What to do if your foundation oxidizes after application
Have you ever found your perfect foundation shade match only to find it changing color halfway through the day? After you’ve bought it full-sized? This has happened to me a couple of times already and here in the Philippines, beauty brands don’t really allow us to exchange them for a better shade. I’ve learned my lesson since so I’m extra careful with choosing my base products. Aside from swatching, sampling, and extensive research on reviews, it is also best to watch out for that dreaded color change brought about by oxidation.
What is oxidation?
We’ve previously covered it here in Project Vanity but it’s good to revisit topics after a couple of years. Oxidation is a chemical reaction wherein a component of the makeup reacts to an oxidizing agent. This is usually observed in base makeup like foundations and powders. Think of how apples, bananas, and potatoes turn brown after peeling. The same process happens when our foundation suddenly turns darker!
Our natural face oils reacting with makeup are one of the causes of makeup oxidation, so preventing or delaying it would start with your skincare. Cleansing your face to remove excess oil is the first step and choosing a lightweight moisturizer or sunscreen is next since oils in the product can also cause oxidation.
Check your product
The product itself is something to take note of. Check how long you've had the product; the oxidation may have already started even before makeup application. Take this as an excuse to buy a new foundation but do your research on the product since some ingredients are prone to oxidation. Look up reviews online though keep in mind that YMMV.
Use white pigment adjusters
If you really love the formula of your current foundation despite the oxidation (i.e. the foundation getting darker once in contact with skin), then consider using a white foundation so that it oxidizes to the right shade like the BYS Foundation Adjuster Lightener and the La Girl Pro Coverage Hd Foundation White. Another option is to mix it with a lighter shade foundation.
Do it like a pro
Makeup techniques are also used to combat makeup oxidation. Using a primer creates a "barrier" between your skin and the foundation, thus delaying the oxidizing reaction. Using a makeup tool (brush, blender or puff) would also prevent oils from the fingers to cause the reaction, preferably a clean one since any leftover product and oils could quicken oxidation.
Setting sprays and mattifying powders are good not just for lessening face shine, but also delaying oxidation especially for oily skinned people. You don't need to use both at the same time, but one of the two would help a lot.
The midday makeup fix
But how do you deal with makeup oxidation in the middle of the day? There's not always enough time to remove and redo your entire makeup so here are some tips to make it better in a pinch. You can also use them especially if you don't have the option of getting a new foundation.
Use a brightening concealer and a lighter face powder to lighten the dark base. Blend and buff to extend to the neck to remove harsh lines.
Sheer out the foundation. Start with blotting papers to remove the excess oils then using a face mist and a damp sponge to thin out the color. A lighter colored face powder will finish the fix.
If you have a favorite liquid highlighter, this can also work in a pinch to bring some light to certain areas of the face.
Do you have your own fix tips for makeup oxidation? Do share with us in the comments below!
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