Foundation

Choosing it for deep skin

• Know your undertone: red, golden, neutral, olive or cool. Many "deep" ranges are only warm or orange.
• Match on the jaw and neck in daylight. Many people need two shades: lighter centre, deeper edges.
• Wait 10–20 minutes on your skin in the heat. Many foundations darken or turn orange (oxidise).
• Lots of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or SPF can look grey on deep skin, especially under flash.
• Oily skin or humid weather: oil-free, matte long-wear. Dry harmattan skin: satin or hydrating.

How to apply

1. Prepare your skinMoisturise, apply sunscreen and wait a minute or two.
2. Check the shade on your jawSwatch on the jawline and look in daylight after 10–20 minutes.
3. Start in the centreDot a little on the middle of your face and blend outward.
4. Blend with clean toolsUse clean fingers, a brush or a damp sponge. Blend down onto the neck.
5. Build only where neededSpot-conceal dark marks instead of adding a thick second coat.
6. Set only where oilyPress a little powder on the forehead, nose and chin if you need it.

How long to wear it

• Most foundations last most of a day. In heat, blot oil with blotting paper instead of adding more.
• Touch up by pressing on a small amount; do not swipe over set makeup.
• Take it off every night. Even non-comedogenic makeup can cause acne if you sleep in it.

Safety and the evidence

• Fragrance (parfum, aroma) and botanical extracts are the commonest cosmetic allergens; choose fragrance-free if your skin reacts easily.

  Evidence B/C — patch-test series

• Alcohol denat. high on the ingredient list can dry or sting sensitive skin.

  Evidence D — expert opinion

• SPF 15 in a foundation is not enough sun protection on its own. People apply far less than the test amount.

  Evidence D — expert opinion

• Sleeping in makeup can cause acne, even with "non-comedogenic" products.

  Evidence D — dermatology guidance · American Academy of Dermatology — habits that worsen acne

• Never use a "lightening", "whitening" or "toning" product as makeup. NAFDAC caps hydroquinone at 2% in cosmetics and bans mercury.

  Evidence C — case reports; regulation · Voice of Nigeria 2025 — NAFDAC hydroquinone limit

Evidence grades: A systematic reviews or several trials; B at least one trial or consistent controlled studies; C observational studies, surveys or case reports; D expert opinion.

Keep it clean

• Keep it out of heat and sun: not in a parked car, on a sunny dressing table or in a handbag left outside. Heat spoils makeup before its date.
• Wash sponges after every use. Used sponges are the most contaminated makeup tool.
• In shops, never test on your face from a shared tester. Use a fresh applicator on your jaw.
• Throw it away if it smells odd, separates or changes colour.