The best foundation makeup will leave your skin looking healthy and smooth.

The Best Foundation Makeup

Foundation makeup became popular after the "golden years" of Hollywood, namely the 1920s and 1930s. In 1937, Max Factor developed a cake style makeup that gave famous starlets like Bette Davis and Judy Garland perfect-looking skin. Max Factor made foundation makeup a household item, and women across America wore it faithfully to work and to play. The shades were limited, as were the types, but these limitations didn't stop sales.

Not everyone has the same skin color or type so selecting the right shade is key to finding the best foundation makeup. Identify the perfect shade by testing the makeup on your jaw line. Testing the makeup on your hand may match some skin colors but this method is not always effective. Test your makeup this way.

Apply a vertical streak of makeup to the jaw line.
Examine the makeup area. It should blend into the skin easily and once applied should look as if it disappeared.
Apply the makeup to any dark spots or discolored areas you may have on the face. The best makeup will cover these areas well, making it unnecessary to use concealer.
Try wearing the makeup by wearing it for a few hours, then examine your skin. If skin feels or looks oily try a different foundation. If begins to dry or crack, consider an alternative.
Best Makeup According to Skin Type

Today, there is a variety of makeup to choose from. Like any other makeup, no one size fits all. Try different foundations until you get the best match for you. Discontinue the use of any product that causes breakouts or allergic reactions. To save a little money, buy foundations that let you "try before you buy." Visit a makeup counter or purchase products from a company that has a satisfaction guarantee. Some makeup companies do not allow their customers to return products, even if they are unsatisfied with the results. Ask questions before you purchase and possibly waste your money. In the search for the best individual product, you may try several.

Acne Prone Skin
If your skin is prone to breakouts, you need a product that is non-comedogenic. This special makeup won't clog your pores and some products even help keep the skin oil-free. When skin is acne prone, stick to natural makeup products like mineral powder or natural mineral liquid makeup. Besides using clog proof makeup, wash your makeup brushes or replace sponges weekly to cut down on oil transfer.

Dry Skin
Dry skin will make your makeup flake off and look cracked. The best makeup for this skin type is cream to powder or an oil-based liquid makeup. Start your makeup application with a good moisturizer then apply your makeup. Cream to powder goes on moist and softens to a dry powder. Liquid oil-based foundation will not crease like the water-based type. A good mousse blend provides dry skin with needed moisturizers.

Combination Skin
When you have combination skin, getting the best makeup is tough. However, makeup professionals say liquid to powder or water-based liquids work best on this skin type. Most people have T-zone problems; that's oil on your nose and forehead. Try wearing an oil mattifier on the areas that are the most oily before applying makeup.

Oily Skin
Women with oily skin complain that makeup can feel like it is sliding off or transfers to easily. People with oily skin should wear mineral powder foundation. Mineral powder controls the oil and shine without making you feel smother. You can touch the makeup up as needed without changing the overall color of your makeup. Some women have had success with airbrush makeup. Try airbrush makeup if you have difficulty keeping your makeup in place.