Which makeup foundations are best?
Whether you’re covering up acne or uneven skin tone, foundation is a staple for most makeup wearers. Traditionally, foundation is liquid, but nowadays, powder foundations, sprays, creams, and mineral ones are all popular.
There are so many considerations when purchasing a foundation — formula, shade, finish, and coverage — that we’ve created this shopping guide to help you navigate your endless options. We’ve also included our favorite foundations on the market, including our top pick by jane iredale.
What is foundation makeup for?
Foundation is the base for your makeup and is applied all over the face in a shade matching your natural skin tone. Foundation can even out discoloration and fill in fine lines and pores for a smooth-looking complexion. It can be also used to color correct redness or other skin tone issues. In addition, depending on the formula, foundation can add a shine-free finish to oily skin or a luminous glow to dry skin.
What to know before you buy a makeup foundation
Types of makeup foundation
- Liquid is the classic type of foundation and has the consistency of a thick liquid. Liquid foundations can be applied with the fingers, a makeup sponge, or a foundation brush.
- Powder foundation looks like face powder, but it contains more pigmentation and is pressed for fuller coverage. Powder foundation usually comes in a compact that can be taken on the go and is applied with a round makeup sponge or brush.
- Mineral foundation comes in powder form, often as a loose powder in a sifter container that’s applied with a brush. This variety has more natural and/or organic formulas.
- Cream foundation is a newer form that comes in a stick applicator that’s applied directly onto the face, then rubbed or blended in with fingers, a sponge, or a brush. The stick applicator makes this foundation type very convenient to carry wherever you go.
- Spray or “airbrush” foundation comes in an aerosol can, which emits a fine mist of liquid foundation. You can spray it directly onto your face for a natural, long-lasting finish. Alternatively, you can spray it on your hands, a makeup sponge, or brush, then apply.
What to look for in a quality makeup foundation
Finish
The three most common finishes for foundation are matte, satin, and radiant.
- Matte finish gives off no shine, which is ideal if you already have oily skin. Some formulas actually help absorb oil to keep you shine-free throughout the day.
- Satin finish is also called demi-matte. It gives a more natural, less flat look than matte foundations and is good for normal skin types.
- Radiant finish gives a dewy or luminous glow to the skin, which is better for dry or mature skin types.
Coverage
This refers to how opaque a foundation is on the skin. For instance, sheer coverage allows your natural skin to show through, whereas full coverage won’t at all. Light and medium coverage are also available. Choose coverage based on how much you want to hide. Heavier coverage is recommended for people with acne or skin discoloration.
Shade
Look for a shade that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. Foundations offer warm, neutral, or cool undertones in addition to fair, light, medium, and dark shades. Warm shades have yellow undertones, cool shades have pink undertones, and neutral shades have an equal mixture of both.
How much you can expect to spend on a makeup foundation
Expect to pay between $5 and $150 for foundation makeup. At the lower end of the spectrum, you’ll find drugstore brands, and at the opposite end are designer luxury brands. For a quality foundation, expect to pay at least $15-$40.
Makeup foundation FAQ
Q. How can I tell if I have a warm, cool, or neutral skin tone?
A. One trick of the trade is to take a peek at the veins on the inside of your wrist or arm. If they’re greenish, you’ve got warm skin. If they’re bluish, you’ve got cool. If you can’t tell, opt for a neutral foundation shade.
Q. Do I use a concealer before or after applying foundation?
A. For powder and mineral foundations, apply the concealer first to avoid a cakey look. For all other foundation types, including cream, liquid, and spray, apply it after. You may find you need less concealer after applying these formulas.
What’s the best foundation to buy?
Top foundation
jane iredale HydroPure Tinted Serum
What you need to know: This premium tinted serum doubles as a foundation, providing sheer to medium coverage.
What you’ll love: The “bead” liquid mineral formula feels airy on the skin and lasts all day. It’s made of high-quality, natural ingredients. It contains skin-nourishing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and CoQ10.
What you should consider: It doesn’t provide enough coverage for acne or major skin discoloration, and there’s not a great range of darker shades.
Top foundation for money
bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15
What you need to know: This is a powder foundation with great layerable coverage.
What you’ll love: The unique formula can be used for full or sheer coverage. There are thirty shades offered for a perfect match. It works on various skin types and contains mineral SPF.
What you should consider: The powder-to-cream formula comes with a learning curve.
Worth checking out
BestLand PHOERA Foundation Full Coverage Liquid Foundation Cream
What you need to know: This full-coverage, color-changing foundation creates a soft, matte look.
What you’ll love: It’s long-lasting and helps control oil on your face. It’s also very lightweight.
What you should consider: Some people felt that the shades made their skin look too white.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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