Hey there! So, let’s talk foundationโwhat’s the deal with it, right? It’s like this mysterious thing in makeup that everyone swears by, but why is it the holy grail? Who crowned it the cornerstone of makeup? And why does it seem to reign supreme on every beauty list, with its sometimes hefty price tags and all those confusing formulas? Jump to Steps
In over 10 years working with makeup I heard the same issues. Foundation was the number 1 product people needed help with, yet also seemed to be the most problematic. And as makeup technology became more and more sophisticated, the confusion with foundation only increased.
In this blog post, I aim to unravel the mysteries of foundation. Join me as we delve deeper into this essential yet ambiguous makeup product, shedding light on its complexities and offering insights to help you find your perfect match.
A Brief History
Foundation as we know it has a history dating back to the early 1900s, when Max Factor, a makeup artist for Hollywood stars, developed a flesh-colored greasepaint, to provide a smooth base for actors’ makeup. This innovation was the beginning of modern foundation.
Liquid foundation grew in popularity in the mid-20th century for its natural look and versatility, made up of pigments in a liquid base with ingredients like water, oils, and emulsifiers. After the success of the liquid, cream and powder formulas emerged, to cater to different skin types, offering hydration and oil control. Various application techniques, including fingers, sponges, and brushes, have evolved over time, allowing for customizable coverage and finish. Foundation serves multiple purposes, allowing us to even out our skin tone, conceal imperfections and create a base for other makeup products. It’s popularity is firmly fixed, with continuous evolution in formulations and shades, to meet diverse consumer needs and preferences. 1
What Foundation Is Not
Foundation is an amazing and versatile product, however there are some uses that I felt were a stretch. If you wish for an all over tan using foundation, it is going to be very high maintenance and it is probably less hassle to use some kind of self tanner. Bronzer on top could be an alternative option. It won’t last all day, but it will wear off in a nice way. And with skincare, no matter how hard working that foundation is, It is unwise to see it as a substitute for a solid skincare routine.
Investing time in good skincare practices will always give you better results in the long run. So, while foundation can work wonders, I don’t believe it should be relied on as a cure-all solution for everything.
Crash Course in Common Formulas
Liquid Foundation: This is the most common type of foundation, available in a variety of finishes (such as matte, satin, or dewy) and coverage levels (light, medium, or full). Liquid foundation typically comes in bottles or tubes and is versatile with application methods.
Cream Foundation: Cream foundations have a thicker consistency compared to liquid, and often provide medium to full coverage. They can be more suitable for those with dry or mature skin as they tend to be more moisturizing.
Powder Foundation: Powder foundations come in compact or loose powder form, and provide a matte finish. They offer buildable coverage and are ideal for those with oily or combination skin, as they help absorb excess oil and reduce shine throughout the day.
Mineral powder foundation: Is known for its natural ingredients, lightweight feel, buildable coverage, and skin-friendly properties. It became a popular choice for those looking for a more breathable alternative to traditional powder foundations, especially for sensitive or e.g. acne prone skin types.
BB Cream: BB cream stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm.” It is a multitasking product that combines skincare benefits with light coverage, often including high SPF, moisturizers, and antioxidants. BB creams provide a natural-looking finish and are easy for everyday wear.
CC Cream: CC cream stands for “color correcting” or “complexion correcting.” Like BB creams, CC creams offer skincare benefits, but they also focus on color correction, helping to even out skin tone, reduce redness, and conceal imperfections. They typically provide more coverage than BB creams but less than a traditional foundation.
8 Easy Steps To Find Your Perfect Foundation
1. Desk Research
Save yourself some legwork and plan a bit beforehand. Not all stores have all brands, or the full product range, so it can be a real time saver to get the logistics in order. Take screenshots of ones that sound interesting, and also do a quick price comparison. There is often some kind of discount somewhere.
2. Be Prepared
Go bare faced if possible, or take your essentials with you to touch up, because you will need to remove some makeup to test foundation shades. Try to go to the shops when it’s less busy, if you are able to. Weekdays or weekend mornings. It is much calmer allowing for relaxed browsing and more space.
3. Narrowing It Down
As a Makeup artist, if someone asked me for help with foundation and had no specific wishes, I would ask some basic questions to narrow things down. Below are the list of questions and the WHY behind them. They can be a good starting point if you’re not sure.
What is your skin type? To match them with a suitable product for the best results and staying power.
Have you worn foundation before? To discover their experience level. Some foundations need more time and expertise with specific application techniques.
What type of coverage would you like? So they feel comfortable and confident with the final result.
How much time do you have to get ready on a regular day? So e.g. Do they have time for a full primer, foundation and setting powder situation? Or do they need more of a ‘one and done’ product?
How do you like to apply makeup (brushes/sponges/hands)? To ensure they will be able to apply the foundation at home effortlessly.
4. Test Max 3 At A Time.
Although it may be tempting, I would recommend trying max 3 at a time. It gets too confusing otherwise, and you may end up having to start over.
5. Remove Makeup
- If you didn’t go bareface, remove your makeup where you will place the foundation tests! I can’t stress this enough, it is impossible to get a true shade match, on top of other makeup.
- Use a small brush and draw a small test of each.
- Try it on different areas of your face. To see the tone and texture. I usually try my jaw, then my nose, as it’s lighter.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a hand mirror. If they don’t have one available, there are always mirrors in other tester palettes . You need to have a good look at the foundation, in different angles and close up.
6. Daylight
If it’s daylight, go to a window. This way you can not only see the color but also the finish and the true color after it dries down.
7. Selecting A Shade
Study the shades. The one that is the least visible is usually a good way to go for the most natural finish.
8. Take A Sample Home
Get a sample to take home, even if you buy it. This is really helpful, because the lighting in stores can be very harsh.
Also, it is good to get it home and try with the brushes and applicators you already have. It is all amazing when the makeup artist effortlessly blends the product flawlessly. But it can be quite another experience at home with your own tools.
Foundation continues to evolve, offering something for everyone at every price point. By understanding the history of foundation, the various formulas and finishes, and how to find your perfect shade, you’ve taken an important step in mastering the art of makeup. But remember, beauty is subjective, and there are no strict rules when it comes to makeupโonly guidelines to help you express yourself authentically.
Ready to discover your flawless match? Try these tips now ๐ธ
[…] A question I got asked a LOT as a makeup artist. To put it simply, a primer is an easy way to enhance your complexion without obvious makeup. I would describe it as ‘invisible foundation‘. […]