foundation? Well, there are a couple of tricks you can try to make your current foundation work throughout the year; however, to get a flawless shade match all year round,

Wet n Wild recommends investing in a second bottle of foundation in winter and summer. A shade or two lighter or darker than your current one.

Keep your second shade on hand earlier than you think you may need it. As soon as you see a slight change in your skin tone, you can start incorporating this second shade into your makeup regime by mixing a little bit with your current shade to create your perfect match. This allows you to gradually adapt to the colour until your skin tone has changed enough for you to switch over to the second shade entirely. If you’re caught unprepared, there are a few things you can try until you get hold of that all-important second shade.

TIPS FOR FOUNDATION SHADES

DARK SHADES:

Mix a little bit of moisturiser into your foundation if the shade is too dark. While this won’t change the actual shade of your foundation, it will make the formula sheerer, allowing your true skin colour to shine through.

Change your application technique. When you blend foundation into the skin with your fingers, it will appear darker than if you blend it with a brush or sponge. Use a damp makeup sponge and blend with a light hand.

LIGHT SHADES:

Apply a little bit of bronzer in a tone similar to your natural skin colour to give your complexion a warm glow.

Use it sparingly at the centre of the face, avoiding the outer perimeters. The high points in the centre of the face are where the light naturally falls, so these areas appear naturally brighter.

When selecting your foundation, Wet n Wild advises that it’s important to not only look at the shade, but also the formulation. Choose a product that is blendable and buildable as this will give you freedom and flexibility with coverage. Look for a formula with nourishing benefits and one that has a smooth or silky texture. A

Your skin darkens in the summer months and lightens in the winter months.