Learn About Foundation! Your Second Skin.

Foundation is an integral part of your makeup stash whether you’re a beginner or a pro, foundation is a must have. There are several different types of makeup foundations available in the market now days. Which one is right for you depend on your skin type? As a beginner who’s just starting out, it can be overwhelming for them with so many brands and products. Retaining all these information and more is a bit of a task, but I’m here to save the day and do all the work for you. All you got do is to read through, understand the basics and save it for future reference.

Pro Tip:   Foundation is literally the foundation of your makeup looks. Make it a good one.

SO, LET’S TALK FOUNDATION!

Coverage

• In foundation terms coverage is the property of foundation that deals with how much covering or concealing it will provide for skin.
• For concealing uneven skin tone, hyper pigmentation, dark patches, acne and acne marks etc.
• Coverage ranges from low, medium to full. The coverage of a foundation varies according to your skin and makeup needs.
• People who have a naturally healthy smooth skin can always go for low coverage.
• Medium to full coverage is suitable for those with acne, marks, spots, wrinkles and anything that you might want to cover.

Finish

• Finish of a foundation means the result glow or matte look you get after blending the foundation.
• Finishes vary from dewy, semi-dewy, semi-matte and absolute matte.
• But after wearing matte foundation for 5 hours and more, the matte finish almost always turns into semi-matte, except people who live in dry and cold areas.
• Oily skin people have a high chance, that even the extreme matte foundations won’t be able to hold its matte finish property for long.
• Since oily skin produces a lot of sebum/oil thus the sebum seeps through the pores to the surface and comes in contact with the foundation giving off a dewy or glowy shining look.
• For dry skin dewy is the best option as it hydrates the dry skin preventing the foundation layer from cracking.

Consistency

• Consistency means the viscosity of a foundation, whether it’s thin and runny, liquidy thick, creamy, very thick, buttery, lightweight, moose and so on.
• Choosing the foundation with right consistency according to skin type is very important.

Non-comedogenic

• Product or ingredient that won’t clog or block pores.
• People with oily skin should always look for non-comedogenic products for both makeup and skincare.

FIND THE RIGHT COLOR FOR YOUR SKIN TONE.

First, figure out your undertone!

Foundations come in cool, warm and neutral undertones. So, it’s important to first narrow down your options, by starting with your skin’s undertone. No matter your complexion, from fair to dark, you will fall into one of these three undertone groups.

Cool Undertone: Your skin has hints of blue, pink, or red to it.

Warm Undertone: Your skin has a yellow, golden, or peach tinge to it.

Neutral Undertone: Your skin has a mix of both warm and cool tones.

Here are some makeup tips & tricks to determine your undertone.

• Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear kind of blue or purple, then you have a cool undertone. If they seem more greenish or olive in color, you have a warm undertone. Are they a mix of both, like a blue-green? You are likely neutral.
• Grab some jewels! Hold silver and gold jewellery up against your skin. Does one look better with your skin? If silver looks better on you, you’re cool. If gold looks better, you are warm. And if both are flattering without one being more striking, then you are probably neutral.
• How does your skin do in the sun? Do you burn easily? If so, you probably have a cool undertone. Do you get darker and never burn? You’re likely warm. If you usually get darker but sometimes can burn, you are neutral.

Pro Tip: Don’t get stuck in a beauty rut using the same foundation all year long or year after year even. You want to consider switching things up with the season and as you age. As the season’s change, so does our skin, sometimes on the drier side (winters) and sometimes more prone to oiliness (summer). Not to mention from summer to winter, our skin coloring shifts, transforming several shades lighter or darker. So, we should think about changing our foundation formula and shade during these times, if it’s needed.

PICK THE RIGHT FORMULA FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE & CONCERNS.

The right foundation formula can diminish flaws and imperfections (skin concerns), while the wrong one can, unfortunately, draw more attention to them. The key to choosing the right formula lies in knowing your skin type, skin concerns, and how much coverage you want or need.

Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizers provide the least amount of coverage, so they are best for those with good complexions. It's nothing more than a moisturizer with a small amount of color added to even your skin tone slightly. Some tinted moisturizers have an SPF, but if yours doesn't, be sure to use one under it. Tinted moisturizers are great for the summer months when your makeup is at risk for melting.These are best for those who are more inclined towards skincare but also want sheer foundation coverage without a separate foundation. It delivers a dewy finish that looks like hydrated naturally bright healthy skin.

Skin Type: Usually Normal to Dry Skin

Coverage: Light to Sheer coverage with just a hint of tint to it.

BB Cream

The “BB” stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm.” BB creams are an all in one moisturizer, primer, serum, sunscreen, and foundation. These have more coverage than a tinted moisturizer, but less than a separate foundation. These are also great for the summer months because they are light and have a sunscreen. BB creams can correct some skin problems like reddish skin tone, large pores, and minor blemishes.

Skin Type: BB cream often contains hydrating properties, so it’s best for dry skin.

Coverage: It offers sheer coverage, so it’s best for concealing minor blemishes. The light finish also makes it ideal for “no makeup” makeup looks.

CC Cream

The “CC” stands for “color control” or “complexion corrector.”It’s like an upgraded version of BB creams. As the name suggests color correction, which was made focusing on uneven skin tone. Nowadays most CC creams miss out on the original motive and are just regular lightweight cream with a tint. But some quality CC creams actually do posses the color correcting properties. Some have peach tones, some have a lavender hue; some have illuminating and mild concealing properties. When choosing a CC cream, look for oil-free formula with mortifying ingredients like, silica, colloidal clay, charcoal, tea tree extract, and salicylic acid.

Skin Type: Oily to Combination and Acne-prone skin

Coverage: CC creams give a sheer coverage and brighten even out the skin giving a natural look.

Sheer Foundation

Sheer foundation gives a very light coverage, but it is buildable if you need to hide imperfections or uneven skin tone. It's made with silicones, so it's best for dry skin. This formula is great for those with good complexions who don't need to cover redness or uneven skin tones.

Skin Type: Normal to Dry skin

Coverage: Sheer to lightly buildable coverage.

Mineral Foundation

Mineral foundation is usually organic and natural, but some formulas can have fillers. Mineral makeup is made of crushed minerals. Powder is generally a no for fine lines, but I don't find that mineral settles in fine lines. Mineral foundations have great coverage, being so light. It's a lightweight summer foundation.

Skin Type: Due to the lack of parables, binders and fillers, mineral makeup is hypoallergenic, making it the best choice for sensitive skin and those with acne concerns, rosaceous, psoriasis and eczema. Also good choice for oily skin types since it's in powdery form.

Coverage: Light to medium coverage.

Powder Foundation

Powder foundation is a dry formula that's made up of pigments and minerals. This foundation comes as either a pressed or loose powder. You’ll apply it to the face using a large powder brush for light coverage, damp sponge for medium coverage. People who have sensitive skin can also use powder foundation alone on their skin.

Skin Type: Powder foundation is also an ideal choice for anyone with oily skin or combination skin, as powder formulas are great at absorbing excess oil. Powder can setting in to fine lines, so it's not the best option for mature skin.

Coverage: Light to Medium coverage.

Liquid Foundation

Liquid Foundation is easy to manipulate with any tools or even directly with your fingers. There’s a different consistency on liquid foundations, and many people prefer liquid foundations because it feels like you can blend it quickly. The base of liquid foundation is often a water-in-silicone mixture, which allows for a slick application and helps provide a streak-free finish. Pigment is also a key ingredient in the formula to even out your skin tone and make your skin look flawless.

Skin Type: All Skin Types (however, you should look at the label and go for an oil-free, oil control, liquid foundation with a matte finish if you have oily or acne-prone skin). Also, you can look for terms like non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic on the labels, if you are acne-prone or struggle with enlarged pores. For normal to dry skin, a moisturizing liquid foundation will work best (look for satin or semi-matte finishes).

Coverage: Ranges from Sheer to Full

Cream foundations

Best suited for people having dry skin. Because these are cream-based, they give your skin a soft and nourished look which keeping the purpose of the foundation. Cream foundation, stays where you put it, so if you want to do contouring, cream is simply the best option, anything else is going to travel and slide around your face as the day progresses.

Skin Type: Normal to Dry Skin. Additionally, works well on hyper pigmentation issues, scars, age spots, etc. Also, the best option for mature skin (fine lines and wrinkles).

Coverage: Generally ranges from Medium to Full

Serum Foundation

These have a really interesting type of formulation. Serum foundations have the lightness of a tinted moisturiser and the coverage of a foundation. Since these are thin and lightweight, it’s easy to blend in the skin, very hydrating and usually packed with skincare benefits. Even though it has slight runny consistency these foundations are highly pigmented and deliver a medium to high coverage. Serum foundations set soon which is why you have to apply them quickly; you can use a flat foundation brush to apply over large areas at once and evenly. These foundations come in bottle packaging with a dropper.

Skin Type: All skin type, best for oily skin.

Coverage: Medium to Full coverage

Matte Foundation

Matte foundation excellent for holding back excess oily shine. They are great for women with oily skin. They dry quickly when you apply them, so it's best to use a kabuki foundation brush or beauty blender to apply them. You should also use a primer and moisturizer before using a matte foundation so your skin doesn't get too dry. Beneficial for those who live in humid climates and cannot get their foundation to last.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination skin.

Coverage: Medium to Full coverage.

Cushion Foundation

Originating from South Korea with its K-beauty trend, these have gained popularity in the recent time. This has a compact like packaging from the outside but, here comes the fun part, you will find a round sponge or cushion of your chosen shade of foundation inside. The round sponge or cushion is dipped in a smooth thin liquid foundation, thus looks like the same colour of your foundation shade. It comes with a round flat sponge applicator with a ribbon attached at back for better grip. You have to press the applicator lightly on the round cushion foundation to take the desired amount and dab it on your face and neck in light circular motions to get an even blend. Cushion foundations are also packed with skincare benefits. They usually come in dewy finish but you can also find them in semi-matte finishes.

Skin Type: Mainly for dry to Combination Skinners.

Coverage: Light to medium, however more brands are coming out with cushions that offer fuller coverage.

Whipped/ Mousse Foundation

Whipped foundations are liquid formulas with air whipped in to make them light and smooth. They feel weightless and have a matte finish. Whipping allows to form air bubbles which makes it soft lightweight and airy in nature. They usually come in jars. Whipped mousse foundations have to be blended really well or it can easily give a caked up patchy look.

Skin Type: All skin types, it's most suitable for those with oily skin.

Coverage: These have a medium coverage and usually delivers a matte finish.

Stick Foundation

Stick foundations have the heaviest coverage of any foundation, so they are great at covering up redness, under eye circles, scars, and blemishes. Since they are so thick, they are also prone to giving you cake face. You can use a stick foundation on blemishes or small areas and use a different type of foundation on your entire face. If you have fine lines, avoid stick foundation because it can settle in the lines and make them appear bigger. Ideal for darker skin tones, this stick provides lightweight buildable coverage with a satin finish.

Skin Type: The slightly drier consistency of stick makeup makes it great for Normal to Oily Skin. Also, it works well on hyper pigmentation issues, scars, age spots, imperfections, etc.

Coverage: Generally ranges from Medium to Full.

HD Foundation

Traditional foundations can look mask-like or heavy; HD foundations mimic the look of skin and are less detectable on camera. They can help to even skin tone and texture, even with minimal product. Its naturally luminous, radiant finish is ideal for everyday wear. Many beauty products claim to have that HD finish, but what actually makes the formula high definition is the unique way the pigments are coated, and how they appear under the most discriminating camera lenses. "Ultra HD cameras have 4 times the amount of pixels as compared to standard definition. This means the photographer and videographers have a lot more capability when it comes to editing and expanding images with more clarity and color saturation, but because of this, you can see the texture and color on the skin on a magnified scale.

Skin Type: Suits all skin types.

Coverage: Build-able formula with medium to full coverage, gives natural finish.

Airbrush foundations

This foundation is really unique and unlike any other foundation. Airbrush makeup is a whole different type of makeup, with different tools, products, techniques, formulation, everything! Airbrushing is done by using a airbrush gun that lightly, smoothly and evenly sprays the makeup on the face. It doesn’t require separate blending; the formula is such that it settles instantly as soon as it is sprayed on the skin. Airbrush foundations have a very thin light runny consistency. And settles into a smooth flawless even look and are much more long lasting without any touch-ups than regular makeup. Since airbrush makeup is completely different from regular makeup thus it requires professional airbrushing training to use it. It’s not for commercial or regular use, only professionals can master it.

Skin Type: All Skinners

Coverage: Can be built from very sheer to high coverage.

Pro Tip: The best way to determine your shade is to grab three options close to your skin color. Swipe each shade as a stripe along your jawline.The one that disappears the most into your skin is your closest match!

FOUNDATION APPLICATOR

SPONGE

Sponges come in lots of different shapes and sizes. There are wedges, teardrops, acorn, and various beauty blenders.

PROS

• Foundation will go on sheer and lightweight.
• You have more control with a sponge than your fingers.
• You can dampen the sponge giving a fuller-coverage foundation a more natural effect, which is perfect for a dewy, natural glow.
• They can get into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
• You can achieve a soft “airbrushed” look.

CONS

• Sponges absorb A LOT of product, so you’ll go through your foundation faster .
• If skin isn’t prepped properly (moisturized and primed) they can catch and lift dry skin.
• They need to be replaced often, so not so budget friendly.
• They are very difficult to clean and can harbor bacteria!
• It is impossible to disinfect them, so if you are a makeup artist, you can’t reuse the same sponge on different clients.

APPLICATION TIPS

1. Wet the sponge until it’s completely saturated and squeeze out any excess water.
2. Pour a small amount of liquid foundation onto the back of your hand or on your make up palette, dot it all over your face, blend it out using damp beauty blender.
3. Do not rub or drag the sponge across your skin.
4. Gently dab or blot the area until your foundation is completely blended.
5. Mist your sponge with Setting Spray and stipple over your foundation to help set your foundation.

CLEANSING TIPS

1. Cleanse with a mild soap and rinse with water after application.
2. Squeeze out excess water and roll in a clean dry towel to remove as much water as possible.
3. It is recommended you cleanse your sponge once a week with an anti-bacterial soap to maintain a sanitary surface.
4. Allow the sponge to air dry in a dry space where there is optimal air flow.

FOUNDATION BRUSH

Most professional makeup artists, use makeup brushes to apply foundation. With so many brushes to choose from there’s something for everyone.

PROS

• When used properly, a brush is one of the fastest ways to apply foundation.
• They blend foundation seamlessly giving skin an even, airbrushed finish.
• They provide great coverage.
• They are hygienic
• You can layer easily, giving you more control over coverage.
• They are good for getting into hard to reach nooks and crannies
• They buff foundation into the skin for natural-looking results.

CONS

• A great brush isn’t cheap, however if you take care of it properly it will last a long time.
• Poorly made cheap brushes can leave streaks and stray hairs on the skin.

APPLICATION TIPS

1. Choose a brush with synthetic bristles for liquid or cream-based products.
2. Look for a rounded foundation brush with synthetic hairs-not flat.
3. Apply foundation in a stippling motion, which means gently tapping it into your skin.
4. Avoid any wiping or rubbing motions because that will only push the foundation around and cause streaks.
5. Always start by applying just a little bit of foundation, and then add more until you have just the right amount of coverage. The goal is to only apply foundation where you need it, so that your skin still looks like skin.
6. Concentrate the foundation in the centre of your face where redness and blemishes tend to be more problematic and blend it towards the outer corner of your face.

CLEANSING TIP

1. Cleanse bristles with a mild liquid soap and rinse with water after application.
2. Avoid saturating handle.
3. Gently squeeze out excess water.
4. Dry brush with bristles downward facing so that water doesn’t loosen glue in the handle, which could cause bristles to shed.

DRUG STORE FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATIONS!

For Dry Skin

• L'Oreal Paris infallible 24 hours wear Foundation
• Faces Canada ultime Pro second skin Foundation
• Revlon colorstay makeup for normal to dry skin
• LA girl Pro coverage Foundation.
• Flower beauty light illusion Foundation
• Makeup Revolution stick Foundation.
• Maybelline dream cushion Foundation
• Milani conceal + perfect 2 in 1 Foundation + concealer
• Wet and wild mega cushion Foundation.

For Oily Skin

• Maybelline fit me matte poreless normal to oily skin.
• Maybelline 24 hour superstay Foundation.
• Kiko Milano full coverage 2 in 1 Foundation & concealer.
• NYX total control drop Foundation
• NYX can't stop won't stop Foundation
• NYX stay matte but not flat Foundation
• L'Oreal infallible Pro matte Foundation
• L.A. Pro matte Foundation

For Combination Skin.

• Maybelline fit me matte poreless normal to oily skin.
• Maybelline 24 hour superstay Foundation
• Revlon colorstay makeup for combination to oily skin
• NYX cant stop wont stop Foundation
• L'Oreal Paris infallible Pro matte Foundation.
• E.L.F Flawless finish Foundation
• Rimmel stay matte Foundation.
• Covergirl clean matte BB cream
• Covergirl clean oil control Foundation
• Wet n wild photofocus Foundation
• Neutrogena mineral sheer powder Foundation.
• Wet and wild mega cushion Foundation.

Fun Fact: The first skin like foundation was a pan cake one and was made for using on actors in movies. It was formulated by Max Factor in 1914.

Now that you have a clear idea of the types of foundation and which one you need, it’s time to get that flawless look!

WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOUNDATION ACCORDING TO YOUR SKIN TYPE? COMMENT BELOW👇