The purpose of foundation is to balance out unevenness in the skin tone. Applied properly, foundation make-up creates a smooth consistency that gives one the appearance of healthy and glowing skin. Now that being said, we all want gorgeous skin, but with the numerous foundation choices out there, how do we know which one to choose?
With so many options and names like liquid, cream, mousse, you almost feel like you could be ordering foundation off a menu! Here is a breakdown of what each type has to offer (in order of lightest coverage to heaviest coverage) along with some recommended products, so you can narrow in on your base of choice:
TINTED MOISTURIZER
- Gives slight colour and moisturizes in one
- Offers the lightest coverage of all foundation types
- Ideal for those with good skin who just want to add light colour to the face (those desiring more coverage should opt for one of the latter formulas, as tinted moisturizer is not buildable)
- Great for summer time, lighter days, heat waves and travelling for those with already healthy skin
Recommended: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer – adds colour and moisturizes, but also has a built-in SPF which translates to one more step in the morning eliminated!
AKE-UP- Mineral make-up was the latest craze a few years ago, with many new and even already-established make-up companies coming out with targeted mineral make-up products
- Mineral make-up is built around the notion that natural ingredients are better for your skin
- Contains vitamins and minerals (refer to your product for specific ingredients)
- Buildable coverage when used with a kabuki brush
- Better-suited for those with clear skin
Recommended: L'oreal Natural Powdered Mineral Foundation. See more from my post here.
- One of the most popular types of foundation
- Comes in many shapes and forms offering light to medium coverage, oil-free/water-based formulas, etc
- Offers medium, buildable coverage
- Suitable for all skin types - just look for one that's right for you
i.e. If your skin tends to be on the oily side, look for a water-based formula. If your skin tends to be dry, look for a moisturizing formula
Recommended: MAC Face and Body
- Similar to liquid foundation, but with air pumped into it creating a lighter, whipped formula
- Offers light to medium buildable coverage
- Great for elderly women, as the light formula is not as prone to setting into lines and creases
Recommended: Lise Watier Mattifying Mousse Foundation with Breathable Cotton
POWDERED FOUNDATION
- Similar to a pressed powder, but offers more coverage with a built-in foundation
- Formulated for all skin types
- Great for oily skin, as the powder component will help it to last longer (vs a liquid or creme on its own)
- Use with a wet sponge for those days when you want to achieve a lighter foundation look
Recommended: MAC Studio Fix, Make-up Forever Duo Mat Powder Foundation
PANCAKE/STICK
- Comes in what looks like an oversized lipstick tube and can be directly applied to face from container
- Offers maximum amount of coverage and can also be used as a concealer
- Ideal for normal to dry skin types, but can be too thick for oily skin types
- Blend thoroughly to avoid the dreaded "cakeface" look
Recommended: the beloved and ever-praised Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick
