Why Makeup Should Be Chosen Based On Skin Type, Not Trends

In a time when beauty fads appear to change every week, it’s simple to be swept up by the latest craze. One instant, a dewy complexion dominates, and the next, a matte look regains attention. Yet through experience, with individuals of all ages and skin types and noticing how makeup performs across diverse climates and lighting, I have gained a clear insight: skin does not conform to trends. 

This is the reason why selecting makeup according to your skin type is much more crucial than adhering to what’s trending.

The 'Skin First' Rule

The concept is quite straightforward. Makeup ought to enhance your skin rather than conflict with it. Using a product or method that doesn’t match our skin type will always yield an off appearance, regardless of how costly or fashionable the item is.

For instance, a foundation that appears perfect on a person with skin might look patchy or flaky on someone with dry skin. This doesn't imply the product is poor; it simply indicates the skin type wasn’t taken into account.

A frequent error that I encounter is the assumption that ‘what suits one individual will necessarily suit all’. While the truth is that the identical product can perform differently based on skin type. 

Issues such as enlarged pores, flakiness or fine lines also respond distinctively to makeup, influencing both its application smoothness and appearance, over time. This underscores the importance of adopting a "Skin strategy.

Another important aspect is realising that effective makeup should improve your skin’s appearance, not conceal it. If we view makeup as something meant to mask everything, we tend to select products that're thick, dehydrating or just unsuitable for us.

However, when we opt for makeup that truly matches our skin type, the result appears natural, softer and endures significantly longer.

In makeup, application tools significantly influence the results. Certain brushes or sponges soak up product, whereas others cause streaking or fail to blend smoothly, particularly on skin that is textured or dry.

The choice of tools determines if makeup seamlessly merges with the skin or rests on the surface as a coating. Knowing how various tools interact with skin types is crucial for maintaining a skin-first approach.

Lately, trendy makeup items have become extremely popular. However, many fail to understand that the majority of these products are formulated for a skin type despite being advertised as suitable for all.

This often confuses novices. Consumers purchase items that appear ideal on the internet, but become frustrated when they don’t suit their skin.

Selecting makeup according to trends rather than skin requirements results in lost money, effort and self-esteem. Another neglected aspect is skincare preparation, which varies depending on skin type.

Oily skin might require moisturisers to manage shine, whereas dry skin benefits from thicker creams to stop makeup from flaking. Preparation significantly influences the longevity of makeup throughout the day.

After years of observing skin closely, I truly believe that a “Skin First” mindset is the most reliable way to choose makeup.

Trends will keep changing, but your skin’s needs stay consistent. When we listen to our skin instead of trends, makeup becomes easier, more enjoyable, and far less confusing.

Authored by Chanchal Kataria, Founder of Muse Beauty India. Views expressed by the author are their own.