Foundation is a tricky thing. Sometimes it gives you coverage so perfect, your skin radiates like a thousand suns. And other times – well, it can make you feel like you let a three-year-old do your make-up.

So what’s the deal? Why is foundation such a fickle friend? It could be that you’re making one (or maybe even all!) of these common foundation mistakes:

1) You’ve picked the wrong shade
It’s a common problem that the foundation that you think suits you when you buy it in store is actually too dark/light/yellow/pink for your skin tone once you get home. So how do you solve this? Always make use of the testers. The best area to test a foundation is actually your chest (so that your face tone matches your chest tone), but if you don’t really want to get your gear off in the middle of a store, swatch three foundation shades (the one that you think you are, one shade lighter than that, and one shade darker than that) vertically on your cheek. Let the foundations absorb, then head outside (because you never know what kind of lighting the store has) and check which foundation has absorbed most flawlessly into your skin.”¨

Does picking the wrong shade sound a little too familiar to you? Rimmel London Match Perfection foundation could be just the solution to your shade-matching problems. The foundation is undetectable under any light (think every light from a fluorescent bathroom light right to a dimly lit bar) because it instantly mimics your skin’s texture and tone. Add to that that it blends in like a dream and that there are 12 shades to choose from, and you won’t have to worry about looking mismatched again.

2) You’re wearing the wrong kind of foundation for your skin type
Sadly, foundation isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal and the one you’re wearing may be completely wrong for your skin type. If your skin tends to look like an oil slick by the end of the day, you should probably be wearing a powder foundation or a liquid foundation that will give a matte finish, and if your skin tends to look dry and cakey after a while, your best bet is to wear a foundation (liquid is best) that will give you a dewy finish.”¨

3) Your foundation always looks patchy
If you often find yourself in the situation where your coverage looks smooth and even when you apply it, but it looks a patchy mess once you walk out the house, it could be that you’re applying your foundation in lighting that’s too dark. Find a room that has the brightest light and apply your make-up there; you’ll find that your foundation will blend much better and you won’t suffer from that pesky foundation-that-ends-at-your-jawline scenario.

4) Your foundation is non-existent by midday
We’ve got one word for you: primer. This magical little product will do wonders for the longevity of your make-up and will keep your skin hydrated and fresh all day long. Some primers even double up as moisturisers, so if you apply it straight after cleansing in the morning, you can be sure you won’t forget that vital step in your make-up regime.

Have you made any of these foundation mistakes? What’s the worst make-up mistake you’ve ever made?
Like the sound of Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation? Then you’ll want to find out what our trusty Trial Team had to say about it…
beautyheaven’s top 10 most review primers…

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