We have all been there, walking the aisles trying to find
the perfect foundation. In most cases, we buy the wrong one, end up hating the
results, and it ends up in that stash pile
of old makeup at the back of your dresser drawer. Or, we go to a makeup
counter, get sold on the newest, most expensive foundation that the sales
associate, in most cases not even a licensed makeup artist, suggests and again,
unhappy! Well ladies, I am going to give you a quick breakdown on foundation so
that you are able to make an educated decision and purchase a foundation that's perfect for you!
So what are the real
differences in foundations? A ton. Here is a breakdown of all the different
types of foundations. There are powder, liquid, cream, airbrush, cream-to-powder, mineral,
and even tinted moisturizers (those count too). No wonder it’s so hard to
decide, there are a ton brands and each brand has 5 or more types of foundation
to sell you.
Powder Foundation
Powder foundation is just that, a foundation that comes in a
compact, applied with either a sponge or brush, and aim to give you the same
look as a cream or liquid foundation. That is not always the case. Powder
foundations are fantastic for people with oily skin, sensitive skin, and those
who are looking for a lighter coverage. They are not good for those with dry
skin because they do not hydrate the skin and will appear flaky when applied to
dry skin. They are great for everyday use but need to be touched up frequently. My all time favorite is MAC Studio Fix Plus Foundation. I have entire pallet of these powders and my sister is a huge fan too!
Liquid Foundations
Liquid foundations are obviously in a liquid form and are
applied with a sponge or foundation brush. Unlike powder foundation, liquids
are not ideal for oily skin types. A lot of makeup artists use liquid
foundations because they have a “buildable” coverage. Meaning you have the
freedom of deciding just how much coverage you want by applying it in layers on
the skin. This foundation is great for people with combination or normal skin
and can be used everyday. The biggest downfall is that they are a little messy
and can sometimes feel heavy on the skin. Two of my favorites are MAC Studio Fix Fluid and Make Up Forever HD Foundation.
Airbrush Foundation
Ok, so airbrush foundation is my favorite foundation ever!
It looks amazing on your skin, creates a flawless complexion, and it lasts for
hours. I have airbrushed brides on a Saturday morning and they have danced all
night at their wedding, slept a few hours, boarded their plane for their
honeymoon, and still looking good as they arrive in Jamaica, not kidding.
Airbrushing is great for every skin type, feels weightless on the skin, and
even ideal for sensitive skin. The downside is that it's expensive and must
be applied with an airbrushing system. However, there are some airbrush foundations that come in a can that are getting great reviews such as Dior 'Diorskin Airflash' Spray Foundation. It costs around $62.00 a bottle and is pretty
comparable to airbrushing with an airbrush system.
Cream Foundation
Probably my favorite go-to foundation, besides airbrushing,
is cream foundation. Cream foundations are fabulous because they are compatible
with most skin types, are a buildable coverage, and a little goes a long way.
And when used with a good oil absorbing primer, can be used for someone with
oily skin that wants a full coverage foundation. I personally use a cream
foundation for everyday use and my favorite is MAC Studio Tech.
Cream to Powder
Cream-to-powder foundations are a lot like cream foundations, but they dry to a matte powder. I
would recommend this type of foundation for oily, combination, and normal skin.
They can appear flaky on dry skin, but again great for everyday use. Urban Decay makes an awesome cream-to-powder foundation called Surreal Skin.
Mineral
I hear this term thrown around so much in the makeup
industry. Mineral foundation comes in many forms, powders, liquids, creams,
etc. “Mineral” foundation is foundation that has minerals added. It is ideal
for those with sensitive skin. In essence, they are marketed to believe they
are composed of more pure ingredients that have replaced most other ingredients
found in makeup like dyes, binders, and fragrances. In some cases that is true,
in other cases inflated. I personally think mineral makeup is great for some people
but not others, it tends to settle into fine lines and wrinkles and can look
flaky on dry skin types. They are marketed towards sensitive skin but I have
seen mineral makeup irritate skin, my self included. However, a lot of my clients rave about Bare Minerals and I agree, it is beautiful on the skin.
Tinted moisturizers are basically pigmented face lotions.
They are great for occasions when you want to have some coverage but not
overdone. BB Creams also fall under this category and most tinted moisturizers have become BB Creams. Some women, myself included love
tinted moisturizer with just a little bronzer. Most contain minerals and
sunscreens, and feel just like lotion on your skin. My favorite tinted moisturizer
is Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20.
My clients ask me a lot of questions about foundations, so I decided I needed to share what I knew. I encourage you to also keep a couple different types of
foundation in your makeup arsenal. Your skin changes with every season and it’s
great to always have options. Keep a full coverage foundation around for those
big nights out on the town or special occasions when you will be photographed.
Still unsure, message me and I would happy to help you find the perfect
foundation!
