Dear Nikki,

I am pregnant and feeling a little yucky because my body is changing, my face is breaking out now and then and I'm getting dark circles under my eyes. I'd really like to know what a good foundation is that I could wear everyday to even out my skin tone. I don't want anything heavy but at the same time, I want something effective that will work. Please let me know what you suggest I purchase. To help you out, I am Samoan/European so my skin colour is medium brown; I have sensitive skin, so I never usually wear foundation. I used to have oily skin but now it's a combination of dry and oily. Please help me - when it comes to foundations, I'm completely clueless as to what to buy. I'd really like something to make me feel better about myself!!! Thank you so much. I look forward to hearing back from you,
Kind regards,

Kara Tasi

Dear Kara,

Choosing the right foundation is a game of trial and error, but once you hit on the perfect product for your skin, you can easily erase fatigue, while adding colour and life to your complexion. Skin texture can change considerably while you are pregnant, often becoming oilier and more prone to breakouts, so it's important to use a foundation that agrees with your skin type.

There are many different foundations available, and they all produce different results. Liquid foundation is the most popular, as it suits all skin types, is as easy to apply as a moisturizer and gives a sheer finish. Mousse foundation has a whipped, creamy consistency and once it is applied it transforms into a powder, leaving a matte finish that is more suitable for oily skin. Mineral foundation comes in a powder form and is brushed onto the skin, leaving a foundation like coverage. It is comprised of natural pigments and ingredients, so it is perfect for breakout prone and sensitive skin.

The best way to even out skin tone, while still feeling like you have no makeup on, is to combine a tinted moisturizer with a foundation.

Bobbi Brown makes a beautiful Tinted Moisturising Balm, (with an SPF25) that blends easily onto the skin while adding colour and leaving a dewy finish. For areas of the face that need a little more coverage, add a layer of Bobbi's famous Foundation Stick. This is an easy to use product as it comes in a case a little larger than lipstick, so it's portable and great for touch ups during the day. Simply blend it onto your skin with your fingertips, adding as much or as little as you need. I often use this product as a concealer, as it works wonders erasing dark circles under the eyes as well as covering blemishes.

For a little more coverage try True Match foundation by L'Oréal. This has a light liquid consistency and is oil free, which makes it suitable for combination skins. True Match comes in 16 different shades, grouped into cool, warm and neutral, so if you have olive skin I suggest you go for a warm tone (this will be 'W'). True Match also has a range of concealers and powders - all colour coded to work in line with their foundation.

To add extra life to tired skin during your pregnant months, try experimenting with different shades of blusher. A hint of peach or pink blusher applied to the apple of the cheek adds an instant flush of colour and you can also try dusting some blush across the brow bone to open up the eyes.

Good luck!!

Nikki Lovrich - FashioNZ pro make-up artist

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