Foundation 101: Foundation Types
Well now that we know our skin color, type, tone, and issues (and if you don't, check it out here!) we can look at what foundation type will work the best to cover it up!We'll take a look at coverage, texture, and finish - this is definitely a post where comments will be beneficial. Because let's be honest I have only tried so many products and for my skin, so your opinions will help others! OK, let's get this party started!
Small disclaimer... as I am writing a cruelty-free beauty blog I will write about the cruelty-free brands I've tried and use and will not recommend non cruelty-free brands. However, all comments about all brands are welcome! Thank you.
Coverage
Well, basically there are light, medium, and full coverage foundations. And often you can make a light, a medium coverage or a medium, a full coverage by applying more than one layer.
- Light coverage is good for those without many Skin Issues or if you're having a particularly good skin day (which we all pray for) and only need to even out the tone a little. It's good for aging skin, where heavy products can settle into lines and wrinkles. And finally, I like light coverage for the summer months when you're going to be outside but you don't want a full face of makeup on.
- Medium coverage is more of an all around coverage I think, it can be great to cover up more Skin Issues, even out tone and help with skin texture.
- Full/heavy coverage is hard to find, even if the product says it on the packaging. However, these products are good for more noticeable Skin Issues and/or for special occasions when you want nothing to move or go wrong (wedding or prom).
As I said before you can build up these products usually so if you find a light coverage that you love but you need a little more coverage one day. Just apply the first layer, let it dry for a minute or so then apply another layer to the areas you need a little extra and blend.
Also the heavier the coverage the more blending you will need to do to make sure it doesn't look like you've caked it on your face and blends into your neck, ears, and hair line. More info on application next week!
Different products may have different coverage in multiple formulas, so ensure that you're always reading the packaging. For example you may find a light coverage and medium coverage CC cream, or a light and full coverage powder.
Finishes
Different types of formulas offer different finishes. So watch the labeling as your purchasing your foundation. Some popular finishes are:
- Dewey - gives skin a slight glow and/or shine. Best for normal to dry skin and some aging skin. Those with combination and oily skin may want steer clear as it can exacerbate the shine already caused by the oil, but not always. This can look more natural than the other finishes.
- Matte - This is a flat shine-free finish usually good for those with oily to combination skin and those with acne. Can often be a full coverage formula. More often achieved with powder. Not usually good for dry or aging skin as can make skin look duller.
- Light-reflecting - Although this can be combined with a dewey labeling it more often than not is a little more light-reflecting. This can be great for dry dull skin. I would suggest caution with other skin types.
Types of Foundation
Oh the fun! There are so many types now-a-days, even I who love makeup and where it all the time and read the blogs and watch the vlogs... I was surprised by the sheer number while researching for this blog. So although, I'm going to try to get to all the big ones and ones I've tried, I may miss some and I apologize but again, feel free to comment and let me know if you like (or hate) a type I've missed. Well let's dive right in!
- Liquid Foundation -
The original (at least in my mind). Liquid comes in just about every brand, coverage and formula you can think of. Which is awesome for the wallet, variety of finishes, and color selection. I know it can get a little overwhelming though.
Liquid foundation is good for most skin types as you can find oil-free for oily skin oil-based for dry skin, long-wear, light-reflecting for dull dry skin, etc... Also it's acne prone skin as it isn't usually so thick that it clogs your pores. Again, just read the labels and try them out to see which one works for you. And can be any finish.
I currently use a light/medium coverage foundation from IT Cosmetics which is awesome! It pretty much just looks like my skin but better when I'm wearing it and has build-able coverage for those areas I want to hide. It is definitely not full-coverage though.
- Cream and Whipped Foundations -
Cream foundations are usually similar to the liquid foundations in color selection but they offer a little different texture and finish.
Cream foundations tend to be more moisturizing so they can be good for dry skin. Whipped formulations tend to be lighter on the skin than their liquid counterparts and may be good for aging skin. And I would say these often come in a matte finish.
- Tinted Moisturizers -
Cream foundations are usually similar to the liquid foundations in color selection but they offer a little different texture and finish.
Cream foundations tend to be more moisturizing so they can be good for dry skin. Whipped formulations tend to be lighter on the skin than their liquid counterparts and may be good for aging skin. And I would say these often come in a matte finish.
- Tinted Moisturizers -
Tinted moisturizers I think are great for those who need light coverage and/or want a multi-use product. It's nice that these products moisturize and cover, and sometimes even have SPF so you don't need to use as many products on your face.
I think these moisturizers are great for young makeup wearers who only need to even out skin tone a little, for aging skin as it's light and won't settle into fine lines and wrinkles, and hot summer days when you just want a little coverage but not the whole shebang!
Most recently I've used e.l.f. Studio Tinted Moisturizer SPF which provides nice light coverage, lasts well and stays pretty long (longer with a primer or powder).
- BB or CC Creams -
These are kind of the new kids on the block but I think they can be awesome! They are much like the tinted moisturizers in that they are multi-use products as well. Usually they offer moisture, anti-aging, SPF, primer, etc... read the particular product for it's specific uses.
I like that they again, cut down on the number of products you have to put on your face. And I like that they usually offer a light to medium coverage so they cover more than the tinted moisturizers.
These are good for most skin types especially aging, normal, and dry. Those with sensitive skin may want to be careful with all the additional ingredients. Additionally, those with oily skin may need to add a primer or powder to get all-day coverage.
Although, I haven't tried it yet, I have heard wonderful things about IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Foundation and it's definitely on my to buy list.
Although, I haven't tried it yet, I have heard wonderful things about IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Foundation and it's definitely on my to buy list.
- Powder Foundation -
Powders can be good for oily and combination skin, but they are not recommended for dry or aging skin. On dry skin the powder can look very caked on and it can settle into fine lines and wrinkles for those with aging skin. Usually these provide a matte finish.
I like powders the best to set the makeup I've already applied, both my foundation and concealer. A translucent powder is good for setting as it won't add any more coverage. And a tinted powder can add coverage or cover on it's own. Although I do have combination skin, I don't like powder on it's own as I feel my face does end up look "powdery" so I solely use it as a finishing product.
Powders can come compact or loose... and for sheer convenience and anal-ness (I don't think that's a word but watch me use it any way!) I like the compact powders better.
Powders can be good for oily and combination skin, but they are not recommended for dry or aging skin. On dry skin the powder can look very caked on and it can settle into fine lines and wrinkles for those with aging skin. Usually these provide a matte finish.
I like powders the best to set the makeup I've already applied, both my foundation and concealer. A translucent powder is good for setting as it won't add any more coverage. And a tinted powder can add coverage or cover on it's own. Although I do have combination skin, I don't like powder on it's own as I feel my face does end up look "powdery" so I solely use it as a finishing product.
Powders can come compact or loose... and for sheer convenience and anal-ness (I don't think that's a word but watch me use it any way!) I like the compact powders better.
So I feel these are either a love it or hate kind of product. Some people are completely on the band wagon... but I am not. I just feel that they don't adhere to my skin properly and I always look powdery. Also I have found that some separate on my face after a few hours so I have areas of no powder and areas with big 'ol globs of it.
But anyway some people really like the coverage they can get and the finish, which I hear is supposed to be more dewey than matte. But yea...
I have used the Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Illuminating Powder and Veil which are better than some and aren't as powdery on the face. And these ones really don't separate... cuz that's just weird people!
So as I said above, I'm sure there's another type out there that I haven't listed but here is my take on foundations. Also, please leave a comment below and tell me of any foundations you like, hate, or have questions about!
Next week, we'll talk about applying foundation and getting the best results!
I have really oily skin but i recently found Rimmel Stay Matte liquid mousse foundation it works so good and I also set with e.l.f compact powder and my shine usually is at bay all day! I am looking forward to next weeks post because I sometimes suffer from the foundation mask :(
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear about the ELF powder, I've been thinking about giving that a try to help keep my shine at bay too! Now I'm going to have to :)
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