Hey there! Let’s talk foundation—what’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 of working with makeup, I’ve heard the same issues. Foundation was the number one product people needed help with, yet it also seemed to be the most problematic. And as makeup technology became 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 foundation and powder foundation formulas emerged to cater to different skin types, offering hydration and oil control.
Today, foundation serves multiple purposes: it allows us to even out our skin tone, conceal imperfections like dark spots and fine lines, and create a base for the rest of your makeup. Its 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, but there are some uses that I felt were a stretch. For example:
- If you wish for an all-over tan using foundation, it’s going to be very high maintenance. It’s probably less hassle to use a self-tanner or bronzer on top for a temporary glow.
- While foundation can help even out your skin texture, it’s not 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
Let’s break down the most common types of foundation to help you find the right formula for your skin type and preferences:
1. Liquid Foundation
- Best for: Most skin types.
- Finish: Available in matte, satin, or dewy finishes.
- Coverage: Ranges from sheer coverage to full coverage.
- Application: Use a foundation brush, sponge, or fingers for a flawless look.
2. Cream Foundation
- Best for: Dry skin or mature skin.
- Finish: Provides a luminous finish.
- Coverage: Medium to full coverage.
- Application: Works well with a sponge or fingers for a seamless coverage.
3. Powder Foundation
- Best for: Oily skin or those who prefer a natural matte finish.
- Finish: Matte.
- Coverage: Buildable coverage.
- Application: Use a brush for a flawless foundation application.
4. Mineral Powder Foundation
- Best for: Sensitive skin or acne-prone skin.
- Finish: Lightweight and natural finish.
- Coverage: Buildable coverage.
- Application: Great for quick touch-ups with a brush.
5. BB Cream
- Best for: Everyday wear or those who prefer a natural look.
- Finish: Lightweight and dewy.
- Coverage: Light to medium.
- Application: Apply with fingers or a sponge for a quick, natural finish.
6. CC Cream
- Application: Use fingers or a brush for seamless coverage.
- Best for: Color correction and evening out skin tone.
- Finish: Natural to satin finish.
- Coverage: Medium.
8 Easy Steps To Find Your Perfect Foundation
Finding the perfect foundation shade and formula doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps to make the process easier:
1. Desk Research
Save yourself some legwork and plan ahead. Not all stores carry every brand or product range, so research online first. Take screenshots of products that sound interesting and compare prices. There’s often a discount somewhere!
2. Be Prepared
Go bare-faced if possible, or bring your essentials to touch up. You’ll need to remove some makeup to test foundation shades. Try to shop during quieter times, like weekday mornings, for a more relaxed experience.
3. Narrowing It Down
Ask yourself these questions to find the ideal foundation:
- How do you like to apply makeup? Choose a formula that works with your preferred tools, whether it’s a foundation brush, sponge, or fingers.
- What’s your skin type? This helps match you with a formula that works best for your skin’s needs.
- What coverage do you want? Do you prefer sheer coverage or full-coverage foundation?
- How much time do you have? If you’re short on time, opt for a one-and-done product like a BB cream.
4. Test Max 3 At A Time.
Limit yourself to testing three foundations at once. Any more, and it can get confusing. Draw small swatches on your jawline and nose to see how the shades blend with your skin’s undertone.
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, from different angles and close up.
6. Daylight
Step outside or near a window to see how the foundation looks in natural light. This helps you assess the true color and finish 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
Even if you buy the foundation, ask for a sample to try at home. This lets you test it with your own tools and in different lighting.
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.
Final Thoughts
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 foundation shade, you’ve taken an important step in mastering the art of makeup. But remember, beauty is subjective, and there are no strict rules—only guidelines to help you express yourself authentically.
Ready to discover your flawless match? Try these tips now and let me know how it goes in the comments below! 🌸
Summary of Key Points
- Experiment with Formulas: Try liquid, cream, powder, or mineral foundations to find your perfect choice.
- Know Your Skin Type: Choose a formula that works for your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, or combination.
- Understand Coverage Levels: Decide if you want sheer, medium, or full coverage.
- Test in Natural Light: Always check foundation shades in natural light for the most accurate match.
- Take Samples Home: Test foundations at home with your own tools and lighting.
