Foundation Buying Guide
There is one cosmetic product that is both the most difficult and the most important to get right. Foundation 
or base needs to be of good quality, match your skin tone perfectly, blend well, be applied correctly, and have the right type (cream ,liquid ,powder , etc) chosen in order for it to successfully do its job. Foundation is meant to even out the complexion and create a great starting point for the more creative makeup products (eye shadow, blush, lipstick, etc).
How to Choose Foundation
- Choose the right colour. This is probably the most difficult part for most people. The trick is to not be fooled by the colour on the bottle or the name of the shade. While these are usually fairly accurate, it's best to test the foundation out on your jawline first. It should completely blend in and be the exact same colour as your skin tone. Want to buy foundation online? Makeup is often much less expensive online, but with foundation, it's best to find the right shade and the right brand for your skin first and then purchase it online.
- Figure out how much coverage you really need. Most people don't need full coverage. Go with the lowest amount of coverage possible for the most natural look. If your complexion varies a lot between needing light to full coverage, look for a foundation that has "buildable coverage", so the more you apply, the more your coverage. This will allow you to control your foundation and apply more or less depending on your complexion at the time. This type of foundation is especially good for women who break out a lot when they menstruate, but otherwise have a normal complexion that only needs light coverage.
- Choose the right type of foundation. Foundations not only range in coverage abilities, but they also range in what skin type they cater to. A pressed powder foundation would do better than a stick foundation on someone with oily skin, for example. We will further explain these differences later in the article.
- Understand your skin colour. This includes undertones and skin "temperature" or skin "season." Below you can find out more about figuring out whether you are a summer person, if you have warm undertones or if you have yellow overtones. It sounds complicated but it is quintessential to finding the perfect foundation shade.
- Figure out if you actually need foundation. Many people can skip foundation. Most people under 30 would do better showing off their skin than covering it up. If your skin doesn't show signs of discolouration, ageing, or any other blemishes, why not show it off while you can?
- Many cosmetic prices increase in quality as they price increases. With foundation, however, price is a major factor. Yes, Chanel might be considered better quality than CoverGirl , but the trick to finding a good foundation is to find the one that works for you. Some people may need an expensive designer foundation, but others can even be served better by a less expensive foundation.
Foundation Expiration
Expired foundation can cause breakouts and make your skin look not so fine. So when do you know to say goodbye to your foundation? For liquids, get rid of it anywhere from three to six months after opening while powders can last up to a year. When in doubt, give it the sniff test -- if anything smells foul the foundation needs to go.
Undertones
It's important to discover whether or not you have warm or cool undertones in your skin. One of the best ways to determine the undertones of your skin is to hold up two pieces of clothing or paper next to your face. First try something silver and then gold. If your skin has warm undertones, the gold will look best next to your skin. If your skin has cool undertones, the silver will look best next to your skin. Another way to discover your undertones is to wear a white shirt and then a cream coloured shirt. If you have cool undertones, the white shirt will look better against your skin. Those with warm undertones will find that the cream colour looks better against their skin. Usually, those with pink skin will have cool undertones, while those with yellow skin will have warm undertones. Olive or tan skin often has warm undertones, and those with dark skin usually have cool blue undertones.
Foundation by Skin Type
- Oily Skin: Try oil-free and ultra-matte foundation that will help reduce shine and will last a long time. Pressed-powder foundations are also good. Avoid tinted moisturisers, some sheer foundations, liquid foundation, illuminating foundation, and cream to powder compacts.
- Dry Skin: Tinted creams and illuminators are great for dry skin, as are liquid foundations and oil-based foundations. Avoid pressed-powder foundations, water-to-powder compacts and oil-free or liquid matte foundations.
- Normal or Combination Skin: If you have normal skin, choose the coverage that feels best. If you have combo skin, here's a tip from a fellow combo girl: use an oil-free liquid foundation all over your face, after you cleansed and moisturised. Then, after applying all your makeup, use a pressed-powder foundation on the places that you still see oily shine. Carry this pressed-powder in a compact and apply whenever you notice the oil/shine coming back.
- Teens: It's best that teens hold off on foundation to keep from aggravating any skin problems and to remain looking their age. Otherwise, they should opt for the light coverage foundations mentioned below. Teens can also look for foundations that combine acne medications, which will help with those pesky teenage blemishes.
- Mature Skin: Makeup can help reduce the appearance of fine lines if applied correctly and if the right type is used.
- Too much makeup can actually make your skin look older rather than younger.
- Fine lines and wrinkles actually act as foundation traps so that the makeup gets caked up making the skin look unnatural. Therefore, choose light to medium coverage foundation that can float on skin and use a primer before applying colour.
- Oil-based foundations help fill in wrinkles making your skin appear younger.
Lightest Coverage
The lightest coverage of foundation is meant for those who have little blemishes, wrinkles, discolouration, and other skin issues. If you just want a natural base for your makeup and you aren't trying hide much, then these might be the best options. These types are especially good for those under 30.
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Primer
Primers are colourless foundations used to "prime" the skin so that other foundations can be applied over it. They can be used under other foundations or alone just to even the skin tone and reduce the look of large pores.
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Tinted Moisturiser
This is a light and easy way to even out your skin tone. However, it's not a good idea if you have really oily skin or suffer from severe acne or blemishes.
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Illuminating Foundation
This is a dream come true for those with dry or normal skin. Want to add a touch of shimmer to your complexion and even everything out? Then this is definitely for you. Avoid at all costs if you have oily skin.
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Sheer Foundation
This is a true foundation but it's still very light. It is called sheer because it lets your natural radiance shine through, plus it is less likely to clog pores. This type is perfect for those who don't have much to hide or use foundation rarely.
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Medium Coverage
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Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundation is probably the most versatile type of foundation, and it ranges from light to medium coverage. Liquid foundations can suit any skin type if you choose the right type. Choose an oil-free liquid foundation for oily skin or those prone to breakouts. Look for an oil-based foundation if you have dry skin.
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Compact Foundation
Depending on the blend, these can offer light to medium in coverage. They usually dry to a lightweight powder finish and may consist of either a liquid powder or a cream powder. Application is fairly easy and it eliminates the need for a final powder step. Apply it with a wet sponge for heavier coverage. Be careful to choose these according to skin type as the liquid type is bad for dry skin and the cream type not so hot on oily skin.
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Full Coverage
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Matte Foundation
This is a good place to start for those who need full coverage. It is flat and heavy and does great as a base because it lasts several hours. However, this is not the best for applying on the go because it requires some layering of blush, luminiser or bronzer so that your face doesn't look washed out. Plus, these can sometimes dry out skin, so it's not the best choice for those who already suffer from dry skin.
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Stick Foundation
These types usually combine concealer and foundation, leaving you with heavy coverage. They are easy to apply and in a convenient stick form. However, make sure you have good blending skills. If you want even coverage, you'll need to blend this type of foundation well. Recommended Products:
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Cream / Creme Foundation
This form of coverage is very heavy, so don't use it unless you absolutely need it. Having a few blemishes when in your twenties isn't needing it. This is the type of foundation that is used (or rather, overused) when people use the term "pancake" regarding cosmetics. It'll definitely not look good unless you apply it lightly and need it in the first place. It's good for those with dry skin, as it contains a moisture barrier. Recommended Products: |
Major Brands
Related Guides
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Foundation Shopgids
