Foundation is one of my favourite parts of the makeup application process.
As the name suggests, it lays out the foundation of your look, giving a beautiful start to a blank canvas. It’s also one of the main features of your makeup and can really make or break your entire look.
The goal of foundation is to even out skin and minimize imperfections. Knowing what to look for will help you find the perfect product.
Finding your perfect shade isn’t always enough. There’s also various coverage types and formulas to consider depending on your skin type, or the occasion. The place to start is to decide what type of coverage you’re looking for. Then move on to what formula works best for your skin type. The last step is then finding your exact colour match.
The purpose of this blog post is to give you the low down on the various types of foundations, and perhaps this will help you figure out which foundation type would be best for you, although I think some of us know that finding the perfect foundation takes a lot of trial and error, not to mention the fact that the way you apply your foundation also plays a huge role.
Starting off with the various types of Coverage Options & Finishes -
Coverage Options:
Sheer/Light: The perfect choice when you want your skin to really shine through with minimal coverage. A tinted moisturizer offers the lightest sheerest finish.
Medium: Most foundation formulas are medium finish offering enough coverage to hide imperfections, but not too much that your makeup looks heavy. You’ll find medium coverage versions for powder, liquid, and stick foundations. BB cream also offers medium coverage with skin enhancing benefits.
Full: This formula does what it says, covering your skin in foundation and eliminating any imperfections or redness. For evening makeup, or “Instagram Looks”, full-coverage works best. You will find versions in powder, liquid, and stick foundations.
It’s important to remember that foundation cannot cover texture unfortunately, so it will not hide wrinkles, fine lines, uneven texture, or bumps or pimples on the surface on your skin.
Finishes :
Matte – Matte finish foundations dry flat and have no shine to them.. Use mattifying formulas that rebalance oil flow, deliver daylong coverage and nurture skin back into balance. These formulas also dry quickly, so blend confidently and quickly, patting over skin.
Dewy – A radiance enhancing finish. Gives off glowy, youthful skin. This finish allows shine through, and reflect light from the face; therefore, this finish makes your appear refreshed and radiant, can help fine lines appear softer.
Satin – The perfect balance between a matte and dewy finish. Satin finishes give you a natural glow without appearing too shimmery or shiny, but not too flat either. This finish also requires less touch ups than a dewy finish foundation would.
With regards to Foundation Types, some popular types include:
Tinted Moisturizer \ BB or CC Cream
A slight tint paired with moisturizer offers a light amount of coverage. If you are not really a fan of makeup or looking for just a little extra something, this is the perfect option. This new generation of hybrid formulas (half skin care, half foundation) originated in Asia and is now a staple stateside. BB (Beauty Balm) and CC (Color Correcting) Creams are beloved for their ability to provide medium coverage while also offering skin care ingredients like antioxidants, sunscreen and hydration. Many women find they don’t need to use a moisturizer at all when using a hybrid formula, shaving off a few minutes in their morning routine.
Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundation is a classic foundation formula and comes in a range of finishes. It can be applied with fingers, brush, or a sponge and is suitable for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated or mature skin thanks to its lotion-like consistency.
Liquid foundation is one of the most versatile formulas because of its range of coverage capabilities. Apply a light layer to impart a sheer natural finish, or add more to build up to medium or full coverage. They are also available in a range of finishes from matte, to satin and dewy. A little goes a long way. Since liquid foundation spreads easily, a small amount can cover a lot of surface area on skin and is easy to blend.
Cream Foundation - My personal favourite
Available in either compact or stick form, cream foundations generally provide more coverage than a liquid foundation.
Creamy formulas offer medium to full coverage , usually in convenient packaging. If you want your makeup to last longer or stand up to heat and humidity, cream foundation is a smart choice.
You can use it as an all-over face foundation or as a touch-up, concealer to use on your face or body. They’re often a top choice for big events when you want a flawless, radiant look. You can also add a product like Kryolan's Makeup Blend, to liquefy the foundation if need be.
Powder Foundation
A great on-the-go option, powder formulas come in a compact and are applied with a brush. They offer more coverage than our basic finishing powder. Made in both loose and pressed forms, powders offer lightweight coverage when gently pressed into skin. Powder foundations can be layered on top of other foundation formulas for additional coverage or as a setting powder. Plus, compacts are easy to slip in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day.
Another kind of powder foundation available, is
Mineral Foundation:
Mineral Makeup is made primarily of minerals with no fragrance or chemicals and therefore is a favourite of natural beauty lovers. Available in compact and loose powder (but you can also find some liquid formulas)—mineral foundation works well with sensitive and acne prone skin.
It’s important to note that Mineral makeup is said to cause flashback (a white cast on your face when using flash photography) so be careful when choosing mineral foundation for an event.
Mousse Foundation
Lastly, Mousse foundation.
Mousse foundations are basically whipped liquid foundation.
Because of their powdery finish, they work best on combination or oily skin and will help to regulate oil production.
They also mask imperfections, so you may not need a concealer.
Mousse foundations feel almost invisible on your skin, and come in liquid versions too.
I know by this stage of the blog post you may be feeling overwhelmed, but below I will mention The Best Foundation for Your Skin Type to make it a little easier:
Normal Skin: You can really go with any type of foundation, it just depends on the finish you want. A luminous formula will give you a glowy finish. A matte or full-coverage foundation will help to create a red-carpet Hollywood retro look. And if you just want a little coverage when you are running errands, reach for your tinted moisturizer.
Combination: Women with normal to oily skin need to adjust their skincare and foundation with the seasons. They should go with the lighter oil-free foundation in the summer and a richer, hydrating one in the winter.
Dry, Mature Skin: Look for foundations marked luminous, hydrating, and moisturizing. Balms and tinted moisturizers make great choices too. These formulas will fill in lines and leave a dewy, glowy finish. Stay away from oil free or powder options.
Oily Skin: You can find oil-free options for every single type of foundation. If you really want to cut shine, look for a matte finish. Pore-minimizing foundations are available too. Avoid luminous finish and hydrating formulas.
Acne-Prone: If you are battling breakouts, you want to treat your skin with acne-fighting skincare first. Try and stay away from makeup, until your skin clears up. When you are ready for foundation, look for versions that include acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid.
Some Locally accessible Cruelty Free brands to have a look at for foundation include :
Catrice – Available at Dischem in Liquid & Cream types within the R59.00 –R145.00 price range
LA Girl – Available from Dischem Stores in Liquid + BB Cream with in the R64.00 –R110.00 price range
Essense – Available at Clicks, Dischem & Jet Stores in Liquid & Mousse within the R80.00-R110.00 price range
Palladio – Available at Dischem in Liquid & Powder types within the R95.00 – R130.00 price range
The Body Shop – Available from The Body Shop store, or Clicks in Liquid, BB Cream and Powder within the R135.00-R325.00 price range
W Beauty – Available at Woolworths in Cream (Stick), Liquid, Powder, Mousse, as well as BB, CC Cream & Tinted Moisturizer within the R150.00-R210.00 price range
Kryolan – Available online or from Kryolan Stores and selected stockists in Liquid & Cream/ Powder within the R250.00 (for 4ml) -R800 price range
Gosh – Available from Edgars and Foschini Stores in Liquid within the R258.00 price range
Physicians Formula – Available at Dischem in Liquid & Cushion types within the R280-R300 price range.
MUD South Africa – Available online, or from a MUD Store in Liquid & Cream, within the R550.00-R699.00 price range
Stila – Available from Woolworths in Powder, Mousse & Liquid within the R600.00-R625.00 price range
*All prices are accurate at the time of blog post creation
Should you still be unsure about your best suited foundation, or have tried multiple kinds of foundations and still haven’t found something you love, I offer a personal shopping service where I can help you find ‘The One’. Read more about it here https://www.creativelycontoured.com/post/why-you-should-have-a-personal-makeup-shopper
Here’s to making Makeup work for You
Cleo
Xoxo
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