Makeup has the ability to make you feel confident, beautiful, and enhance your natural features. We know all about the pain of finding an effective foundation that does everything it says on the tin.
There are so many products out there but a lot of people aren’t aware of what they should be looking for in a foundation and why this makeup staple is so important.
Gone are the cringe-inducing days of the 90s where orange foundation and not blending seemed to be the height of fashion. The modern makeup fanatic requires the right shade, the right consistency, and a beautiful finish.
In this guide, we will be showing you some of the very best base makeup options available at the moment and discussing the things that you need to look for when selecting a foundation.
The Importance Of Foundation
When you apply your makeup, everything sits on top of your foundation so it needs to be a solid base that won’t cause your makeup to slip.
What’s more, your foundation needs to be breathable so that your skin won’t suffer as a result of wearing it.
However, a lot of people struggle since foundation is also a very challenging makeup product that is difficult to get right. It can take people years of trial and error before settling for a foundation that does everything they expect it to.
Before we start looking at our top picks, let’s explore some of the things you should keep in mind when choosing your foundation. It may be easier than you think to select the right product; when you are armed with the relevant knowledge, anything is possible!
Skin Type
Choosing any product that is going to sit on your skin requires you to understand your skin type. We often consider this when looking at face moisturizers but many people don’t think about this when looking at makeup. But it is just as important.
If you have oily skin, you will need to find a foundation that has a matte finish as this can reduce shine. You might also want to look for foundations that do not contain mineral oils.
For those who have dry skin, there are many cream-based formulas that offer a good degree of moisture. You should avoid a matte finish as this can make the skin appear drier than it is.
A balancing foundation makes an excellent choice for people who have combination skin. If you have any particular skin problems then there are also foundations to address these.
Having sensitive skin can make finding products that agree with your skin very challenging but there are fragrance-free and organic which can soothe the skin.
Shade
One of the most important factors for choosing a foundation is to make sure that you have the right shade.
Modern makeup brands offer a huge spectrum so no matter if your skin is very light, very dark, or something in between, there will be a shade to suit you.
However, you should be sure to blend the foundation on your wrist prior to purchasing as blending it on your face may make it difficult to see. If you do want to test it on your face, you should apply the foundation on the jawline where it will be blended to get the best idea.
Coverage
Some people like to have a very heavy makeup look with foundation that covers every mark and pimple on their face. Conversely, there are those who prefer a much more ‘barely there’ foundation.
Foundations typically come as either light coverage, medium coverage, or full coverage.
Foundation Type
Foundation is a diverse type of makeup and it comes in several forms. Choosing the right one can make the world of difference to your appearance and how the product feels on your skin.
- Liquid foundations are the most common and generally come in a good range of colors. They are easy to apply and come in a range of coverages.
- Cream foundations are much more highly-pigmented and tend to have a heavier coverage. They are great for more mature skin and sometimes come in stick form.
- Powder foundations come as a compact and are quite dry, turning silkier when applied to the skin.
- Mineral foundations are very lightweight but typically cost a little more.
When To Change Your Foundation
One of the things that make staying on top of your foundation so tricky is that once you find the right one, you may need to change it again in the future.
Your skin is constantly evolving and changing and this means that a foundation that works at one point in your life may not work as well at another point in your life.
For example, as we get older, our skin needs alter, and using a foundation in your 60s that you used in your 30s probably won’t do you any favors. But this is not the only time that you will need to reassess what’s in your makeup bag.
- If you are going through hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, your skin will change and this means that you may need a different foundation.
- As we move through the seasons, our skin may tan or become lighter. This means that a shade that works well at the height of summer may be too dark in the colder winter months.
- When it is warmer or more humid, you may need a foundation that offers lighter coverage to allow the skin to breathe.
- If you change other products in your skincare routine, it can be worth looking at purchasing a foundation that complements this change.
Is The Foundation Ethically Produced?
Something that is at the forefront of everyone’s mind in modern times is how their beauty products are produced.
It is important to look for foundations that are cruelty-free, particularly if you follow a vegan lifestyle. You will find that a lot of brands are getting on board with this concept and many foundations are now produced in this way.
Other Base Products
Finally, you will need to consider what other products will create your makeup base. Will you be using a primer underneath your foundation? Do you need to apply concealer above or below the foundation? Will you set the foundation with a powder?
These questions are important because quite often certain products are designed to work best with those in the same range. Therefore, you might consider buying products that complement one another.
Related: What is a Cleansing Balm
The Best Foundations For Your Skin
Now that we know what to look for in a great foundation, it’s time to start exploring our options. The great news is that there are so many products to choose from but these are some of our top picks!
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer And Brightener
Before applying your foundation, you may wish to create a base for it. A primer will blur any imperfections and give your foundation something to adhere to. But unfortunately, there are a lot of substandard products on the market.
Jane Iredale Smooth Affair primer and brightener is a great product that will give your skin a bright and youthful glow. It also effectively conceals fine lines, blemishes, and marks giving you a clear base to work on.
The Jane Iredale Smooth Affair primer contains white tea which has anti-aging properties as well as grapefruit that acts as a powerful antioxidant, giving more radiant skin. If you are looking for makeup that will do more than just cover the skin, this is a great choice.
It also contains algae extract to firm the skin and apple extract which promotes a youthful appearance.
With minimized pores and a bright complexion, the Jane Iredale Smooth Affair primer is a must-have under your foundation.
Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Mineral Foundation
If you are looking for a product that will perfectly complement the primer that we have explored, then this beautiful mineral foundation from Jane Iredale cosmetics might be just the ticket.
It comes in an incredible array of colors from very light through to very dark. This vegan makeup base is perfect for those who favor vegan makeup brands thanks to its ethical production. All Jane Iredale cosmetics are approved as being cruelty-free by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics Leaping Bunny Program so you can feel confident that these claims are correct.
What we really loved about this foundation was its buildable nature. Apply a single layer for a more natural look but build it up for those special evenings out. This is a sheer matte foundation that works excellently for those with oily or combination skin and will glide on effortlessly.
The foundation contains several beneficial ingredients including pomegranate and pine bark which promote healthier skin and less damage from UV rays. There are no nasty ingredients, and the foundation is totally free of all chemical ingredients.
This is a great foundation for summer wear since it is very lightweight and water-resistant.
Laura Gellar New York Baked Balanced and Brighten Color Correcting Foundation
This color correcting foundation might be thought of as being a ‘smart’ makeup product. It glides effortlessly onto the skin and adapts to your skin to cancel out blemishes and imperfections. If you are prone to breakouts or have an uneven skin tone, this might be the answer to all your problems.
The foundation comes in a handy compact and the range has a very generous selection of shades. The product is very lightweight and so would be ideal for vacations in the sun or throughout the summer. With a bright and radiant finish, this foundation will leave you looking positively glowing.
The manufacturing process means that this color-correcting foundation does not require as much product to get even, full coverage. Use just a small amount for a beautiful, flawless finish.
The foundation is filled with wonderful ingredients that promote skin health including a range of antioxidants including white tea extract.
PUR 4 in 1 Pressed Mineral Makeup
One of the first things that grab you about this PUR 4 in 1 foundation is the stunning compact it is set in. If you like products that look beautiful as well as perform excellently, the PUR 4 in 1 mineral makeup is something you will fall in love with!
But far from just looking great, the PUR 4 in 1 foundation provides a wealth of benefits for those who want full coverage. Yet while it will cover your sins, the makeup has an extremely lightweight feel and won’t clog your skin.
The product is an excellent replacement for your makeup base and comprises a concealer, foundation, and powder with an SPF 15 to top it all off! If you want a diverse foundation, this is it!
This foundation will effectively cover fine lines and dark spots, as well as tackling pimples and imperfections, leaving you with a stunning complexion.
One of the most incredible things about the PUR 4in 1 mineral makeup is that its ingredients continue to work on the skin and solve common skin issues even after it has been removed. The product contains a blend of mineral water, botanicals, and Vitamin A that help to promote healthy, luminous, and flawless skin.
DERMABLEND Loose Setting Powder
Once you have applied your chosen foundation, you may benefit from setting it with a powder. This will further reduce oil and keep your makeup base in place for longer.
The Dermablend professional-grade setting powder is the perfect addition to your makeup bag and provides lightweight yet effective coverage.
It comes in several shades or as a translucent powder and gives an effortlessly matte finish. If you suffer from excess oil, the Dermablend professional powder will drastically reduce and control shine for a much more pleasant appearance.
Despite its lightweight formula, this powder will last up to 16 hours making it ideal for those long days where you need something reliable.
The powder is great for those with sensitive skin and has been dermatologically-tested proving this claim. It is allergy-tested and fragrance-free so no matter how delicate your skin may be, it won’t cause any irritation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right base for your makeup can mean that your makeup stays in place for longer, will give you a flawless finish, and will make you feel a million dollars.
While there are certain things to think about, we are confident that this selection of foundations and makeup bases are some of the best out there.
Last update on 2023-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API