Choosing a fair skin foundation can be difficult because there are so many skin types, and not all foundations are made to fit everyone's skin. When deciding on the best foundation for fair or light complexions, you will need to factor in elements such as skin tone, texture and oiliness. In addition to these important factors, young skin will have very different needs from matured skin and therefore will require a different kind of foundation.
Fair skin is lighter in color and pigmentation than deeper complexions, and it is often more sensitive to sunlight than other skin types. People who have pale skin tend to sunburn much more easily than others, so the use of sunscreen is often necessary. Many foundations that are made for fair skin contain a sunscreen in the formula to prevent damage from sun exposure. Although choosing a fair skin foundation that contains sunscreen is not absolutely necessary, it is important for fair-skinned people to take precautions against sun damage.
All skin types can be classified as either cool or warm in tone. Cool skin tones will have pink, blue or purple undertones, and warm skin tones tend to have yellow- or orange-based red undertones. When choosing the best foundation for fair skin, individuals will need to know their skin undertones so that they can choose either a cool or warm shade of foundation. This is a significant factor when deciding on the best foundation, because cool foundations will not flatter warmer complexions, and warm foundations will make cool complexions appear too yellow. If you are unsure of your skin tone, see a beauty specialist who can offer guidance in this area.
Skin types can differ dramatically, and although some people might suffer from oily skin, others might have extremely dry skin that needs extra moisture. People who have oily skin will need to choose a fair skin foundation that is oil-free or contains very little oil, because oil in the foundation might cause the skin to break out. There are several foundations on the market that are geared toward individuals who have acne-prone or oily skin. Dry skin will require a formula that is much different from oil-free foundations, and many products that are made for dry skin contain extra moisturizers to help soothe and soften dry skin. It is always a good idea to choose a foundation that is suitable for the texture and consistency of the face in addition to the color.
Another factor to take into consideration when choosing the best fair skin foundation is the age of the skin. Younger skin will be more elastic and might require less coverage than matured skin. Some formulas of foundation are lighter than others, and many of them offer different levels of coverage. Foundations that are made for mature skin might also have anti-wrinkle and anti-aging properties included, which is an added feature that younger skin would not need. In addition, lighter foundations made for young skin might not provide older skin with the best coverage.