There are so many different types of foundations on the market that it can be mind-boggling and confusing to work out which one may suit you best.
So what types of foundations tend to suit different skin types and how much do I put on? Remember, foundations job is to even out your skin tone so only use enough to do that, you don’t want to finish up looking like you are wearing a mask. You tend to need more in the centre of your face and less around you hair line so consider that when applying your base.
Dry and/or mature skin
Creamier bases work best as they tend to be more moisturising and blend well to create a smoother finish that is moist and supple. Don’t be heavy handed though, you only want to apply enough to even out your skin tone.
Oily skin
Avoid the oil based foundations and opt for water based foundations or an oil-free foundation. Those with very oily skin often need to avoid powder foundations as these can ‘grab’ to the oily spots and you can end up looking patchy.
Normal/combination skin
This skin type can really go for any type of foundation. Have a play around and see what type you prefer.
Freckles
I recommend that you don’t try and cover up all your freckles, especially if you are naturally freckly all over. If you pile on the foundation to cover the freckles on your face, it will look like you are wearing a mask. Wearing foundation, concealer and powder will naturally tone down your freckles but will still reveal a hint of them so you don’t have that mask-like, unnatural appearance. Embrace your freckles – you look amazing!
Birthmarks/scars/rosacea
Often ‘medical’ makeup is required to cover these up. Medical makeup is highly pigmented and heavier in consistency to hide these blemishes. Often these types of makeup can be found in a well-stocked chemist.
Foundation Types
Mineral Powder
This type tends to suit most people with the exception of those with particularly oily skin (it can look patchy). It’s quick and easy to apply and you don’t need much of it. It’s also buildable which means to you can start with a little then add a bit more until you get the desired effect. Best applied with a Kabuki brush (often sold with or in the range you are looking at). This type of foundation gives a natural finish. Hint: conceal first when using this type of foundation. All other types, conceal after foundation application.
Liquid
This type of foundation suits just about everyone and there is a type of liquid foundation to suit everyone. There are ones specifically for oily skin, dry skin, mature skin and so on. They are well labelled so you’ll certainly find one to suit your skin type. Liquid is lightweight and easy to apply. I prefer to use a foundation sponge to apply this with as it gives a better, streak-free finish.
Pan-stick
This type of foundation comes in a wind up tube (similar to lipstick but larger) and usually has a thick creamy texture that usually provides medium to full coverage. Use a dampened sponge to apply for a great finish.
Cake
This type of foundation is really just like pan-stick foundation but in a compact form.
Cream
This type of foundation is thicker than liquid but not has heavy as a pan-stick/cake foundation. Nice for those with dry or more mature skin.
Mousse
This type of foundation is basically liquid foundation that has been ‘whipped’. It’s really a cross between a liquid and a cream foundation.
Tinted moisturiser
This type of product is mainly a moisturiser but has a touch of foundation in it to give your skin a hint of colour. If you have great skin that is fairly even in tone, this might be all you need.
Cream to powder
This type of foundation goes on like a liquid then as it sets and dries, has a powdery finish. These work quite well if you don’t need to do too much concealing and want light to medium coverage.
High Definition Products
Products that state that they are ‘high definition’ (HD) usually means that their formula is such that they work better in situations where high definition technology is used. As technology gets better, we can see things more clearly on TV, the movies etc and you may therefore see imperfections more clearly. These high definition products state that they combat those situations.
After applying your foundation and concealer (with the exception of powder foundations and cream to powder foundations), you’ll need to set your base. Using a large powder brush lightly brush over your base using a suitable face powder. Less is more especially around the eye area. Conceal after foundation in all cases with the exception of powder foundation, if using that, conceal first.
When choosing your base shade, you want to get as close to your natural skin tone as possible. You want your face, neck and chest area to all appear as one shade. If your base looks a little pale during summer, just warm it up a bit using some bronzer.
