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Stick, Liquid, Powder? What’s the best format for you?

15 December, 2016 - 04:08pm by - First Lady | 56 Comments

Article by BR Natalie

Just as you'll pick a cleanser or moisturiser to suit your skin type, you'll get the most out of a foundation that suits your skin type.

If you're using the wrong foundation for your skin type you'll never achieve the finish you want. And no doubt you'll try to add more product to your face to correct the look.  It'll be a vicious circle!

One thing to bear in mind when buying foundation, is that your skin's need will change through the year.  Your dry, flakey Winter skin may in fact turn oily in the Summer.  And thanks to our Kiwi summers, chances are the shade of your skin will change.  So don't fall into the trap of sticking to the same brand, formula and shade every time you run out of foundation - it's always worth reassessing your skin's needs.

So here's our guide to what formula of foundation is best for you!

By Skin Type.

If you have dry skin avoid powder foundations.  You'll want to look for a cream or liquid makeup with words like 'hydrating' or 'moisturising' on the bottle.  Ingredients wise, look for 'glycerin' to buy a foundation that's more likely to apply easily.

For our gals with oily skin your best bet is either a powder foundation, as these will absorb excess oil from the skin, or a matte liquid foundation. Key words to look out for are 'oil control' and 'matte'/'mattifying'.

For combination skin you're going to have to look at what you are prone to the most.  Are you more oily or more dry?  Cream/Powder bases are probably you best bet, but the key is to create the best canvas you can using primer and only applying foundation where you need it.

For sensitive skin mineral foundations can be a god send.  And as they're available in powder and liquid forms you're going to be able to find one for your sensitive-dry or sensitive-oily skin.

For ageing/mature skin keep your eyes out for specific formulas for your age.  Foundation that sinks in to your wrinkles will make you look older.  If you don't need full coverage opt for an ultra moisturising tinted moisturiser or BB cream.

By Format.

Tinted Moisturiser/BB Cream are perfect if you're lucky enough to have naturally good skin and can get away with a lighter base.  These products will have a light, moisturing formula with a hint of colour to even out your skin tone.  Perfect for the hotter (and sweatier) summer months and as a 'starter' foundation for those just beginning to explore makeup.

Liquid Foundation are what  you think of when somebody says 'foundation'.  You probably picture little bottles filled with beigy liquids. Liquid is the most common form of foundation, but all liquid foundations are not created equal!  You can find many varieties; oil free, waterproof, added SPF and long lasting to name a few.  You'll also find a variety of finishes, most commonly matte or dewy.

With liquid foundation you can easily add more layers as needed, and it's also easier to achieve a more sheer look.

Cream Foundations are pretty much the same as liquid foundations just with a thicker consistency.  They're great for providing full coverage and work well with normal or dry skin.  It can be easy to over-apply a cream, so choose the right tool for the job!

Mousse Foundation is essentially liquid foundation whipped with air.  You'll find the same range of formulations for different skin types as you would for liquid and cream foundations.  The aim of this whipping is to create a light and smooth texture that will result in a (usually) matte finish. The light-weight feel of a mousse is fantastic for older skin as it doesn't tend to cake as much as regular liquid foundation.

Powder Foundation is really best for women with oily skin, where it serves the purpose of soaking up excess sebum.  You can apply using a brush or even a damp sponge for more coverage.  You'll usually buy powder foundation in a handy compact, which is awesome for touching up thought the day and great for minimum mess.

Cream to Powder Foundations are (you might have guessed) in the middle of cream foundations and powder foundations.  Don't be put off by their greasy appearance, once blended the creaminess moisturises your skin and you're left with a powdered matte finish.  These are great if you have normal / slightly dry / slightly oily skin, and can be a godsend for those with combination skin.

Stick Foundations are generally similar to cream-powder foundations. The silent hero of the foundation family,  as well as being clean and easy to apply, they're incredibly portable, no more crying over spilled foundation in your handbag or make up bag!  Stick foundations can be applied by striping them across your face and then blending by your chosen method. 

Sticks are also great for doubling up as concealers and can also help achieve the contouring look.   

Mineral Foundations appeal to those who are interested in natural makeup and offer a great solution for women with sensitive skin.  Although usually available in a powder form (which you'll apply with a big fluffy brush) you can get liquid mineral foundations.  Powdered mineral foundations work well with powder blushes and bronzers and can leave skin with a hint of shimmer.  However they can also be too shiny for mature skin, highlighting wrinkles and fine lines.

By Formula.

Sheer Foundations offer light coverage and won't lead to a cakey, flakey face.  You can build coverage easily.  Sheer foundations are made using silicones and are best for normal to dry skin.  They make for great starter foundations and will generally leave you with a dewy finish.

Oil Based Foundations are great for chronically dry skin.  The oil in the formula will hydrate and 'trap' moisture in the skin.  They also 'plump' out fine lines and wrinkles, making them a fantastic formula for the more mature skin.  Quick tip - shake the bottle before use, as the oil will separate.

Oil Free Foundations should be the go to formula for anyone with oily or acne prone skin - whatever the format you choose.  These are made with water so they'll dry quickly, meaning you'll want to work fast!  Always (always, always) moisturise and prime first, and consider using a damp sponge to apply.  They will leave a matte finish.

Dewy or Shimmer Foundations will leave you glowing. They're great for enhancing young, fresh faced skin and for lifting dull skin. Avoid these if you have oily skin, or consider using as a highlighter when contouring, by using a slightly lighter shade.

Long Lasting Foundations are great for when you know you wont have the chance to touch up your look. They're generally long lasting due to being waterproof, which is great for sweaty days.  However they will be much more difficult to remove, you might need to use a makeup remover before cleansing to avoid leaving residue in your pores.  If you're prone to blackheads or blocked pores, you might want to give these a miss,or only use them once in a while.

 

Phew, so there you have it.  A breakdown of foundation by Skin Type, Format and Formula.  So tell us Beauties; have you learned anything? Are you using the right foundation or is it time to go shopping?  Get chatting below!

Comments

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3rd January, 2017

I need a new formula. My face is looking cakey and is drying out . I was thinking I needed full coverage. I need a dewy or sheer foundation.

19th August, 2015

This article is a lifesaver! I'm definitely going to open it up when I go foundation shopping next - I still haven't quite found my shade!

16th August, 2015

I will happily trial any foundation interested in the mousse or ones for anti-aging in particluar to see the effect of the wrinkles on my forehead

2nd May, 2015

Wow just came across this article. What a fantastic break down of foundation types. I will definitely use this to help me choose my next foundation :)

1st May, 2015

oh I love this article! I just learned a whole heap of info when buying foundation and it will be totally different to what I am used to.

30th April, 2015

This is a really great article. There is so much information that has helped me out. I am yet to find a foundation that really fits with me, and how I want to look, but this article is definitely something that I will be coming back to in the future to help when deciding.

26th April, 2015

Fantastic article!!

25th July, 2014

Great article...although I feel like I will need to read over it a number of times to really grasp all the options. Already feeling a little more empowered about choosing something right for me :-) Thanks BR

23rd June, 2014

I have been waiting ages for someone to explain to me what to use on my skin . Thanks

22nd June, 2014

I have oily skin and didn't realise I should try a powder or a cream base! I have just been using liquid for such a long time! Thanks for the heads up :)

21st June, 2014

An interesting article. I finally understand why I can't achieve the same look as my friends when I use the same foundation as them! Thank you!

20th June, 2014

Added this article to my favourites, and will be bookmarking this page too. Best thing i've read for a long time :) I have oily skin and am always looking for different ways to beat the oil! I love the dewy finish, and can't wait to find a foundation with a special formula for dewy foundations, for oily skin.

11th June, 2014

Am going to read and re read this! Am on the hunt for the perfect format but everything you said has happened to me at least once hehe goin to take notes! Thanks BR!

8th June, 2014

i use to use any foundation on price,in my 40s i have now only discovered i have oily skin at times and i was not making good choices on foundation because of cost.i now use a powder foundation lightly over my cream foundation to set it and it gives me good coverage without feeling oily all day.i also apply my cream foundation with a blender sponge,for a flawless cover,then my powder foundation with a brush lightly. some people have said to use a setting powder,i tried but the coverage was not as good for me so i stuck to using a powder foundation brushed on lightly,this works for me,i also have a trick with keeping lines from showing undereyes when wearing powder,but thats another review.

4th June, 2014

Ahhh most helpful article ever!!!

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