Selecting a Great Foundation

Selecting a great foundation isn't as difficult as you might think. There are many to choose from, and new ones constantly surfacing, but don't let it overwhelm you. I custom blend foundation for my clients, and the first thing you need to do is look at your skin in good lighting. Sunlight works best. 
Take note of the colors of your skin. (Redness, sun spots, etc). Women with fair  skin (those with red/pink undertones who tend to burn in the sun) can use the lighter shades of foundation with a hint of pink in them. Women with medium skin tones (olive tone) should look for foundations with a peach or bronze tone. Women with darker skin tones with red/gray undertones should look for foundation with a hint of red, or mauve. For darker skin women with medium undertones, you should look for foundations with a hint of red, or blue undertones. Darker skin women with yellow undertones can look for foundations with a hint of yellow, or gold undertones. 
If there are testers available, apply about 3 shades of foundations to the jawline, and blend slightly, not all the way.  If there is a whitish patch the makeup is too light. If there is a blotchy, or dark patch, then the makeup is too dark.  The foundation should blend in completely, or have slight color showing for those that want a healthy color. 
Some great foundations I use are Your Name oil free foundation (private label manufacturer available in some beauty supply stores, or salons, I'm currently wearing this foundation, and use this brand when I custom blend for my clients). Suzanne Somers spray foundation, and Christian Dior.  Dior's newest foundation (haven't tried this yet, but I've used, and sold Capture for the eyes, and it is excellent!) available this Spring is called Capture Totale Foundation with SPF 15.  (Description is from Neiman Marcus website)
A unique blend of Capture Totale anti-aging ingredients, Alpha Longoza™ and Centuline™, optical correctors and HD Liquid crystal Pigments ™, this revolutionary serum foundation gives skin a radiant "high definition" perfection in every dimension. Includes a broader band of multi-toned pigments more subtle, real and natural than the 4 (red/yellow/white/black) usually used in foundation. Treats all the signs of aging. Boosts collagen, nourishes, replenishes, re-plumps. Ideal for mature skin, dry skin or dull, "flat" skin lacking radiance. Available in a wide spectrum of shades.

All of these foundations are long lasting, and help the skin to look radiant.  The liquid foundations can be applied with a brush, or sponge. Be sure to shake the bottle before using. Start by applying a small amount across forehead, on cheeks, on, and around nose, and chin.  Be sure to blend from center of your face, outward, and down. Set with powder, and you can add bronzer/blush, depending on your preference.  Use opposite side of sponge to gently blend over your face, into the hairline, and down the neckline to remove excess makeup, so it doesn't look like a mask.
Suzanne Somers Spray Foundation can be sprayed directly onto your face, or on a sponge.  You should skake the can first. Be certain to spray from a distance from top to bottom, (or spray in a Z motion) and close your eyes when spraying the lids. You can blend with a sponge, and/or pat with a puff. Some people may need a little practice spraying, buy once you have the hang of it, it really is a great product, and doesn't feel heavy. There are suggestions on the website for selecting the shades, as well as a link to match your current shade of Foundation. http://www.suzannesomers.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=1897

For those that want extra moisture in their foundation, or just want either sheer coverage, or a hint of color, you can use a  tinted moisturizer. Your Name, and Lancome have excellent tinted moisturizers. You can also apply them with a brush, or sponge. Set with a touch of powder, (I use Jane Mineral Makeup, still in some drugstores, or available online) and apply bronzer/blush.

Apply powder, and bronzer/blush on the declotee area so the skin is all one even shade. Depending on the neckline of what you are wearing, that is how far down you should go with the powder, and bronzer/blush.