Although you are attempting to exactly match the skin color of your face when you choose a foundation, in some cases it is more important to match the foundation to the color of your neck. If your face is darker than your neck and your foundation matches the face, it will look like a mask because of the difference in color. The opposite is also true. If your face is lighter than your neck and you put on a foundation that matches the face, it will still look like a mask because of the difference in color. In situations like this, match the foundation more to the neck color or to a color in between the color of the neck and the face.
For some women who have serious facial discolorations or scars it can be hard to ignore the need for a heavy foundation application that provides opaque, full, concealing coverage. Unfortunately, a heavy or thick foundation is the only way to achieve this effect. Foundations that make claims about providing superior coverage that also looks natural are not telling the truth. You can’t cover your face with foundation and camouflage the imperfections without seeing what is providing the coverage. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider a heavier foundation—just be aware that you are essentially exchanging one problem for another. The advantage is you do get to choose between two options, and even if that’s a dilemma, you are still the best judge of what works and feels best for you.