As all makeup enthusiasts are aware, the foundation is one of the key elements of any makeup kit. As the name suggests, a good foundation sets the base for your makeup regime, allowing you to build an attractive and outstanding look on top of a solid base.

Just like a strong building needs a solid foundation to stand on, no long-lasting and gorgeous makeup look can be created without the right foundation functioning as the base. However, a foundation is not one specific thing. In fact, the word ‘foundation’ has been used for a long time as a kind of umbrella term to describe a wide variety of products, each having a different texture, color, and consistency.

What Exactly is a Foundation?

The most accurate description of a foundation is that it is a cosmetic product which is applied to the entirety of your face and sometimes even the neck and the décolletage before you begin your makeup regime or apply any other product. The foundation is meant to provide an even texture or finish to the skin of your face and neck so that the other makeup products can be applied smoothly.

However, when choosing a face foundation for your use, it is imperative that you do the research so as to find the perfect match for your skin tone and texture. A foundation that does not match your natural skin tone will either make you look unnaturally pale or overly tanned. Moreover, the complexion of your face will contrast oddly with the coloring of the rest of your body, such as your hands, legs, and ankles.

When it comes to choosing the right type of foundation, it is important to remember that each product is different and has its own unique properties, be it the color, texture, or density. Understanding these differences and their effects on the makeup regime is essential for someone who wants to master the art of makeup.

Steps for Choosing the Right Foundation for Your Needs

1. Choose the Right Coverage

Coverage is one of the most important aspects of a product such as a foundation. Coverage refers to the amount of pigment present in the product. Foundations which have high rates of pigmentation typically provide full coverage. On the other hand, foundation formulas that contain lower levels of pigmentation offer either sheer or medium coverage.

For beginners, a sheer or light foundation might be the best choice. It is easier for them to work with, as it provides minimal coverage and is never overwhelming. It makes the skin look more natural and airbrushed. A sheer foundation would never look cakey or excessive.

These qualities make such products perfect for everyday use. A lighter foundation also allows you to build your own coverage according to your needs, by simply applying more of the product until you have the look that you were aiming for.

On the other hand, a full coverage foundation has a number of benefits, as it helps disguise skin issues such as scarring, acne, and hyper-pigmentation. If you want a more dramatic and polished look or would like to completely cover tattoos, then a full coverage face foundation is what you should go for.

2. Choose the Ideal Formula

The formula and packaging of the foundation can also have a great impact on the ease of usage and overall applicability of the product. Face foundations can be purchased in various forms, including liquid, cream, powder, and stick. Each type has its unique features and advantages. There are no hard and fast rules about which one is better, and you would need to determine for yourself which product best suits your needs. There can be differences in terms of which one is more long-lasting and which offers more coverage, that you should learn about before deciding on the ideal formula and making a purchase.

Generally, liquid and cream formulas either provide medium or opaque coverage. Powder formulations are generally much lighter and usually provide sheer coverage. However, powder foundations are more likely to provide you with a more natural and airbrushed finish while liquid and cream products offer a more polished and glamorous look. Hence, the type of formula you choose might also depend on the type of event you are planning to attend.

3. Choose the Perfect Finish

The type of finish that you choose when buying a foundation should depend primarily on three factors. These are your skin type, how long you are keeping the makeup on, and the look that you are trying to achieve. Some of the common types of finishes available are matte, satin, dewy, glowing, and sheer.

Usually, a face foundation that is labeled as ‘dewy’ or ‘luminous’ will contain some shimmer and other light-reflecting pigments which will help make your skin look radiant and glowing. This is the perfect product for those who want their dry or dull skin to look more youthful and healthy, however, it should be avoided by people who have oily skin.

On the other hand, shine-free foundations such as those having a ‘matte’ or ‘natural’ finish rarely contain reflective ingredients such as mica. Hence, a matte finish product will look more natural and blend more easily with your skin. So if you have oily skin, you should wear a matte foundation for everyday makeup.

In Conclusion

These are some of the things you need to think about when deciding on the perfect face foundation for you. Once you have decided on the right coverage, finish, and formula, you will be able to choose the brand and the product that matches best with your needs and preferences.