Written By Indi Ary - June 01 2017
Hello Cruelty Free Beauties,
Today we will be discussing the differences between foundations. Why? Because we get asked ALL the time about foundations and what makes each one different.
We decided to break down this lecture into several sections, just like a college course. Because one blog post or article is not enough. Foundations can be quite extensive and there are a lot of nuances. As such, to really understand foundations we need to dive into each one and discuss it thoroughly.
By the end of this lecture series you too will be an expert in foundations!
Soooo let's get started!
Introduction:
Each foundation type does something different, has different bases, is best suited for different skin types, offer different coverage and produce a different overall finish.
Throughout this series, this post and future post, we will offer "Definitions" in the introduction section for those who want a basic understanding of the makeup concepts discussed. Also you will see "Best For" throughout the post to denote what that foundation is best good for: either skin type or look.
There are 3 major groups of foundations: Liquid, Cream (Creme) and Powder.
Within each group are subgroups.
Liquid: liquid, gel, spray, airbrush and cushion compact.
Cream: solid, soft, stick, powder to cream, cream to powder and mousse.
Powder: loose and pressed (does not include translucent/setting/finishing powders as these generally do not provide any color coverage but rather used after all makeup has been applied)
So basically, in total, there are 13 types of foundations!
Wow! That sure is a lot of foundation and a lot of choices... how best to choose your foundation is knowing the differences.
In this 101 introductory course we will discuss the main groups generally.
Knowing the basics is the best way to understand all the complexities of the 13 types of foundations and allow you to choose which one is best for you.
Factors:
The factors to consider when choosing a foundation are: skin type, skin condition (if any), desired coverage and desired finish.
Skin Types:
Dry: skin feels tight, lack of moisture from naturally occurring oils on the skin, visible cracks on the skin, dry patches, can be rough, dull, flaky, red, itchy, prone to early signs of aging and visible signs of aging
Sensitive: can be dry or oily but generally dry, main concern is that they are red, burning sensation, itchy, easily irritated, reactionary
Normal: not too dry or oily, balanced, generally radiant or even tone and texture
Combination: dry and oily patches, generally oily in T-zone area but dry everywhere else, shiny only in the oily areas after a couple of hours of washing face, breakouts around the oily areas
Oily: oily throughout the whole face, quickly becomes oily after washing face, larger pores, can be prone to breakouts, blackheads or whiteheads, skin is thicker and not sensitive, can also be dull from lack of radiance
Skin Conditions:
Dehydrated: lack of moisture from water NOT oil therefore it will feel tight, visible fine lines, still produces oil as those with acne can also be dehydrated, can be seasonal especially during winter months, absorbs foundation quickly leaving an oily sheen (the water is being absorbed but the color is remaining on the skin)
Acneic: generally oily but can also be dehydrated, several types of acne including cystic acne, whiteheads, blackheads, papule, milia, thick skin, not sensitive, can handle harsh chemicals, can be hormonal
Rosacea: inflammation of the skin, generally sensitive skin types, easily irritated, red bumps, itchiness, redness across face or on checks and chin, burning, bumps come and go but never form as a pimple or whitehead
Coverage:
Sheer: transparent, almost see through
Best for: running errands, for those who like tinted moisturizer
Light: second skin, evens out skin tone, covers some minor imperfections
Best for: day looks, for those who want some coverage without looking too done up
Medium: covers most discoloration, blemishes and imperfections
Best for: day looks that may lead to nights, office, important events where photos may be taken
Full: cover and conceal almost all discoloration, blemishes and imperfections
Best for: night looks, professional photo shoots, or any time you want to look flawless
Finishes:
Dewy: an almost wet look to the skin, looks super hydrated
Best for: those with dry, combination, sensitive or normal skin
Luminescent/Iridescent: adds a light, glow to the skin, the glow within look
Best for: those with dry, dull or sallow skin
Matte: no shine, no glow, nothing, just color
Best for: those with oily skin or those who don't want to look shiny
Now you know the very basics of foundations.
