Ask ten girls to name their one be-all-end-all makeup product and all of them will say ‘foundation’ even before you can complete the question. The art of perfecting foundation makeup is perhaps the first skill that a makeup beginner learns and rightly so. Well, if you’re still struggling with getting that base right, you’ve landed at the right place. Here begins your journey to finding the best foundation for your skin tone.
But before we begin, it’s important to learn about the different formulations of foundation so that you can take your pick.
1. Liquid Foundation
Easily the popular variant, liquid foundations have a lot to offer. From creating a dewy or matte finish to providing light, medium or full coverage, a bottle of liquid foundation is highly recommended for a beginner.
Nykaa Recommends:
2. Stick Foundation
A foundation stick makes the application super-easy and non-messy. Especially recommended for women who are always on the go, you can carry this beauty in your handbag for easy retouches, without worrying about the chances of an accidental spillage.
Nykaa Recommends:
Nykaa SKINgenius Foundation Stick Conceal Contour & Corrector
3. Cream Foundation
The perfect foundation for dry skin, cream formulas provides medium to high coverage and leaves your skin with a smooth texture. However, if not blended well, they can end up looking cakey and unflattering.
Nykaa Recommends:
4. Mousse Foundation
Mousse or whipped foundation have very little air whipped into them. This manufacturing process makes the foumula lighter and smoother, so it goes on your skin a little easier. Good for mature skin as it’s less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.
Nykaa Recommends:
5. Powder Foundation
Much like your regular compact but with higher coverage abilities, powder foundations come in two options – pressed and loose. Both are perfect for almost all skin types and can be easily carried anywhere for easy foundation makeup reapplications.
Nykaa Recommends:
NYX Professional Makeup Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation
How To Apply Foundation
Though it looks pretty simple, most women still have their questions about how to apply foundation on face. So, if you’re done with all those confusing video tutorials, here’s the foundation makeup tutorial you need.
- Firstly, start with a clean canvas. Use a mild face wash to wash off any dirt or grime that might have settled on your face.
- Next up, prep your face with a lightweight moisturizer.
- Now it’s time to apply an even layer of a face primer. A primer helps your base makeup to stay as long as you want it to.
- Next up is the concealer. Target acne spots, pimple marks, pigmentation around the mouth or any other face imperfections with your trusted concealer.
- Then, it’s finally time for your foundation. Whatever product you use, remember to blend it well since blending is the key to a flawless complexion.
- Last up, set your base with a compact. Proceed to eye and lip makeup to complete the look.
When it comes to picking the perfect foundation, you need to keep three things in mind – skin tone, skin type and coverage. To get the uncanny shade that blends naturally with your skin, you must try and experiment. But for the other two factors, we can help you out! Here’s a list of our favorite foundations you can choose as per your skin type and coverage needs.
FOR OILY SKIN
Is your skin naturally glossy like a glazed doughnut? Does your foundation resemble a greasy, messy goop by noon? We totally relate to your makeup struggles! You need an awesome foundation that controls excess oil, doesn’t cake up and stays in place through the day.
1. Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+Poreless Liquid Foundation
A must-try for all with oily skin types, this lightweight product is sure to impress you. True to its name, it evens out your skin, leavesg it poreless and is extremely comfortable to wear. If you’re looking for sheer to medium coverage, this is your best bet.
Our secret ‘tried and tested’ reason to opt for this beauty? The matte finish lasts much longer than usual, making this a pocket-friendly, all-day base.
2. L'oreal Paris Infallible 24hr Matte Cover Foundation
Need a failproof, perfect camouflage that covers up your acne and blemishes? Try this full coverage, oil-absorbent formula that helps control oil on your face. The matte affect is to die for and makes your skin look supernaturally flawless!
Cherry on the top? It comes with SPF 16 P+++ to protect your skin from sun damage. And it lasts for 24 even-toned hours.
FOR NORMAL SKIN
You’re neither here nor there when it comes to choosing foundations. Some make your skin break out and look greasy, while the others make your skin flaky and patchy. The perfect foundation that suits normal skin must be oil-free, yet hydrating and shouldn’t cake up
1. Revlon Colorstay Makeup For Normal / Dry Skin
We absolutely love two things about this godsent foundation – it has a moisture-balancing formula and it’s made with ‘Time Release’ technology. Meaning? It’ll last super long and keep your moisture intact without moving towards either extremes – dry or oily.
Another fabulous product that guarantees upto 24 hours of coverage, it is great for medium coverage.
2. Makeup Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation
For full coverage and flawless finish, this foundation is a must-have. It hides acne and blemishes seamlessly. It’s semi-matte formula leaves your skin dewy fresh, and ready for those perfect Insta moments. And to top it off, its completely vegan too.
What we love about this magic stick? It melts into your skin and blends seamlessly. What more do you need?
Thirsty skin? Say goodbye to your dry woes and pick a foundation that hydrates and nourishes your skin along with giving you a flawless coverage. Keep in mind that if you have dry skin, heavyweight and full-coverage foundations tend to show flakes. Stick to sheer to medium intensity.
1. SUGAR Ace Of Face Foundation Stick
And ‘Ace of Face’ it is. This miracle medium to high coverage product blurs away pores, fine lines, dark circles and blemishes. It’s cream-based formula blends perfectly on dry skin with its handy in-built brush and keeps a soft matte finish lasting almost 12 hours.
Flaunt your always-picture-perfect skin with this wonder stick, that by the way, fits perfectly into your handbag.
2. Lotus Make-Up Ecostay Intensive Serum Foundation
What better way to cover up your imperfections lightly with a nourishing, natural serum? Its ultra-fluid formula defies signs of aging and hydrates your skin from within. When you use this sheer coverage serum, you’ll observe an almost invisible film of foundation, nestling on your skin for a flawless evened out tone.
It’s got the goodness of Bulgarian roses and Vitamin E in it.
You Ask, We Answer
It’s finally time for a quick FAQ session where we’re addressing the most commonly asked questions about all things foundation. So here goes.
Q: How do I know if I have cool or warm undertones?
A: There are several ways to determine if you have cool undertones or warm undertones. The easiest is to look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they are bluish, you have cool undertones and if they are greenish, then you have warm undertones.
Q: What tool is the best while blending foundation – brush or blender?
A: Both, the makeup brush as well as a beauty blender have their own sets of pros and cons. Go with whatever works better for you.
Beauty blenders don’t leave blend lines behind. They absorb no product and hence, give maximum coverage with minimal foundation. Also, it’s soft surface is gentle on skin, making it an ideal choice of women with sensitive or dry skin. However, they can be a tad bit more expensive than brushes.
Makeup brushes, on the other hand, help you with precise application and layered coverage. However, the bristles can be a breeding place for bacteria, that can further lead to skin problems. Hence, brushes need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
