Ever stepped out feeling fabulously flawless only to encounter an unforgiving mirror? We’ve all been there. That moment when ‘dolled up to the nines’ instantly re-manifests as ‘the dog’s dinner’. Uneven foundation coverage, shine, flakiness… Don’t just blame your primer! Choosing the right foundation finish for your skin type as well as the correct shade is the cornerstone of perfection.
Foundation has historically been the most complained about makeup product. Make no mistake, foundation fury is real. Consumer-driven gripes have been largely fuelled by shade limitations. Brands are demonstrating that they have listened to their customers by expanding foundation ranges to be more diverse. With new shades hitting shop shelves on an almost weekly basis, the tricky task of choosing the right foundation for your skin should be getting easier. But is it? If you don’t understand your skin type, reaching for a shade that merely mirrors your skin tone is unlikely to guarantee a match made in heaven.
So, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by sophisticated in-store and online shade match services. It’s important to also nail the right finish. Choosing a foundation finish that meets the needs of your skin type will prevent common issues like caking, shine and uneven coverage, and ensure your base doesn’t just look great but is long-wearing too.
Foundation isn’t cheap, so avoiding a purchase error should be a priority - particularly if you are on a tight budget. Most makeup lovers have ended up with products they can’t use at some point. If you’ve ever turned a whiter shade of pale or gone too dark or too orange, you will already know the pitfalls. But are you all-matte when what your skin really needs is a bit of a glow?
The guide below will help you pair shade choice and finish. By taking both into consideration, you will ensure your next foundation purchase delivers on all fronts.
Choosing the right foundation finish by skin type
Use this as a guide to find your perfect foundation finish. Don’t forget, when choosing your shade, always match a foundation to your jawline in natural light. Another thing to consider is SPF. If you aren’t in the habit of using sun protection all year round, you may want to opt for a product that has SPF in the formula.
Oily skin
Minimising shine should be your priority. Opt for an oil-free foundation with a matte finish. Choose a product that promises long wear. Always use a gripping primer and set your foundation with powder and a good setting spray.
If you are on a budget, Collection Cosmetics’ Lasting Performance foundation with a matte finish is a good choice. Alternatives include Relove by Revolution’s Super Matte and Maybelline New York’s Fit Me Matte+Poreless Oil Control Foundation with SPF. If you’ve got a bit more money to spend, you may want to check out Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup.
Combination skin
Balancing your skin should be the main consideration. Choose a foundation that is neither too dry nor too oily. L’Oreal’s True Match foundation is a popular choice because it mattifies without being too drying. Prep your skin by zone and always finish with setting products.
For many people with combination skin, a dewy or satin finish isn’t an option. If you want to veer on the side of caution, stick with a matte finish.
Dry skin
If your skin is dry or mature, a dewy or satin finish foundation is your best bet. As well as promoting radiance, these finishes are more forgiving than matte when it comes to fine lines and wrinkles. Opt for a satin finish if you have mature combination skin or don’t want your foundation to highlight under-eye issues and enlarged pores. Use hydrating primers and setting products for the best results.
Money a bit tight? Take a look at Collection Cosmetics’ Lasting Performance Foundation with a satin finish. Alternatively, consider The Beauty Crop’s Dewy Bounce Skin Tint or Revolution’s Skin Silk Serum Foundation.
Other considerations
If you have sensitive skin, check ingredient labels to ensure products are free from fragrances and any other properties that may cause irritation. Look out for hypoallergenic foundations, such as MUA Pro which is available in Superdrug.
When it comes to coverage, you need to decide the look you want to achieve as well as your skin type. Full coverage foundation, for example, can look like a mask on some skin types. A good workaround is to go for a medium coverage foundation that is buildable to full coverage. For light coverage, a skin tint is often the best bet. Powder foundation has come on a lot in recent years and is available in mattifying and hydrating formats. They are definitely worth confisdering if you want light to medium coverage.
Yes, you can find the right foundation finish!
Because foundation plays such an important role in beauty routines, it is worth investing a bit of time into finding the right finish for you. As well as delivering longer wear, your ideal foundation finish will look more natural and deliver even coverage. By considering your skin’s needs, you will always buy the right product, save money and feel more confident about the way you look.
If you have found the mind-blowing number of foundation choices currently available a touch intimidating, just remember the finish as well as shade and you’ll soon be paired with your perfect match.
Comments