How to choose the right foundation texture

Photo: Lacey for Vogue China

Photo: Lacey for Vogue China

How to choose your foundation

Certainly the more frequent question about makeup

Most women have a love and hate relationship with foundation… and I can relate.

Finding yourself at Sephora looking for your shade, buying it and realizing a few days later that you picked the wrong color… been there, done that.

It happens to the best of us and yes it did happen to me too when I was just discovering foundation. 

Choosing a foundation, selecting the right color, applying it… I will give you all my tips and explanations.

This first post about foundation will focus on the texture to choose.

Always choose your foundation based on your skin type

Before buying a foundation, the first thing to do is know your skin type.

Why ?

Because there are several textures or types of foundations and each of them gives different results on different skin type.

What is your kin type ?

In the article about the products to use in your skincare routine, I described the skin types :

  • Normal

  • Combination

  • Dry

  • Oily

  • Sensitive

Read the article to find which description matches your skin type.

If you have any question, do not hesitate to contact me.

The different foundations textures 

A texture for any skin type

Now that you know your skin type, let’s find out which is the right texture for you :

  • liquid foundations

  • powder foundations

  • cream foundations

Let’s go deeper into the subject.

how-to-choose-foundation-texture

Liquid foundation

Suitable for all skin types

Photo : Lancôme

Liquid foundation can be used for any skin type, from dry to oily, to normal to sensitive.

Women with wrinkles and fine lines can use it too.

Liquid foundation is the easiest to work with and to apply. 

With this type of foundation, you can go from very light to medium coverage or even full coverage using multiple layers.

You can apply it with a brush, your fingers or a sponge.

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Powder foundations

The perfect match for oily skin

Photo : Melissa Gimeno

If you have oily skin and want to stay away from shiny skin, powder foundation is the perfect match.

Powder foundation can be of medium coverage if used dry and with a brush.

If you want a full coverage, use a wet sponge to apply it.

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Cream foundations

Best for dry skin but…

The creamy texture gives a smoother and richer finish to dry skin.

It will make it look healthier and glowy.

Due to its consistency it can offer a full coverage and when used sparingly, a medium coverage.

As a professional makeup artist, this foundation texture is the one I use the most.

I know how to apply it on any skin tone and to make it look like skin.

What changes is the way I prep the skin.

If you are not experienced in makeup and usualy in a hurry in the morning, I do not advice you use cream foundations.

Cream foundations can give a cakey look really quickly if not used correctly.

If you want to learn how to use cream foundation despite that, do not hesitate to leave your questions in the comments section.

You can also join my list, I offer makeup tips and offers online makeup classes to my subscribers.

What about BB cream ?

Foundation + cream = BB cream

During my makeup classes, I am always asked about BB cream.

A BB cream is also called a tinted moisturizer.

It is basically a foundation mixed a cream.

If you are looking for the lightest coverage possible, it is you best option.

And sensitive skin ?

Choose the texture you prefer but always be gentle

If you have senstive skin, you should be careful about the brands you use, the quality of the products and the composition.

The different foundation textures can be a good match for sensitive skin.

Always be very gentle when applying your makeup.

Any questions ?

Hope you now have the answer to all your questions

Next time you want to buy a foundation, do not look at the color first.

Check your skin type and then choose the texture.

The next article will be about the foundation color.

As said previously, if any question leave it in the comment.

Hope you enjoyed this article.

See you soon.

Yours in beauty, 

Francine O.