Finding the right foundation for your skin can seem like a real challenge, especially with so many possible choices available in today’s market. But if you know what you want from your makeup then it’s really not so hard. What you need to do is consider your own particular needs, including the kind of coverage you want, any blemishes you may need to cover, your skin color and, of course, your skin type. All of these will go into your final decision and they are crucial to making sure that you get just the right foundation for your skin.
Remember that, as its name suggests, foundation is the building block on which your entire look will rest. It is a very versatile tool, helping to cover any flaws while it also evens out your skin tone and gives you a clean slate on which to build the rest of your look. And as the first layer it is always the most important. Without the right foundation it won’t matter how much you invest in the rest of your makeup because it just won’t work.
The Different Types of Foundation
Because there are so many different types of skin and skin care needs, there is also a wide variety of foundations. You can find foundations in stick form, powder, liquid or cream. Each type of foundation has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some will work better on certain types of skin than others. Whether you want light coverage that allows some of your natural features, like freckles, to show through or you want a full coverage foundation to give you a more flawless look, you can find something to suit your needs.
Foundations can contain a variety of ingredients designed to do everything from provide you with sun protection to help you fight the signs of aging. You should always check the list of ingredients on any product before choosing to buy it to make sure it has exactly what you need. And you’ll want to pay particular attention to the color. The key to good foundation is finding one that closely matches your natural skin tone so that it will blend in and not make it obvious that you’re wearing makeup.
When it comes to choosing color, you don’t want to rely on the packaging alone. If you can, you should always test out a little of the foundation on your skin, preferably on your jaw line so you can see how it will work to blend from the face to the neck. Trying out several colors right next to each other is even better as this will help you to get a clearer idea of how each looks on your skin.
Aside from color, the most important consideration when choosing a foundation is your skin type. Not all skin is the same and that means it can’t all use the same foundation. Whether you have oily, dry, normal, combination, acne prone, sensitive or aging skin there is an ideal foundation for you; you just need to do your research and consider your options.
Best Foundation For Oily Skin
The best foundation for oily skin is one that will provide the necessary coverage without clogging your pores or promoting greasiness. Generally, matte-finish liquid works best as it goes on light and actually helps to reduce shine on oily skin. Pressed or loose powder can be used on slightly oily skin but it can clog pores and look clumpy on excessively oily complexions.
A good example that is also fairly affordable is Maybelline New York’s “Fit Me” Matte + Poreless Foundation. It goes on seamlessly to hide pores and reduce shine while matching your natural skin tone.
Best Foundation For Dry Skin
A liquid or stick foundation will usually be the best foundation for dry skin, as these formulations go on creamy and smooth to moisturize as they provide coverage. Some liquids, like Neutrogena’s “Hydro Boost” are actually designed to moisturize, with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid that naturally softens and hydrates skin. Stick foundations are better for quick touch ups on the run and aren’t always ideal for covering large areas.
Best Foundation For Normal Skin
If you have normal skin, then moisturizing liquid or pressed or loose powder would both work well for you. Moisturizing liquids can provide you with some hydration, giving you extra protection against dryness. Powders go on lightly and are easy to use for quick touch ups. They can be applied over a daily moisturizer with SPF to reduce shine from the sunscreen and some are even designed to provide subtle luminescence for a soft glow.
A perfect example of pressed powder foundation for normal skin is COVERGIRL’s “truBlend” Pressed Blendable Powder, available in a range of colors.
Best Foundation For Combination Skin
This can be the hardest skin to deal with as it contains both oily areas (usually around the t-zone) and normal to dry skin everywhere else. Fortunately there are products like Revlon’s “ColorStay” liquid foundation designed specifically for combination skin. This particular product controls oil and has SPF protection to avoid drying from sun exposure and it contains salicylic acid to help even out skin tone over time.
Let’s take a look at the best foundation for some other skin types…
For Acne Prone Skin
For skin that is prone to breakouts, there are a number of products designed specifically to fight acne while providing the coverage you need. Among these is Neutrogena’s “Skinclearing Makeup”, which contains acne medication and Neutrogena’s patented “micro-clear” technology to help unclog pores.
For Sensitive Skin
If you have skin that is extremely susceptible to allergic reactions that doesn’t mean that you have to avoid wearing foundation. There are many products on the market designed specifically for individuals with sensitive skin, among them Physician’s Formula’s “Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream”. This product helps to smooth, moisturize and protect the skin and is completely hypoallergenic, paraben, gluten and fragrance free, non-comedogenic and dermatologist approved.
For Aging Skin
Aging skin needs special care and that means finding a foundation that also helps to fight wrinkles, provides SPF protection to avoid damage from sun exposure and works to reverse the signs of aging. One of the best products for aging skin is L’Oreal Paris’ “Visible Lift Serum Absolute Foundation”. Not only does it provide the smooth, even coverage you want in a makeup it also contains both Pro Retinol A and Vitamin C to help reduce wrinkles and improve skin tone..
No matter what your skin type or skin color, you can find a foundation that goes on gently, covers evenly and even helps to improve the health of your skin. The important thing to remember is that not all skin is created equally so not every foundation will work for every individual. You need to do your homework and find the foundation that will work best for your particular needs. That way you can look your best and help your skin feel better at the same time!
