All your foundation questions, answered
How to find the best foundation according to your skin type
While there are various aspects at play, most MUAs agree that your skin type is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing a foundation. Having consulted with experts, we’ve broken down each recommendation for various skin types below:
- Foundation for dry skin: “Personally, I recommend thinner textures or something that’s got more humectants. Ingredients-wise, you want to be looking for hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to make sure that the formula will help maintain that hydration,” says Sarah Lyth, makeup artist and national education manager at NARS. Meanwhile, Jamie Coombes, international pro artist at Dior advises to “avoid mattifying or powdery formulas for dry skin, as these can accentuate flakiness and fine lines.”
- Foundation for oily skin/acne-prone skin: “Look for oil-free, mattifying and non-comedogenic formulas for acne-prone or oily skin. Water-based liquid foundations with a satin matte or natural-matte finish will help control shine while still allowing the skin to breathe,” shares Jamie. That said, Sarah also believes that those with oily or acne-prone skin can also rock dewy and radiant formulas: “I don’t think that just because you’re oily, you can’t have a radiant complexion. It all comes down to how you prep the skin to receive those products,” she adds.
- Foundation for sensitive skin: “For sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free, plant-based and hypoallergenic foundations. Lightweight, mineral-based or skincare-infused formulas with ingredients like aloe vera, wild pansy extract or chamomile that can help soothe and protect the skin barrier,” suggests Jamie. “Avoid heavy, alcohol-based or overly matte formulas, which can cause irritation and dryness. A natural-finish, light-to-medium coverage foundation is ideal for a comfortable, breathable feel,” he shares.
How to shade match yourself correctly, according to MUAs
If you have the opportunity to test a foundation in-store, Jamie recommends using a “stripe testing” technique, which involves applying foundation “along the jawline and neck, blending them slightly to assess how well they match. The ideal shade should blend seamlessly into the skin without any visible contrast,” he shares.
Sarah also points out that ideally, you should have at least two shades of foundation throughout the year. “Nobody is the same shade all year round. And our complexion actually tends to change month to month as well. And if you’re someone who regularly uses fake tan, be sure to keep that in mind when choosing your foundation.” Sarah recommends considering both your “tan” shade and you “natural” shade.
Which undertone am I: cool, neutral or warm?
If you’re trying to pick a foundation online, Jamie recommends familiarising yourself with your undertone. “If your skin has pink, red, or blue hues and your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. And if your skin tans easily and has golden, yellow, or peachy hues, and your veins appear greenish olive, you have warm undertones,” he shares. Those with neutral undertones will spot that their “veins might appear a muted blue-green,” Jamie adds.
According to Sarah, you can also determine your undertone by carefully assessing your jewellery choices. “More often than not, if you look better in silver jewellery, you’ll be a cool undertone. Do you look better in gold? You’ll be a warm undertone. Can you get away with both? Then you’re most likely to be a neutral.”
“Testing in natural daylight is advised for the best colour match, as department stores often have too many conflicting light sources,” says Jamie.
Brush, makeup sponge or hands – which is the best tool to apply foundation?
While it all comes down to your personal preference, you should know that your choice of tool will affect the final result, so to help you decide, Jamie and Sarah have broken down their favourite methods:
- Foundation brush: “Make sure to use the right brush, as it may leave streaks if not blended well. Make sure it is freshly clean, high-quality, with a light, buildable application for best results. It’s easier to add a little at a time than too much and wipe it off,” shares Jamie. “Avoid applying too much pressure, as you will be using the side of the brush bristles, which could reduce the buffed-in effect,” he adds. Sarah also points out that “the brush is only as good as the wrist that’s using it,” so it may not be the best option for novices.
- Makeup sponge: “ Sponges such as the Dior Backstage Blender are great for that airbrushed effect by pressing your foundation into the skin,” says Jamie. He also recommends using a damp sponge for a more natural, dewy finish. “I think. that a beauty blender is the most beginner-friendly option if you’re not too keen on using your hands,” says Sarah.
- Hands: “Hands and fingers are great for warming up and melting the foundation into the skin for a natural finish. They are also best for lightweight products. However, they can be messy and not suitable for full coverage,” shares Jamie. Meanwhile, Sarah describes hands as her go-to method for applying foundation: “There’s nothing like your hands to really give that true pro approach for secure coverage,” she adds.
What is the best way to apply foundation?
First of all, it’s important to keep in mind that your application will largely depend on whether or not you’re going for a more natural result or a “full glam” look.
“During the daytime, less is more when it comes to maintenance. Always prepare your skin with the appropriate skincare that meets your needs, and even out your complexion with a lightweight foundation or skin tint using your chosen applicator,” shares Jamie.
“Typically, apply a small amount of product with your fingers, starting from the centre and then buffing out with a brush for a bare-skin look. Conceal any imperfections using a precise conceal application to avoid overloading,” he adds.
“For a full glam look, use a long-wearing medium to full-coverage foundation, applying it using a dense foundation brush such as the Dior Backstage Brush no 12 or layering it using a damp sponge for an airbrushed finish,” Jamie adds.
According to Jamie, the key to a seamless base is to build up the coverage in thin layers as opposed to slathering on multiple pumps of foundation at once. And regardless of the look you’re going for, Jamie suggests finishing everything off with a loose setting powder where necessary and use a few spritzes of a quality setting spray to deliver a lasting result.
How to make foundation last longer
First and foremost, Jamie reiterates that skin prep is key: don’t forget to use a nice hydrating serum and a quality moisturiser before even thinking about putting on makeup. “A well-hydrated skin prevents the foundation from clinging to dry patches and enhancing fine lines,” he says.
Another equally important step is to use the right primer. “A gripping primer for longevity or a mattifying primer for oily skin can help the foundation adhere to your skin.”
An interesting tip that Jamie suggests implementing is to lightly powder your complexion before applying foundation. “I like setting the complexion with hydrating powder before applying foundation. It’s an old trick, but it effectively seals in the skincare and primer, creating a perfect texture for the foundation pigment to adhere to. Applying thin layers of product blends better and lasts longer than thick applications. Then, a light dusting of powder in key areas,” he adds.
Finally, don’t sleep your setting spray. Jamie shares that “a long-wear setting spray helps lock in the foundation and prevent separation,” making it an essential step if you want your foundation to last.
On the hunt for more foundation-related content? Check out our guides on best full-coverage foundation, best stick foundation, best lightweight foundation, best serum foundation. Don’t forget to read up on our reviews on the Il Makiage foundation, TirTir foundation and the Armani Luminous Silk foundation.
