If a flawless base is what you desire, turn to a suitable foundation for spotless, glowing skin. When picking a foundation, you must consider the shade, the formulation, and the finish it offers because an incorrect choice can cause your makeup to look cakey and jarring.
Foundations are available in myriad shades – the trick is to pick one closest to your natural skin tone. And if you don’t find your perfect match in one bottle, you could always mix two shades to get the ideal formulation. Scroll on to learn everything you ever wanted to about the different types of foundations, the finishes they lend, and beauty hacks to make the most of your purchase.
- What is a Foundation?
A foundation is a cosmetic product used as a base for your makeup. Laying the groundwork for your entire look, the right formula helps cover blemishes, evens out your skin tone, and creates a clear canvas for further product application.
- Types of Foundation Formula
Foundations vary based on the amount of coverage you desire, the consistency you’re looking for, and the finish the product offers.
- Liquid Foundation: As the name suggests, liquid foundations have a liquid consistency – requiring you to apply the formulation using your fingertips, a beauty blender, or a brush. Often silicone or water-based, liquid foundations offer medium to full coverage and are super-blendable and buildable. However, if you’re not using a non-comedogenic formula, it can clog your pores and cause breakouts.
- Cream Foundation: Cream foundations have a rich, creamy texture and are ideal for those who suffer from excessive dryness. Highly pigmented and hydrating, they blend well onto your skin, providing optimal coverage. However, humidity can cause it to crease easily. Oily skin types should steer clear of cream foundations.
- Powder Foundation: Powder formulations are ideal for oily skin types who desire a matte finish and sheer coverage. Available in a pressed powder or compact form, they soak up excess oil and are super-lightweight for touch-ups on the go. However, if your skin isn’t optimally hydrated, a powder formulation may accentuate dry patches and mature lines. Dry skin types should steer clear of powder foundations.
- Serum Foundation: A hybrid skincare offering, serum foundations lend ample skin benefits, boasting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid niacinamide. A few drops are enough for a second-skin-like finish.
- Tinted Oil Foundation: Such formulations are ideal for those with ultra-dry skin. Tinted oil foundations lend a glowy finish and intensely moisturise your skin to keep dryness at bay.
- Stick Foundation: Stick foundations are having their moment. Portable and pocket-friendly, a few swipes are all you need for a flawless foundation base. Highly pigmented and creamy, they are hassle-free and offer buildable coverage.
- Whipped Mousse Foundation: Ideal for those with oily skin, a whipped mousse formulation is super-lightweight and non-comedogenic, mimicking a liquid foundation with a matte finish. However, they aren’t as long-lasting and may look patchy if not blended well.
- Types of Foundation Coverage
While picking a foundation formula, you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping in mind the coverage it offers.
- Sheer Coverage: Foundations that lend a light or sheer coverage are ideal for those who desire a barely-there, natural makeup look. Such formulations offer a ‘real skin but better’ effect.
- Medium Coverage: Medium coverage isn’t too light nor too heavy. It works well to conceal blemishes and imperfections while still looking like your natural skin.
- Full Coverage: A full-coverage foundation hides problem areas and skin flaws entirely. However, they tend to look cakey if over-applied.
- Buildable Coverage: When a foundation boasts buildable coverage, you can layer it to your desired level of coverage, i.e. sheer to full.
- Types of Foundation Finish
- Natural Finish: Foundations that offer a natural finish give you a second-skin-like appearance, mimicking your skin tone.
- Matte Finish: Oily skin types often desire a matte finish to eliminate the greasy sheen on the skin.
- Dewy Finish: Dry skin types often desire a dewy finish for a hydrated, radiant appeal.
- Choosing the Right Foundation For Your Skin Type
- Oily Skin: Oily skin types should opt for non-comedogenic formulations offering a matte finish. A powder or whipped mousse foundation works best for such skin types. Mineral foundations also work well on oily skin, absorbing excess sebum and minimising shine.
- Dry Skin: Dry skin types should pick a dewy formulation such as a serum or tinted oil foundation. Cream and stick foundations also work well on dry skin, lending high pigment.
- Combination Skin: If specific areas of your skin are oily while the rest is dry, mix and match formulations free from emollients or oils. Try choosing a formulation that lends a matte finish while offering a healthy dose of hydration.
- Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin types should opt for foundations free from alcohol, talc, minerals, and fragrances. Such elements can irritate your skin, causing redness and inflammation.
Conclusion
Narrowing down on the perfect foundation can be a daunting task. When you buy foundation, pick one that fits the bill concerning formulation type, coverage, and finish. The best place to test whether a foundation is a perfect match is by swatching the shade along your neck or jawline. If you still aren’t satisfied with the formulation, don’t be afraid to mix two or more shades to get the desired result. If your skin becomes dry during winter and oily during summer, consider switching between oil-absorbing and hydrating formulations to cater to your skin’s changing needs.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
