foundation 101

Reader: How do you pick a good foundation? Liquid over powder?

Allison: When picking a good foundation, focus on how it’s going to fit into your lifestyle. If you are a low-key girl with normal to dry skin try a tinted moisturizer. Most have buildable coverage and allow you to layer more in problem areas without looking cakey. If you have oily skin and still want something low-key opt for one with a matte finish to keep you shine free. If you are uncomfortable with putting any more moisture on your face and still want a little something there are powder foundations that will give coverage and absorb oil throughout the day. If you have your picture taken often and need one that will last throughout a night out go with a liquid foundation with little to no sSPF to avoid any white cast from flash photography. For everyday, find one with your desired coverage and an SPF. Be sure to grab a translucent powder or primer to set the foundation so it will last longer.

When shopping for the correct shade ask for help from the sales associate. They usually have tried most of the options and give helpful opinions on which one will best fit your lifestyle and needs. On a clean face test out along your jaw line. If you have pink undertones choose one with a touch of yellow and vice versa to neutralize the color. Test the foundation in natural light.

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Angela Sitilides

Owner | Bellacara

http://www.bellacara.com/

info@bellacara.com

I have been a beauty junkie for what seems like forever, but before I did anything about it, I went to law school. (Yes, my life is a little like the reverse of Legally Blonde.) Then, I worked as a prosecutor in Sonoma County after which I moved to the DC area with my husband in ’97. I served as Majority Counsel to the Senate Banking Committee followed by a year-long stint at a lobbying firm. You get the picture. It was then that I decided to act on my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Finding my favorite beauty products proved to be impossible without stepping foot in a mall–the horror. So, I decided to bring my favorites to Alexandria. A few trips to New York and a flight to France and Bellacara was born in March 2000.

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Located in historic Old Town Alexandria, for more than 17 years Bellacara has been Northern Virginia's preeminent boutique for high end cosmetic, skincare and haircare products. At Bellacara you will find premiere beauty products that have been carefully edited by the store’s owner, Angela Sitilides, who personally tests all the products sold in store. The boutique carries only the best product lines – Kiehl’s, Jouer, Dr. Dennis Gross, Christophe Robin, Moroccan Oil, Bumble & Bumble, Fresh, Molton Brown, Skinceuticals, Smashbox, Stila, Mario Badescu, Clarins, Dermalogica, Kevyn Aucoin, Kai, Child, St. Tropez, Smith and Cult, and many more.

www.bellacara.com

1000 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

703.299.9652