Dec 20, 2021

4 Main Types of Foundations That You Need To Know About

There are various foundation formulas, finishes, shades, and coverages available. It can be hard to make a decision when there are so many options. The main goal is to pick a foundation that looks like your skin but better.

Even if you know your shade and undertone, you also have to know what formulation best suits your skin. Using the wrong foundation formulation can leave you with an uneven complexion. You can end up looking too cakey or be left without enough coverage.

When you use the right foundation, your skin will look smooth and even. We are going to go over the four main types of foundations. Find out what you should consider when looking for your go-to base.

1. Liquid Foundation

Liquid foundation is one of the most common formulations. The base is often made with water or a water-in-silicone mixture, which provides a smooth streak-free complexion. The other key ingredient in a liquid foundation is pigment.

This added color gives you flawless-looking skin. Liquid foundations can also contain beneficial ingredients like moisturizers or SPF. These things can help protect and nurture your skin.

There is also a range of coverage options available. You can achieve light to full coverage with a liquid foundation. They are easily buildable so that you can customize your look. You will be able to seamlessly blend it out onto your skin for a natural look.

Plus, it works for all skin types, which you cannot say for other foundations. However, if you have oily skin, you need an oil-free formula. Excess oil can cause breakouts, and foundations with it can trigger acne-prone skin.

HIDE Premium Foundation is an oil-free liquid foundation that contains pigment that will mimic your skin. This product is made to resist sweat and won't clog your pores. It offers a soft-matte finish and a fantastic shade range.

2. Powder Foundation

Powder foundation is a dry, pigment, and mineral-based product. You may get this foundation in a loose powder or pressed form. You can achieve light to medium coverage and full coverage with a bit of effort.

A powder foundation is ideal for people that need a thin dusting of product to even out their skin. You can apply a sheer layer of powder foundation to give your skin coverage that looks very natural. It also works well for people with combination to oily skin.

The dry pigment can absorb excess oil. Powder foundation can be great if you tend to sweat and you're going to be in the heat. Other foundations can melt off your face, but powder won't budge in high temperatures.

Similar to liquid foundation, the powder can be mixed with beneficial ingredients. Some mineral foundations contain shea butter and vitamin E. However, powder can't be as hydrating as a liquid base. They aren't ideal for people with dry skin. The powder can cling to dry patches and look too cakey. This formulation can also settle into fine lines and wrinkles, so mature skin types should use a different foundation formulation.

3. Cream Foundation

The first foundation was a cream formulation made for professionals on stage. The makeup revolution led to foundation becoming more mainstream. Now there are a ton of cream products that ordinary people can use.

Cream products are easy to apply to specific areas that you need coverage. You can also use it all over your face for a full coverage look. However, these foundations are very heavy formulas.

In general, people with dry or normal skin may like cream foundation, while those with oily skin should steer clear of it. Cream foundation can seem cakey or splotchy if applied poorly, so proper application is essential. You have to take your time buffing out the product to get an even complexion.

Cream foundation is not ideal for everyday use. The formula doesn't allow the skin to breathe, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. You should reserve it for special occasions when you need extra coverage.

You should also remove all of your makeup at the end of the day. This step is important no matter what foundation you choose, but especially with cream foundation.

4. Stick Foundation

Stick foundations are similar to cream formulations, only slightly drier. People like them because the slim packaging makes them easy to take on the go. You can always have it on you if you need a quick touch-up.

The stick formulation makes them easy to apply quickly without spilling. People like this mess-free option since you can use the stick to place the product directly to your face. You just have to blend it out, and you're good to go.

They offer full coverage that can cover redness, blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections. People also like to use stick foundations for highlighting and contouring. You use a shade or two lighter to brighten certain areas of your face. Then, you use one a few shades darker to enhance your natural bone structure and add color. You can also use concealer, like HIDE Premium Concealer, for highlighting and contouring.

Stick foundations can contain nourishing ingredients. Some use oils to help them glide on smoothly and not dry out. Oily skin types should avoid stick formulations with added oils in the ingredient list.

The coverage can last all day and leave you with a flawless finish. However, like with cream, these products can be heavy on the skin. You may not want to use them for a full-face look every day.

Picking the Best Foundation for You

Finding the foundation formula you want is only part of selecting a product. There are many other things you need to consider. Here's how to find your go-to foundation.

Find Your Perfect Shade

One of the most important things is to find the right shade. Remember that some foundations noticeably oxidize throughout the day and can end up looking too dark. You should test out the shade before wearing it.

Apply a test patch onto your jawline and wait a few minutes for it to dry. Check out the swatch in artificial and natural lighting. You want it to be as close to your natural skin color as possible.

Know Your Skin's Undertones

You can't find the right shade without knowing your skin's undertone. You'll want a foundation with yellow undertones if you have warm undertones. If you have cool undertones, you'll need to find a product with pink undertones, but there are also other options.

Most companies label their foundations by undertone, warm, cool, and neutral. Find your undertone and select a shade from there.

Change Your Shade With the Seasons

Everyone isn't the same shade year-round. If you get darker in the summer and paler in the winter, you may need to swap out foundations. Even if you wear sunscreen, your skin probably gets warmer when you spend more time outside. You may want to keep two different shades on hand, so you always have a perfect match.

In Summary

When you use a foundation formulation that suits your skin, you will get the best results. There are various foundations to choose from, but a liquid base works for most people. You can achieve even, smooth coverage that will last all day with HIDE.