By Shammi Mondal
Whether you’re an admirer of invisible makeup or love a full face of makeup, a foundation is often the most important step in your look. While CC creams and tinted moisturisers may be your go-to, do you often wonder what's the best foundation for your skin type?
Foundations lay the groundwork for your makeup, it covers up any imperfections, makes your skin look smoother and even toned and holds your makeup together. While there are numerous options, finding the best foundation needs a little leg work and understanding.
How to lay the perfect base?
You’re not alone if you’re wondering about the right method to apply foundation. How should you begin? Should you use a primer? Is a sponge better than fingers? All these questions are only natural and will lead you to the most flawless application. Here’s how:
Step 1- Start afresh
Always begin your makeup routine with a clean face. Make sure you cleanse your face well and then hydrate it with a light moisturiser. This ensures the surface of your face is even and nourished so that your base sits well.
Step 2- Primers are prime
Never skip applying a primer before you go in with your foundation. Choose a primer based on your skin type, i.e., a pore filling primer for matured skin, a mattifying primer for oily skin and a hydrating primer for dry skin. Wait for a few minutes after you apply primer and then start with your foundation application.
Step 3- Choose the right tool
You’re probably wondering how a sponge is different from a brush or your fingers. It all depends on the finish you’re aiming to achieve. If you like your base to look natural, sheer and skin-like, a sponge is the best to achieve it, while a kabuki brush will ensure better coverage and give a more airbrushed finish.
Now that you’ve prepped, primed and chosen the right tool, it’s time you find the best foundation for your skin type.
Find the best foundation for your skin type
For oily skin
One of the main conundrums is dealing with foundation that makes your skin look too greasy and slips away within hours. When it comes to finding the best foundation for oily skin, you want to excess sebum and shine. For that, trust mattifying, oil-free and shimmer free formulations, as they ensure your base looks smooth and stays intact for a very long time. Reach out for powder and liquid foundations that give you a matte base and the greasiness.
For dry skin
Hate the feeling of dry and flaky foundation? Luckily, there are several foundation options that cater to your skin type. Your dry skin trends to produce less oil, which means a dewy, radiant foundation is the one for you. The best foundation for dry skin has hydrating properties and gives a glowy luminous finish. Serum foundations and cream formulas will ensure skin feels fresh and glows through the day.
For combination skin
If your skin is a mix of both oily and dry, you need a foundation that has tackles both. An-oil free foundation that has a hydrating texture should be the best fit. However, if you gravitate more towards a dewy finish, choose a mousse or a skin tint and mattify your T-zone with a powder compact.
For sensitive skin
Finding the best foundation for your sensitive skin is not impossible, if the formulation is done right. Your skin needs ingredients that are calming and mild. Steer clear off fragrant and creamy formulations as they may irritate your skin. Look for clean, water-based, breathable foundations that don’t suffocate your skin below.
Now that you’ve understood your skin type and the most suitable foundation type, let’s get your shades matched.
Read more: Find the right foundation for every occasion
Ace your foundation shade
Along with choosing the right type and finish, picking the right shade of your foundation will make or break your makeup look. Foundations come in numerous shades and finding the exact colour that matches your skin tone needs trial and error.
Start filtering options based on your undertone. Once you’ve determined your undertone, buying a foundation becomes much easier.
Warm
If your bare skin reflects a warm golden or yellow hue, or the veins in your skin appear green in colour, you have a warm under tone. Foundations with a golden-olive tint will be best suited for you.
Cool
Look at the insides of your wrists if you see blue and purple veins or your skin has a rosier appearance, you lean towards the cool undertones. A foundation with a slight pink-peachy tint will fit your skint he best.
Neutral
If your skin shows a mix of both green and blue veins you have a neutral undertone. This means you can pick a foundation that is has a blend of both pink and yellow tones.
Steps to pick the best foundation for your skin
This 3-step guide will help you zero down on your perfect fit in no time.
Know your skin
Think about the foundation working with your skin type, not against it. The formulations are largely divided for oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin types. Understand your skin and pick a foundation that balances your skin type. Example: The best foundation for oily skin will have a matte texture, and a luminous radiant finish will the best foundation for dry skin.
Identify your undertone
Make sure you identify your undertone correctly (warm, cool or neutral) as that immensely helps you in navigating through the many of shades available and finding your perfect match.
Think about coverage
Choose a foundation depending on your skin type, the coverage you want and the finish you aim to achieve. For your oily skin and blemish-prone skin, a matte liquid foundation with buildable coverage will help you cover up spots.
Still need a little help in achieving your skin goals? We can help you get there
Which is the most long-lasting foundation?
Look for foundations that say ‘long-wearing’ or ‘long-lasting’ on the label. These are often high on coverage and leave you with even-looking skin through the day. It’s ideal for events where you need to be photographed and have no time for a re-touch.
Which foundations gives glowing skin?
If you’re looking to ace that radiant glow, look for a foundation that has hydrating ingredients and a lightweight creamy texture. Serum foundations are a top-notch option to creating that effortless luminous skin.
How do I make my foundation last all day?
Smudged makeup is something that concerns everyone. To keep your base in place all day, invest in a long wearing foundation that stays put through the day. Another way of making your base last long is to ensure your skin is well hydrated before wearing makeup and setting your makeup with a powder will help it last long.