Floating Head Syndrome: Beauty Tip O’ The Day
by Emily Oliver
I would first like to thank the Melon for their faith in my beauty advice and writing abilities.
Now, we have some serious business to discuss, “floating head syndrome”. If you haven’t heard the term before (which is a high possibility), let me paint a picture: A woman steps out into the sunshine or department store and there is something off about her appearance- closer studies reveal that her face is either a couple shades lighter or darker than the rest of her body, hence, floating head syndrome, (which will be referred to as FHS for the purpose of this article.)
Luckily, FHS can be remedied. A little back story- once upon a time the method to match a woman’s foundation was to make sure it was the same tone and color as her neck or even hand. Nowadays we are seeing a lot more skin than before and must adapt! Please, please, please when finding your summer foundation (yes, you are usually a different color during different seasons with the exception of Seattle or Forks, WA) make sure to match the color to your body. Your head sits on top of your neck (anatomy!) and creates an inverse shadow which is nearly 90% of the time lighter than the rest of your body.
Ask for help at the make-up counter near you and request a perfect match to your whole body. Feel comfortable to check the color outside with a department mirror to see how fabulous your new best friend has matched you! And don’t be shy! Be honest! However, remember that these men and women are professionals and experts in their field- respect their opinion and artistry. You don’t tell a brain surgeon how to perform your operation (unless you too are a brain surgeon) do you? Your face may be naturally lighter than your body due to sun protectants and it may be disorienting at first to see you looking so even and monochromatic.
I’m going to leave you with this tip- when using your new foundation apply it to your face using a blender brush for even application. After you are done, take any extra foundation that’s still in your hand and using a powder or kabuki brush buff the foundation in sweeping motions into your neck and jawline to diminish the last traces of FHS! Congrats! You now look flawless and have fought a brave battle against FHS!
Feel free to write beauty questions you would like answered to the melon.
Love and Beauty! -E-



August 15th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
I’ve never paid attention to make make-up until I read this, and suddenly I started noticing my FHS. Since I live in the beautiful PNW where it is cloudy 99% of the time, I discovered that when it is sunny outside and I get a quote “tan”, my skin darkens just a teensy bit and FHS appears. Apparently I need to get a different color foundation for the one week of summer.
Reply
August 16th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
Thank you for posting this! I often think my bronzer looks GREAT in the mirror of the bathroom, but then I catch myself in the rear view mirror of my car and instantly reach for a napkin to rub off some of my awesome “color”. I am a train wreck when it comes to foundation and bronzer. I too suffer from FHS!
Reply