What Foundation Should You Use

The best foundations make you look naturally flawless, while the worst make you look like a clown. 

Foundations come in powders, creams, and liquid formulas. There's sheer coverage, full coverage, and everything in between. Some foundations include beneficial ingredients like SPF, and others have some that may negatively affect your skin. It's possible to find one foundation to meet your individual needs.

There seem to be limitless foundation options, which can feel overwhelming if you don't know what you're looking for. If you do know what you want, you can spend time agonizing over which brand is best. You don't want to get such a crucial step in your makeup wrong. 

There's no need to get lost in product research or pick the first one you find. We're going to give you the tools to help you make an informed decision. We'll also go over how to apply your foundation once you find the right one for you. 

What Is Foundation? 

In case you don't know a lot about makeup, let's start with the basics. What is foundation anyway?

Foundation is nothing new; it’s been used for centuries to help even out complexions. The first commercially available foundation was called Pan-Cake. It was initially not created for everyday use but for film actors and actresses. 

The Pan-Cake foundation was branded "foundation and powder in one."  It hid facial flaws when the camera was close-up, unlike the greasepaint they were using before Technicolor (colored film). People loved the thickness of the product and how easy it was to put on and take off.

The product quickly took off in the general public, and cosmetic manufacturers began to work on something that would not infringe on the Pan-Cake patent. Soon there were foundations with different formulas. 

Pan-Cake really revolutionized the way people used makeup and accelerated the research that eventually led to all of the products on the market today.  

Foundation has come a long way since then but is still made up of a few essential ingredients. For example, most have moisturizers, pigment, and fillers. Some foundations will add acne-fighting ingredients, while others include a skin brightening boost. 

We also have foundations in different shades and for different skin tones. There are warm, neutral, and cool undertones added to our foundations at HIDE so you can find your perfect match. There's also a variety of different shades for each undertone. These kinds of customizations were not available when foundation first hit the scene.

Types Of Foundation

There are many different types of foundations out there. They all vary in terms of consistency. So how do you know which one will work for you?

Let's go over the various kinds of foundations out there and which ones you should be reaching for.

Foundation is the base of your makeup. It goes on first, so choosing the right one is imperative. 

Liquid Foundation

Liquid foundation is a go-to for many different people. Liquid foundations use water or silicone as a main ingredient that helps prevent streaking. The liquid form allows it to be blended perfectly into the skin with minimal effort.

This type of foundation is the most versatile out of the four we cover in this blog. Since it is liquid, you can customize your foundation by mixing it out with moisturizer or adding an illuminator for a dewy finish. 

HIDE Premium Foundation is medium-full coverage but is weightless and hydrating. It is oil-free and works on all skin types. 

Cream Foundation

Cream foundation is a thick formulation that provides full coverage and a smooth finish. This type of foundation can cover your skin's flaws and any discoloration. 

People with dry or normal skin may like a cream foundation. However, if you have oily skin, you may not like the heavier texture. Beware that it's very easy to look cakey with cream foundation. Proper application is crucial to get an even flawless-looking finish. 

Stick Foundation

A stick foundation is a firmer consistency than a cream foundation. Since it comes in a stick, you can apply it directly to the skin for easy application. Similar to concealer, it will still need to be blended out after you put it on. 

Since the consistency is a bit thicker, it's essential to find a shade that is a perfect match. Otherwise, it will be very obvious that you're wearing the wrong color. 

Powder Foundation

Powder foundation is another common type of foundation. Pigments and minerals are mixed and sold in a loose powder form or pressed. When using a powder foundation, make sure you are buffing it out carefully and evenly. Without proper application, you can end up with a splotchy complexion.

People with oily skin often gravitate towards drier products, but HIDE Premium Foundation works great on oily skin.

Choosing A Foundation

As you can see, there are many different types of foundations you can try. 

Let's look at the various skin types and what foundation works best on them. 

Dry Skin

Dry skin is something a lot of people struggle with. You can have dry skin because of the soap you're using, the weather, or it can be a medical problem. 

The best thing to combat dry skin is keeping it hydrated. Go for a liquid foundation for its hydrating benefits. 

Avoid cream or stick foundation because they don't work as well on drier skin. The foundation can look flakey over dry skin, especially if you aren't moisturizing your skin before application. 

Oily Skin

Makeup can feel intimidating if you have oily skin. The first thing to remember is you still need to moisturize if you have oily skin. 

Look for an oil-free liquid or powder foundation. Both foundations contain powders that can absorb oil, leaving you with a matte finish. 

HIDE Premium Foundation is a soft matte foundation that is an excellent option for oily skin.

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, stay away from a stick or cream foundation. The thicker formula of these products has the potential to aggravate your acne and may clog your pores.

Combination Skin

Combination skin means you have both dry and oily skin at the same time—most people with combination skin experience oily t-zones and dryness in other areas on their face. 

If you choose a super matte foundation, you can make your dry spots look like a desert. However, if you pick one with a lot of hydrating ingredients, you can end up looking greasy. 

HIDE liquid foundation's soft matte finish is the perfect in-between. It is formulated to not slide off in oily areas of your skin but won't look cakey on the dry patches.

How To Apply Foundation

Now that you know what foundation you should use, let's go over how to apply it. But before we go any further, you always want to start with clean and moisturized skin. 

The next step is optional when you're using HIDE Premium Foundation, but it can be a good idea if you have oily skin. Go in with a mattifying primer. Primer will help your foundation stay in place all day, even if you're running around or the weather is less than ideal.  

Once you're primed and ready, it's finally time to go in with your foundation! If you're using a liquid foundation, you can place it on the back of your hand or pump it directly onto your face. 

To blend it out, you can use either a wet makeup sponge or a duo-fiber foundation brush, or both. The brush is a helpful tool to apply your liquid foundation because it simplifies blending without absorbing a lot of product. Buff your foundation out using your brush until you have an even finish. If there are any streaking or spots that aren't perfect, go over the area with a sponge.

If you use a sponge, make sure it is damp, or it will absorb an excessive amount of your foundation. Dab the sponge gently over your face for an airbrushed-looking finish. 

When applying foundation, don't forget your neck! The reason you want to take it down past your jawline is to prevent a harsh foundation line. You can fade it out on your neck for a more natural-looking effect. 

Once your foundation is on, you can go in with concealer and the rest of your makeup.

A Solid Foundation

Hopefully, you now feel more ready to face the world of foundation.

Remember to consider your skin type when picking what kind of foundation will work best for you. No matter what skin type of skin you have, preparing your skin before applying your foundation is critical.

HIDE Premium Foundation works for all skin types and is easily customizable. You can create a natural makeup look or a full glam look with this foundation. It will last over 12 hours and is oil-free, making it a great option if you have oily skin. 

HIDE foundation also comes in many different shades, and there is a shade finder to help you find a perfect match!

 

Sources:

Pan-Cake Make-up | Cosmetics and Skin

Slideshow Dry Skin and What You Can Do About It | Web MD

How to Create the Perfect Skincare Routine: A Guide for Cosmetologists | Tenaj Salon Institute