I’ve seen a lot of people be misinformed regarding skincare, skintypes, and what foundations are good for that particular skintype.

Our skintype is pre-determined by genetics, and our environment.  It’s not something we can really change; it’s not the same as a skin condition (IE: dehydrated skin, problematic skin) — you can’t just switch up products and change the way your skin functions.  It’s unfortunate, but it’s true.  I’ll most likely be talking about Bioelements products simply because they’re developed and great for anyone.  I have sensitive skin and have tried nearly every single product and have never had an irritation issue.  I love their stuff!

First, let’s start with dry skin.  People automatically put dry skin with aging skin, which is not necessarily the case.  Dry skin is no more prone to wrinkles than oily skin (more on this later).  For a good foundation for dry skin, I recommend an emollient rich foundation.  You’ll want something that has more of a “satin” or “radiant” finish as opposed to a matte finish, which will have a tendancy to accentuate your dryness.  Cream foundations are excellent for this, and anti-aging foundations are usually good just because they contain some great moisturizing ingredients.  You’ll also want a richer, creamier moisturizer.  For cleansers, always ones geared towards sensitive skin.  I cannot press this enough.  I’m not a huge fan of cream cleansers — sorry guys!  I always end up breaking out because they don’t clean my face well enough.
Bioelements Sensitive Skin Cleanser
Bioelements Flash Foam Cleanser
Bioelements Calmitude Hydrating Solution (this is the only toner aside from Witch Hazel from Wal-Mart that I actually like).
Bioelements Calmitude Sensitive Skin Moisturizer (great for really sensitive skin, lightweight but it does the job!)
Bioelements Crucial Moisture (if you have VERY dry skin, this is for you)
Bioelements Absolute Moisture (if you have normal/combination skin this is great)
Olay Sensitive Skin Cleanser
Olay Sensitive Skin Moisturizer SPF 15

Next, oily skin!  A common misconception with oily skin is that you are more prone to breakouts, blackheads, and white heads.  Again, this is completely untrue.  Oily skin just means you have over-active sebaceous (oil) glands that make your face feel slicker, and look shinier.  When you’re looking for a cleanser, get an oil based cleanser.  I know what you’re thinking, “but mL, I’m already oily!  Why would I want more oil on my face?”  The answer is simple — if you take a garment with an oil stan to a dry cleaners, they’re going to use another oil to clean it out.  Oil is not water soluble, so using an oil to clean it off is excellent!  I know, it sounds completely weird, right?  You’ll also want more of a gel-based or light-weight moisturizer, and definitely an oil-free foundation.
Bioelements Sensitive Skin Cleanser
Bioelements Flash Foam Cleanser
Bioelements Decongestant Cleanser
Bioelements Calmitude Hydrating Solution (this is the only toner aside from Witch Hazel from Wal-Mart that I actually like).
Bioelements Calmitude Sensitive Skin Moisturizer (great for really sensitive skin, lightweight but it does the job!)
Bioelements Beyond Hydration Moisturizer (a gel based moisturizer for you oily guys and gals)
Bioelements Absolute Moisture (if you have normal/combination skin this is great)
Olay Sensitive Skin Cleanser
Olay Sensitive Skin Moisturizer SPF 15

Normal skin — you’re all very lucky.  You can wear and use nearly any product.  I always recommend skincare that is geared more towards sensitive skin types — we should all treat our skin as though it is sensitive to keep it from being sensitized to the outside elements.  Any of the above products would work for you!  Again, the Bioelements Calmitude/Sensitive Skin line would be my best recommendation, but for a less expensive product get the stuff from Olay and some witch hazel from the drugstore for a toner!

If your skin is dehydrated (drier, but not usually this dry), the elements are most likely taking a toll on your skin!  You need anti-oxidents and sensitive skin formulated skincare to take care of this issue, it will help relieve the dehydration and build a barrier between your skin and the elements.  The Bioelements Calmitude/Sensitive Skin line is great for this.  For a less expensive product get the stuff from Olay and some witch hazel from the drugstore for a toner (yes, I repeat myself frequently).

If your skin is acne-prone, you’ll want a topical acne treatment.  There are so many things you can use to treat your acne; and I prefer spot treatments.  You don’t want to put it all over your face to cause irritation.  Avoid products with benzoyl peroxide, it can make you more sensitive to the sun and light.  Ouch!  Make sure you always wash your make up off, and clean your brushes that you use regularly so you aren’t continuously applying bacteria to your face.  Another thing that we don’t think of much is to wash your pillow cases every 3-4 days!  You’re rubbing bacteria on that sucker every night, get some extras and make sure you swap ‘em out so that it’s nice and clean, you’ll notice a difference in the amount of break outs — I promise!
Bioelements Decongestant Cleanser (can be a little drying, but wow does it clear up your face!)
Tea Tree Oil (you can get this at almost any drugstore, use it as a spot treatment)
Murad Acne Spot Treatment

Go foundation shopping and make sure to request a two-week sample of foundation.  You need to make sure that there’s nothing in the product you’re allergic to, that the match is good, and that it’s what you’re looking for in a product.  Places in your local Macy’s, Nordstrom’s, and even Sephora and Ulta will allow sampling of the products — they want you to like it!  Returns are never good for commission, so they really want you to be happy with the product.  I want you to go out and try the foundations that you like and report back!

What products do I use?  The Bioelements Decongestant Cleanser and Calmitude moisturizer and toner line It’s literally saved my skin!  I use Tea Tree Oil as a spot treatment for break outs, and it’s a miracle!

Don’t forget to wash your make up off at night.  My staple is some inexpensive baby oil from the drugstore.  I know, I know, it sounds gross, but it gets off waterproof make up!  Plus if you get the one with vitamin E, you get a great antioxident!  Can’t beat those antioxidents.  I have super combination skin, and no it doesn’t make me oilier, or make me break out, but it sure does clean off my make up without me having to wash my face, and it moisturizes without me having to put on more moisturizer.

PLEASE ALWAYS TAKE OFF YOUR MAKE UP PRIOR TO SLEEPING! We all forget sometimes, but we should really all try to remember!  Your skin will be a happier skin.  I promise!