Even when you find the right colour foundation for your skin tone, it doesn’t mean the foundation will work for you. Here is a comprehensive guide to choosing the best foundation formula for your skin type:
Liquid foundations with a matt finish
- They provide full coverage and are perfect for hiding imperfections.
These foundations are suited to oily skin types without being too drying.
Stay away from this foundation formula if you:
- Have very dry skin, as the product can settle into fine lines and creases, and look cakey.
- Don’t need full coverage.
- Prefer a dewy, youthful look.
Liquid foundations with a moisturising, dewy finish
- These foundations provide a light to medium coverage for a more natural look.
- They provide a dewy, fresh finish as opposed to a matt finish.
- These foundations are suitable for a drier skin because they have a more moisturising formula.
Stay away from this foundation formula if you:
- Have oily skin – the extra moisture and dewiness might make it worse.
- Prefer full coverage.
- Don’t like a glowy, dewy foundation look.
Anti-ageing or serum foundations
- These foundations contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid to target the visible signs of ageing.
- Anti-ageing foundations are moisturising and won’t settle between fine lines and wrinkles.
- These products are often more expensive, as they contain anti-ageing ingredients.
Stay away from this foundation formula if you:
- Have oily skin, as an anti-ageing formula might be too rich for your skin.
- Are prone to skin irritations from active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.
- Don’t have mature skin.
Powder foundation
- These foundations provide a matt finish and fuller coverage.
- Powder foundations are more compact to carry around and are perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
- You can often combine powder foundations with other foundations for better coverage.
Stay away from this foundation formula if you:
- Have very dry skin.
- Have extremely oily skin, as this can cause powder formulas to clump or oxidise.
Tinted moisturisers and BB and CC creams
- These products are moisturising and provide a sheer coverage for an even skin tone.
- They often contain a high SPF and skin-replenishing ingredients, making them truly multitasking products.
- These products are amazing if you don’t like the feeling of foundation on your face.
Stay away from this foundation formula if you:
- Prefer full coverage.
- Are prone to skin irritations from certain active skincare ingredients.
Stick foundations
- Stick foundations offer medium to full coverage, especially if you want to cover specific areas of the face.
- The formula tends to be creamy and easily blendable.
- They are perfect for touch-ups on the go.
Stay away from this foundation formula if you:
- Are prone to breakouts, as the creamy, waxy formula can clog pores.
PHOTO: iStock/pogrebkov
