Changing your foundation with the season

Article by BR Natalie

Are you currently using a foundation you love?  The perfect shade for you, combined with the perfect formula for your skin type and the perfect finish for your look?  Then brace yourself, we have bad news,

Summer is here which means it's time to readdress your foundation needs!  You might be thinking, "Can't I just buy my usual foundation in darker shade?", but it's not just your skin tone that changes with the season, some people suffer from dry skin in the winter, but are prone to oily skin in the summer - which means you'll need to opt for a different formula.

Here's some tips for changing your foundation with the season:

• Make sure you're wearing the right shade! Even if you use SPF everyday you're likely to go up a shade or two during the summer.  If you self tan then your winter foundation is going to leave you looking too pale compared to the rest of your summer glow. 
• Reassess your skin's needs.  Is your skin more oil-prone in the summer?  Look for formulas that are 'shine free' or 'oil free'.  Maybelline's SuperStay Better Skin Foundation  is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't block your pores!
• Improvise during the in-between phase.  If you don't want to shell out for a new foundation knowing you're going to get even darker, bronzer can be a useful ally.  You can either mix your foundation with your bronzer, or apply a light dusting on top. Tinted moisturisers and BB Creams are also great for the awkward in-between phase.
• Look after your skin.  Tanned skin needs regular moisturising and hydration.  Look for a foundation that isn't going to block your pores or dry your skin out.  Maybelline Better Skin has a hydrating formula containing Actyl C and SPF that evens out discoloration and brightens dull areas, providing a healthy looking glow from day to night.
• Utilise your bronzed tone.  We know many of you love a full coverage, matte foundation - but summer is the time to embrace your luminosity.  Opt for a sheer formula that allows the depth of your tan to shine through.
• Find a formula that can last through the summer heat.  Heat, humidity and perspiration are your foundation's enemies.  The last thing you want is your foundation melting down your face, so find a product like Better Skin with a lightweight but all-day formula, so you won't need to touch up during the day!
• Primers are your friend!  Primers help your foundation stay in place and this is true even during the summer months, so whatever foundation you use, be sure to prime first!
• Use a translucent powder.  If you use a pigmented powder to set your foundation you not only risk cake face, it can make your tan look less golden and more muddy.  You'll also want to avoid reapplying powder during the day - it won't settle on hot or sweaty skin.

For all you need to know about choosing the perfect foundation for you, check out Stick, Liquid or Powder for the ultimate guide for picking foundation by format, formula and finish.

So, over to you!  Do you change your foundation with the seasons and if so how do you do it?  Do you stick to the same product and just change shade, or do you look for something completely new?  If you don't change your foundation, how do you make your winter shade work for the summer?

Get chatting below!