A Crash Course in Finding the Right Foundation for You
Finding the right foundation is not easy. With so many options, it’s almost impossible to know where to start. Narrowing down what you are looking for from the base, the level of coverage, and the type of finish you want can make finding the perfect base much easier.
When it comes to makeup, foundation is your foundation, your true foundation. It is used to even out skin and hide imperfections before applying blush, bronzer, lipstick, or whatever you are about to apply.
Do you need a foundation? No. You don’t need anything. Many people put on tons of makeup without any foundation at all. Personally, I love foundation and I think everyone should have at least one they like at their disposal, and if you know what you are looking for it will be even easier to find the one that is perfect for you.
The two main types of foundations and how they differ
There are two main types of foundation: powder and liquid. Liquids can also be categorized into creams, serums, mousses, sticks, but they are still categorized as liquid. Basically, if it is not a powder, it can be considered a liquid.
Powder bases can be found in loose or pressed versions. Loose powders are exactly what they look like and come in cans big enough for you to dip your brush into. Compressed powders means that the loose powder has been compressed into a pallet, usually placed in a compact container, making it a little more travel-friendly. and more reliable application as your brush picks up less product.
Powders are known to provide sheer to medium coverage and are ideal for those with oily skin as they can absorb oil and regulate shine throughout the day. They are known to sit comfortably on the skin and give a very natural look. Many people think that a powder foundation is harder to find on the skin than a liquid foundation, but it really depends on how you apply and wear it.
Liquid funds have become more common in recent years. They are extremely versatile and new technologies continue to create more and more innovative products, so whatever type of coverage or level of coverage you want, there is an option for you. Liquid bases can be found in water, oil, or silicone bases for varying levels of durability, coverage, and finish.
Various finishes to suit your skin
A foundation finish means how much shine, radiance, or radiance your skin will have. Basically how much light it will reflect. Some people think that a little glow on the skin makes it look healthy, and too much makes it oily. Some people prefer no gloss at all. Here are the three different types of finishes you’ll see and how to choose them:
- Matte: Matte base means the base will not reflect light. A matte foundation is good for people with oily skin as it regulates the oiliness of the skin and reduces shine throughout the day. A matte foundation won’t stop sebum production, but it can help regulate how shiny your skin looks after a few hours of wear.
- Semi-matte base : A semi-matte base will give shine, but not too much. This is a good option for those who like to experiment with makeup because they can be matte or highlighted for more brightness. They are also ideal for those with combination skin. I find semi-matt finishes to be the most similar to your real skin.
- Lighting: Brightening foundations are for those who have no problem with skin reflecting light. These foundations will give your skin an even glow and are ideal for those with dry skin as they often provide an extra dose of moisture throughout the day.
What level of coverage is best for achieving the desired look
Not everyone needs the same level of coverage for their base. Some people need a highly pigmented foundation to hide any imperfections and redness, while others just need a light coat to help even out the tone.
- Clean: Sheer coverage can be found in foundation and skin tones. They are great for days when you just want a little color here and there, but not to the fullest. Skin tints are still a new product category, but Glossier Skin Tint is like giving you the slightest blur of color with a dewy finish, while NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint is perfect for light pigment with a matte veil. Both are great for bringing out your natural color front and center with a little pigment.
- Light: Foundations that provide light coverage are more pigmented than skin tone, offering coverage where you need it, allowing you to blend it where you don’t. They also tend to be less sticky and less noticeable on the skin than other heavier bases.
- Medium: Medium foundation provides sufficient coverage to even out skin tone, hide dark circles and mask small blemishes, while blending well enough to shine and let your skin show through. Medium foundations are the most versatile because you can create coverage to cover whatever you want to hide and blend in areas where you practically don’t need coverage.
- Full: The basics of full coverage exist when you are serious about insurance. They are for everything, and I mean everything. This means that all the natural color and shadows of your face will be masked, so you will need to reapply the blush and contour to form your natural features. Full coverage foundations are great when it’s time to heighten the ambiance for a full glam moment.
A little trick I love is to use a very light layer of foundation for full coverage, as light as I can get it all over the face. This will make your skin flawless, even plasticized.
Application tips and tools to give your foundation the best possible finish
There are several different ways to apply a base, and each one shines in its own way.
- Fingers: you already have them and they are free! Makeup artists will tell you that one of the best ways to apply foundation or concealer is with your fingers, because they warm the product and allow you to really apply it to your skin. In general, the clearer the product, the easier it is to apply and blend with your fingers.
- Brush: I started with brushes and still come back to them from time to time. They are great for controlling the coverage of your face and for applying the product to hard-to-reach areas such as the inner corners of the eyes and the corners of the nose. The downside is that sometimes some brushes can make your foundation striped, but they are great when you need a lot of control or are very detailed.
- Mixing Sponge: Mixing sponges are great because they apply your foundation with a seamless, airbrushed finish. Another bonus is that you end up using less of the product. You wet the sponge before applying, and since the sponge has already absorbed water, it will not absorb your foundation and you will have to dump the entire product onto your skin.
As you can see, there is a lot to think about when you are going to buy a foundation. I know all the options can seem overwhelming, but think of them as options . Your ideal base is just waiting for you to discover it.
One final tip, and perhaps most important, if you’re worried about spending money on a foundation you might not like, most beauty salons have return policies that make it easy for you to return a product even after you’ve used it. so just be sure to check the fine print before purchasing. You will find the perfect framework in no time, and when you do, tell me what it is.