Beauty School: Choosing a Foundation for Your Skin Type

Learn how to choose a foundation that works best with your skin type!



The whole reason behind why we wear foundation (in theory) is to even out our skin tone and texture. Everyone's skin is different, so there are millions of foundation products are the market that are just as different to give the best results on many different kinds of skin tones, textures, and types. A lot of people don't know how many different kinds of foundations and bases there are out there - and many associate this makeup with thick cakeyness and mask-looking faces, when in reality, if done right, should look clean and natural. If you're struggling with finding the right foundation, you may find this article helpful. 

If you don't know what type of skin you have, click HERE. 

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TINTED MOISTURIZER

FOR NORMAL AND NORMAL/DRY SKIN

Gives a sheer, lightweight coverage. Looks very natural on skin and it's great for the summer. 
 TRY: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, $43, Sephora, Origins VitaZing Sheer Tint Release Tinted Moisturizer, $35, Origins/Origins.com

 

LIQUID FOUNDATION

ALL SKIN TYPES

There are many types of liquid foundations. Some brands make some especially for dry or oily skin types. Make sure to read the labels to make sure you're getting the right one. These can be sheer foundations all the way to maximum coverage foundations. 

TRY: Revlon Color Stay Makeup with Softflex, $9.99, Drugstores, Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation, $42, Sephora

WHIPPED FOUNDATION

FOR COMBINATION SKIN

Also great for skin with texture. Hydrates the dry areas while absorbing oils around the t-zone. Typically medium to full matte coverage. 
TRY: Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup, $13.99, Drugstores, Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse, $8.49, Drugstores

OIL-FREE LIQUID FOUNDATIONS

FOR OILY & ACNE PRONE SKIN

Typically provides light to medium coverage. Great for combination skin in the summer months. Absorbs excess oils on the face and t-zone. These foundations can also be labeled as "matte" or "mattifying."  Oils in foundations can be a typical cause of acne, make sure to pick up the oil-free if there's one available.

TRY: Origins Stay Tuned Liquid Foundation, $23, Origins/Origins.com, CoverGirl Clean Makeup Oil Control, $6.99, Drugstores

(BB) CREAM FOUNDATION

FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

Absorbs excess oils and typically provides medium to full coverage. Evens skin tone discoloration and texture.
TRY: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35, $39, Ulta, Dr. Brandt Flexitone BB Cream, $39, Ulta

CREAM TO POWDER FOUNDATION

FOR COMBINATION/OILY AND OILY SKIN

Typically medium to full coverage.

TRY: Milani Smooth Finish Cream to Powder Makeup, $7.99, Drugstores, Iman Second to None Cream to Powder Foundation, $16, Ulta

POWDER FOUNDATION

FOR NORMAL TO OILY SKIN

Not recommended for those with dry skin, it can appear flakey and cakey. 

Note: Oily skin can change the colors of the powders and make them appear more dry and flakey on the skin.
TRY: Bare Minerals MATTE SPF15 Foundation, $27, Ulta, NYX Stay Matte Powder Foundation, $9.99, Ulta