Foundation is one of the fundamentals of makeup, it’s your makeup’s support system. Finding a foundation can be very daunting when decoding the numerous formulas and finishes so that is why I am stepping in with this easy to understand guide this will give you all the information you need, along with recommendations so you can step into that big, scary world of foundation and feel confident picking what is right for your preferences and skin type.
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What is Foundation?
Foundation is the base of your makeup that creates the even canvas with which you can build your look upon. It helps to neutralise your skin tone, and minimise imperfections such as acne and acne scarring.
Types of Foundation
There are various formulas and forms foundation can come in; some complementing different skin types best which will be explained further down below.
Liquid Foundation
One of the most popular types of foundation that you will find as it glides and blend over the skin easily. They can range in coverage and finish (which we will cover later). Most brands will carry a liquid foundation.
My Picks
Cream Foundation
Cream foundations using come in either a compact or stick form. It’s common for compacts to have a cream-to-powder finish which will make the foundation last longer so it’s a one and done deal. The drier formulation makes it more suited to oilier skins types as it gives a matte finish. Stick foundation is likely to be a medium to full coverage with a natural finish so its suitable for those who prefer a higher coverage such as blemish-prone skin. The consistency tends to be thicker so it’s important to build up slowly and blend well to avoid a ‘foundation mask’ where the product is visibly sitting on top of the skin.
My Picks
MAC Studio Tech Foundation £30/$36
Mineral Foundation
Mineral foundation usually comes in a loose powder form applied with a kabuki brush. It is made up of, well, minerals that are naturally-derived ingredients that are good for your skin. They are usually non-comedogenic meaning they don’t clog pores or cause breakouts making them perfect for acne-prone skin. Also, due to the lack of parabens, binder and fillers mineral makeup is hypoallergenic making it a great choice for sensitive skin such as concerns with rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. Mineral makeup is good for all skin types even oily skin as the natural minerals absorb oils, generally mineral foundation has a luminous finish due to light-catching pigments used in the formulas giving a natural healthy glow.
My Picks
Powder Foundation
In the form of a pressed powder, these foundations have excellent oil-absorbing abilities making them ideal for oilier skin types. They help to even out the skin tone, lessen shine throughout the day and create a smooth, lightweight minimal coverage. The compact makes the foundation convenient to apply on the go on top of any oily t-zone areas that develop throughout the day.
My Picks
L’Oreal True Match Pressed Powder Foundation £6.99/$10.95
Lighter Alternatives to Foundation
Sometimes people do not like the feel of foundation or want a high coverage so something lighter may be more up their alley. These lighter alternatives are infused with skincare making it a great option for those looking for a simple easy-to-use product with tons of added benefits.
Tinted Moisturiser
Essentially a moisturiser with toning pigment that will smooth and hydrate your skin for a dewy, healthy no-makeup look. This is very well-suited to those who suffer from dry skin as the moisturiser will nourish any dry patches and prevent clinging and flakiness. The ultimate my skin-but-better.
My Picks
BB Cream
Also known as blemish balms, BB creams excel at being that all in one product. They claim to function as a moisturiser, primer, sun cream, treatment and foundation the goal being to moisturise, protect and correct. They are normally infused with antioxidants, brightening agents and broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin whilst giving it a fresh, even glow.
My Picks
Bobbi Brown BB Cream £32/$48
CC Cream
Also known as colour correct creams, they aim to correct uneven pigment in the skin, helping to soften the appearance of things like dullness, redness, discolouration, pigmentation and sun spots. Similar to a BB cream however, CC creams offer more coverage creating a natural-looking flawless complexion.
My Picks
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream £32/$39.50
KIKO Milano Skin Trainer CC Blur £19.99/$22
Foundation Finishes – What is best for your skin type?
So now we have covered all types of foundations we can discuss the different finishes they can come in and what skin type they are most suited to. This key terms will make shopping for a foundation so much easier, helping you find exactly what you are looking for!
Natural/Sheer
Essentially makeup that looks like your skin. Normally a sheer coverage that feels ultra-light on the skin, perfect for a no-makeup makeup look. They can be worn by all skin types it’s simply a preference with this one!
My Pick
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint £20/$26
Dewy/Luminous
Think glowing, youthful skin that exudes radiance. They are perfect for drier skin types as they usually have many hydrating properties which will ensure the foundation doesn’t cling unflatteringly to any dry, flaky patches.
My Pick
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation £33.50/$47
Satin
Somewhere between a dewy and matte finish. It will be similar to the natural glow of your skin, depending on your skin type (dry or oily) you will find a setting powder will increase longevity.
My Pick
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup £34/$43
Matte
A flat foundation which has very little to no shine at all. They are ideal for oily skin types as they will last the longest. Matte foundations tend to be heavier and higher coverage which people prefer for an evening look. However, it can accentuate dry patches for those with dehydrated skin.
My Pick
L’Oreal 24H Matte Cover Foundation £9.99/$12.99
Picking a shade
Consider the intensity of your skin
This is how light or deep your skin is. Many brands use the categories fair, light, medium, dark and deep to guide buyers; so identifying where you are on this scale will help to choose. For example, in winter months I know I am in the fair/light category and in summer I will be in the light/medium category!
Identify your undertone
Within these categories, there should be a range of different undertones for different intensities. You will want to take a step back and see whether your bare skin leans towards rosy undertones (cool toned) or golden/yellow (warm undertone). You can be somewhere in the middle which means you have a neutral undertone. Choosing a foundation with the correct undertone will make your foundation compliment well with the rest of your body.
Test on your face NOT your hand
One big tip I would recommend when swatching foundations in-store is to not use your hand but choose three foundations you think are your match and swatch them on the bottom of your jaw. You will want to see which one blends into your natural skin tone and that will be your match.
Findation.com
This website is a gamechanger if you are buying foundation online. If you have a foundation already that you know is the correct shade you can use Findation.com to enter in the brand and shade name and it will recommend your shade in hundreds of other foundations. This website has helped me so many times and it has yet to let me down!
Applying Foundation
Using a sponge
A makeup sponge is essential in every girl’s makeup bag as they can be used not only for foundation but concealer, powder and many other cream colour products. A sponge will give you an airbrushed finish that is smooth and seamless. All you have to do is simply wet the sponge, squeeze out excess water, and pat the foundation in (always pat not swipe!).
My Picks
BeautyBlender The Original £17/$20
Using a brush
A brush can be used to apply your foundation quicker than a sponge but you will want to be careful to blend out the product fully so you do not get streaks. A brush is a good way to get higher coverage out of your foundation whilst using less product. Make sure you wash your brushes frequently so you do not get a build-up of old product and bacteria you are putting back on your face as that can cause acne and infections.
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