The Ultimate Guide to Foundation

Whether you are getting ready for a night out or just looking for a quick fix for the day, using a foundation is a must in your makeup routine.  Not only can foundation improve your appearance, but different types can really benefit your skin.  With so many options on the market, it can be tough to figure out which kind you should be using.  But never fear!  Use this guide to all the different types of foundation as a reference next time you’re deciding which to buy.

Keep in mind that it is important to find a foundation that will work for your skin type, addresses your skin concerns, and matches your skin tone.

Tinted Moisturizers

Tinted moisturizers are great during the Summertime because of how lightweight they are.  It’s a great option if you are in a hurry in the morning and need a quick clean up.

Type of Coverage

Tinted moisturizers give light coverage.  Because it is a lightweight moisturizer with a tint of color, you can’t really build to a heavier coverage without using a different type of foundation.  If you are looking to cover up lots of blemishes, don’t use a tinted moisturizer as it only provides a subtle color that can help even out your skin tone, but nothing more.

Benefits

• Lightweight for Summer when it is hot out
• Moisturizes the skin while giving a tint of color or a subtle glow
• Easy to match skin tone due to the sheerness of the product
• Blends in easily due to the sheerness and subtleness of color
• Quick and easy to apply

Who Should Use

• Not recommended for oily skin because they can make the skin appear oilier (unless water-based)
• Best for women with blemish free, clear skin
• Dry skin types can greatly benefit from a tinted moisturizer

How to Apply

• Apply in circular motions over the entire face and neck after skincare routine

BB Cream

BB cream is a lot like a tinted moisturizer in that it is a lightly tinted moisturizer.  However, BB creams tend to have even more good ingredients packed into them.  They may contain both a primer, a finisher, and anti-aging ingredients.  A BB cream can be your all-in-one foundation during the Summer months.

Type of Coverage

Like a tinted moisturizer, BB creams are for light coverage only and cannot be built upon without the aid of another type of foundation.

Benefits

• Lightweight for Summer months
• Contain a light tint of color making blending easy
• All-in-one product- apply it and you’re good to go
• Quick and easy to apply
• Easy to match to skin tone due to the sheerness of the product

Who Should Use

• Oily skin types should not use because it can make the skin oilier (unless water-based)
• Women with blemish-free skin will benefit most
• Women with dry skin can enjoy an extra boost of hydration

How to Apply

• Apply in circular motions over the face in neck after skincare routine

Oil-Based Foundations

Most oil-based foundations will be in the form of a cream and will be thicker than foundations such as a liquid.  It’s important to follow all steps of your skincare routine and priming your skin before applying an oil-based foundation.  Although you should wash your face after any makeup application, never leave an oil-based foundation on your skin overnight as it can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Type of Coverage

Can give you a medium coverage or be built upon for fuller coverage.

Benefits

• Can plump up the skin giving it a smoother, fuller look
• Adds moisture to the skin
• Argan oil or mineral oil are the main oils used (mineral oil is known to clog pores so be mindful when using!)
• Penetrates the skin slower than water

Who Should Use

• Recommended for dry and mature skin types
• Not recommended for those with oily or combination skin

How to Apply

• Can use a sponge or a brush to apply
• Dab onto all areas of face and neck
• With a damp sponge, pat foundation into the skin with a pat and roll-off the face motion until completely blended.
• If you use a brush to apply, apply in circular motions around the face and neck until completely blended.

Sheer Foundation

Sheer foundations are usually made with silicones and will give you a very subtle color and glow without overpowering.  They give your skin more of a natural look like a tinted moisturizer or BB cream.  Great for Summertime due to their lightweight nature.

Type of Coverage

Light coverage, but can be built up to a medium or full coverage.

Benefits

• Smooth application
• Easily blends in due to the sheerness
• Won’t look cakey if too much is applied (will give you fuller coverage)

Who Should Use

• Good for normal to dry skin

How to Apply

• The roll-pat method with a damp sponge
• Using a foundation brush, start at the t-zone in circular motions outward

Oil-Free Foundations (Matte)

Oil-free foundations can come in different forms, but the main forms are liquid and powder.  All oil-free foundations will be water-based.  A good mattifying foundation will absorb excess oil throughout the day while keeping your skin looking matte.  Make sure to blend quickly as water seeps into the skin quicker than oil and will dry faster.

Type of Coverage

Medium to full coverage depending on which type you buy.  Most can be built upon for fuller coverage.

Benefits

• Does not clog pores
• Can absorb excess oil and reduce shine throughout the day
• Formulated with water

Who Should Use

• Oily and combination skin types will benefit the most from a matte foundation
• Normal to dry skin types can use, but it’s important to deeply moisturize and prime the skin if you go this route.  Matte foundation can exaggerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles if used wrong or caked on too much.

How to Apply

• Use either a damp sponge or brush for application
• Roll-pat motion around the face with a damp sponge
• Apply to all parts of the face and work in circular motions going outwards on the face with a brush

Mousse (Whipped) Foundations

Mousse foundations are liquid makeup that has been whipped for an airier, lighter texture.

Type of Coverage

Can give you medium to full coverage

Benefits

• Lighter weight than normal liquid foundations giving you a weightless feeling while wearing
• Smooth application
• Is buildable
• Hides imperfections
• Velvety finish
• Luminates the skin

Who Should Use

• Great for dry to mature skin types due to hydrating properties, but all skin types can use

How to Apply

• Apply with a finger to all areas of your face
• Feather outward with a brush or damp sponge (roll-pat motion)

Stick Foundations

Stick foundations come in stick form and are heavier weight than most other foundations.  They have a creamy, waxy consistency.  It’s very important to wash off stick foundations at the end of the day as they can clog pores and cause breakouts.  Make sure to protect your skin by wearing a moisturizer before application.

Type of Coverage

Stick foundations will give your skin full coverage, but you can apply less for lighter coverage.

Benefits

• Covers all blemishes and redness
• Covers under-eye bags
• Good for on-the-go touch-ups

Who Should Use

• All skin types besides mature can use a stick foundation.
• If you have dry skin, be sure to moisturize beforehand to prevent caking which can exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Apply

• Twist foundation up out of the tube just enough for you to use.  Avoid overtwisting to avoid breakage.
• Swipe the stick over

Powder Foundations (Pressed or Loose)

Powder foundations come in a compact form and may be pressed or a loose mineral base.

Type of Coverage

Powder foundations can give you light, medium, or full coverage.  Work in light layers to avoid caking and build up from there.

Benefits

• Can be built upon so you never over-apply
• Great for when you are in a hurry or on-the-go touch-ups
• Different ways to apply
• Matte and satin finishes
• Some foundations can have a luminescence to them
• Reduces shine
• Great for use in Summer months due to their lightweight

Who Should Use

• Great for women with oily skin to absorb excess oil and give a matte finish
• Normal to slightly oily or slightly dry skin can also enjoy powder foundations
• Women with dry or mature skin should avoid powder foundations because the powder can sit in fine lines and wrinkles making your skin look older.

How to Apply

• Apply with a dry sponge for fuller coverage
• Use a soft fluffy brush to apply in layers.  Start from the t-zone in circular motions and apply outward.

Waterproof Foundations

Waterproof foundations are a convenient option for having your makeup stay put on days you need it the most.

Type of Coverage

Because waterproof can come in various forms including liquid, creme, and bb cream, coverage can range from light to full.

Benefits

• Great for the hot or humid weather where you risk foundation melting off your face
• Athletes who sweat a lot can enjoy a flawless look while competing
• Swimmers or anyone getting their faces wet can do so while keeping their foundation in place
• Most come with sunscreen protection
• Great for rainy weather

Who Should Use

• It’s important to note that waterproof foundations should not be worn every day as they can excessively dry out your skin with overuse.
• Oily and combination skin can benefit from using an oil-free waterproof foundation.
• Dry skin must be careful when using a waterproof foundation due to the drying properties of the makeup.  Dry skin types should opt for a waterproof foundation that contains oils to keep moisture on the skin.

How to Apply

• Use either a sponge or brush to apply waterproof foundation (roll-pat method or circular motions from t-zone outward)

Liquid Foundations

Liquid foundations can be used every day and there is guaranteed one made for every skin type.  The options are endless!

Type of Coverage

Liquid foundations can give you any level of coverage depending on how much you choose to use.  Just be careful not to overapply.  They can easily cake up on you and it’s easy to go overboard if you’re not careful!

Benefits

• Easily blendable
• Light, medium, and full coverage
• Some can have anti-aging properties, sunscreen, or hydrating ingredients
• Different formulation options such as matte or dewy
• Lots of different shade options
• Easy and quick application

Who Should Use

• Oily and combination skin types can use oil-free blends and matte options.
• Dry and mature skin types can find dewy options that will hydrate the skin
• There are options for every skin type.  It’s important to be aware of what is in the formulation you consider to make sure it’s suited for your skin type.

How to Apply

• The roll-pat method with a moist sponge
• Dab onto cheeks, chin, forehead, nose, and neck (or straight into a foundation brush).  Apply in circular motions starting from the t-zone outward.

Creme-to-Powder Foundations

Creme-to-powders are a great on-the-go foundation option.

Type of Coverage

Creme-to-powders can give you light, medium, or full coverage.  Just be careful not to overdo it to avoid caking.

Benefits

• Easily blendable
• Semi-matte or powdery finish
• Great for on-the-go touch-ups

Who Should Use

• Normal skin types can use a creme-to-powder with ease
• Slightly dry and slightly oily skin types can also benefit from this type of foundation.

How to Apply

• Dab foundation onto forehead, chin, cheeks, nose, and neck
• Blend with a damp sponge until all patchy areas are even and smooth

Know someone who could use some advice on foundations?  Share this article with them!

What foundation are you currently in love with?  Let me know in the comments below.