The Best Foundations For TV

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Finding the best foundations for TV is getting easier and easier due to improved formulations. Gone are the days in which TV makeup meant heavy layers, cakey powders and thick foundations. High definition television shows so much detail, that blending is key.

Why blending is so important

HD TV or high definition television is here to stay and requires precise makeup application so you look your best. It has such high resolution that all flaws appear magnified, so makeup needs to be extremely well blended. Personally, I also prefer a matte look, so I avoid shimmer whenever I have a TV appearance. Another tip: avoid too much powder when doing your makeup for HD television, because it can cake on your skin and age you. Even colorless HD powders can make fine lines appear more pronounced.

So what should you use instead? Blotting papers! Try these from Palladio.

Should you wear a primer before applying foundation?

Yes! I am not a makeup artist, but after working on TV for twenty years, I have learned from the best and have collected tips from the pros. Before you apply foundation, I highly recommend using a primer. Smashbox, Hourglass, Laura Mercier, Nars and Benefit offer wonderful primers for different needs and skin types. It makes a huge difference, especially if you have enlarged pores (like me) or fine lines. Primer also help foundation look smoother and last longer.

Do I need to buy an expensive foundation for TV makeup?

Not really, because even drugstore brands offer great formulations. Sometimes the biggest difference at higher price points can be noticed in the added skincare benefits, like fancier ingredients. If your favorite foundation is pricey, but delivers the results you need, it is worth the investment. It will register better on high def or HD TV, and you will feel more confident.

Keep in mind that video is very different from photography. For pictures, I suggest you go with a lighter foundation or mix your heavier one with a light moisturizer to get dewy look. Also, make sure that the primer and foundation you are using don’t have a flashback effect, which means they will appear with a white cast when you take flash photography.

Best foundations for TV

Many friends have asked me about my favorite foundations for TV makeup. Here are my favorites (some are affiliate links that help support my blog):

1. Make Up For Ever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation: this liquid foundation promises to blur and cover imperfections for up to 24 hours. It has a wide range of colors, covers well and blends superbly. For best results, use a synthetic foundation brush or a damp sponge like beautyblender. 
2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation: also a liquid foundation with medium to full coverage in an impressive array of shades, 40 to be exact. The matte finish is ideal for combination and oily skin. It is sweat and humidity-proof, which for me is a huge plus. It does not make me break out, either. It is not for dry skin, though.
3. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: this has been a staple in makeup artist’s bags for years, with good reason. It melts into skin and looks great, although it provides lighter coverage than other foundations so I would recommend it for those who have great skin or don’t like heavy makeup. Since it’s pricey, get a sample and make sure it matches your skin tone before you make the investment. It does have a slight fragrance, so might not be the best choice for those with skin sensitivities. It also can oxidize (change color) on those with oily complexions.
4. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation: This liquid foundation is one of the best matte foundations in the market. Available in a wide range of shades, it does provide full coverage but does not feel heavy on the skin. I especially recommend this one for combination and oily skins.
5. Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick: this solid foundation is a classic. It was created by Bobbi Brown herself and it is all she used for her TV clients. It is very easy to apply and extremely portable. You can build the coverage you desire and this stick foundation is available in a wide range of skin tones. I recommend using a synthetic brush like this one to apply evenly. It’s also great for touch ups. It’s so easy to use that you don’t have to be a pro to be able to blend it well.
6. Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation: This is an amazing drugstore find under $6! Provides great medium to light coverage, has a matte finish and reflects light in a natural way. It is also available in a Dewy finish, but for TV, I recommend the matte one. It does have a slight chemical smell but it is a wonderful alternative when you need to watch your budget.
7. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation: Another great drugstore find for those who prefer medium coverage. Available in many different shades, it is an excellent matte foundation for television appearances. I did feel you need to apply a primer first to ensure it lasts all day.
8. Nars Light Reflecting Foundation: Another great liquid foundation with medium light coverage. It reflects light without being too dewy and feels light on your skin.

Have you tried any of these foundations? Let me know your thoughts or whether there is one that I should try.

Regardless of your personal favorite HD foundation, remember to always blend carefully. I can’t stress this enough. Any makeup you apply to appear on high definition video needs to be blended extremely well, whether it’s foundation, blush or eye shadow.

More TV makeup tips

• 7 makeup tips to look your best on HD TV and video
• How to do your makeup for your next videoconference meeting
• 3 tips to get your makeup to last all day

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