Foundation being the most important part of a look, its selection requires a lot of effort. They come in a whole lot of textures and forms and almost all brands launch a whole number of them, each of them caters to a specific skin type or skin condition the most. So, in order to choose which one will be the right one for you. It’s good to have an idea about the foundation basics I discuss them in series what are these different textures and skin they are best for. If you are not sure about your skin type yet you can check out this post, what’s your skin type?
Starting now from the most commonly used texture
LIQUID FOUNDATIONS:
Liquid foundations are one of the most versatile and it’s also one of the most commonly used versions. Liquid foundation contains higher proportion of water and the liquid proportion decides the coverage it will provide. While in many the oil is replaced by alcohol, which evaporates leaving behind powder texture and coverage.
COVERAGE RANGE- Low-Full coverage
BEST FOR – Most skin types (see below for more detail)
Alcohol based foundation versions s – Best for greasy, very oily and oily skins
Water based foundation versions- Best for Combination- Oily skins
Oil Based foundation versions- Best for Normal ,dry and Mature skins.
Best for - most skin types (see below for specifics)
CREAM FOUNDATIONS:
Cream foundations are thicker compared to liquid foundations. And they are also among the most common along with liquids. They can be layered up to increase coverage. Special foundations for skin which has faced any trauma, most are also created in cream version of foundation because of their ease of being buildable.
COVERAGE RANGE – Medium to Full Coverage
BEST FOR – Mature skin, dry skins or slightly oily-combination skin types.
MINERAL/POWDER FOUNDATIONS:
Powder foundations are a basic combination of talc and pigment, while Mineral foundations are designed with usage of least chemicals and some also have some added minerals, natural ingredients which claim to be beneficial for the skin while providing coverage. Mineral foundations can vary from liquid to powder versions. And they are not very heavy on skin.
COVERAGE RANGE - Light-Medium
BEST FOR – Normal, combination, oily and skins which are prone to acne, sensitive skin.
MOUSSE FOUNDATIONS:
Mousse foundations have a unique texture; it’s a foundation with an air whipped formula. They glide over skin with a creamy consistency and they dry to a matte finish. They can be a plus for mature skin has they have less tendency to settle in fine lines.
COVERAGE RANGE: Light –Medium
BEST FOR –Most skin types, mature skins
CAKE FOUNDATIONS
Cake foundations are the thickest of all foundations. They are basically focused to be used in theatrical and media. They are high water and perspiration resistant and are made to standup against harsh lights. This format is used in some countries with extreme heat and in some countries it’s also used for bridal makeover, as they this type of foundation is pretty cheap considering its heavy usage and yet provides great coverage. They can look really heavy and un-natural, and can cause heavy skin clogging and is not recommended to be used frequently.
How many of these have you tried till now? Which type of foundation do you use? Now knowing the texture you can easily get the one which works for you next time you plan to buy one.
Want to know what’s the difference between sheer and full coverage and what is build-able coverage check the post about it here.