Andrea: So Stephanie (of “Steph’s Beauty Buzz“)…Being the makeup junkie that I am and the cosmetics expert that you are — I have an important makeup question!

I always look for what’s new at my favorite cosmetic boutiques — Ulta and Sephora. But when it comes to finding the best “long-wear foundation,” I wonder how many of our Beauty Chat readers know the best method to finding the right match for their skin tone. Also, I can’t help but wonder if I’m going about finding the right foundation correctly! After all, it’s difficult to test it in the store…

Stephanie: Step one in choosing a foundation is not color, but skin type. Learn the makeup artist lingo to define you personal skin type: Dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin.

Next, you need to do is determine what your skin tone color is. Armed with your personal preferences and skin type, go out and visit a few department store make-up counters where you can test a lot of different foundations first hand. The most common mistake women make is testing the foundation on your hand or wrist, rather than your face. You won’t be putting it on your hand, so why test it there? The best place to test foundation is just above your jaw line. Dot on a little of the product and blend it in using your fingertips. Check whether the color is similar to your own skin tone and blends into your neck. If you can tell where the foundation was applied, then chances are the shade is not right for you.

The second biggest mistake women make? They test out foundation while already wearing makeup. Ladies, I know it’s difficult to picture coming to the mall without your makeup dutifully applied, but please trust me on this one. To get the best results, plan to come in baring a clean face that is free of makeup. If you are too self conscious to walk bare faced through the mall, try this trick. Do a walk through of your department store makeup counters. Pick a cosmetic counter that seems to fit your needs and budget, and schedule and appointment to come in on a future date for a makeup application. When you come in for your apt, they will clean your makeup off your face to start fresh. Plus, the artists at the counter will be very resourceful in helping you choose your most flattering shade of foundation.

There is one more classic blunder that women across America are making: they wear the same shade of foundation all year round. Even women with the palest skin tones who believe they don’t tan may be surprised to learn that their skin DOES change a shade or two in the summer. Make sure to visit your favorite makeup counter again in the summer months to buy an adjusted shade of your favorite foundation. You may need to go a shade or two darker, or you may find that your normally pale skin has a lot more pink in it than during the winter months. Whatever the change, make sure to assess it and buy a new foundation to match your glowing summer skin.

Thanks Stephanie! I hope you all learned a little somethin’ about finding the right foundation. I know I did!

Photo Credit: http://raisingimages.com and http://www.prevention.com