How many foundation ad campaigns have you seen like the one above? A ton, I presume – and all promising beautiful, clear, radiant skin. But then you try it on yourself and it looks a mess, doesn’t it? There are countless foundations on the market today, and the first step to finding a foundation you want is figuring out what type of foundation will suit your skin type and your preferences. (And before we start, if you don’t know your skin type, find out here.)
Sure; there are millions upon millions (OK, might be exaggerating a bit) different foundations formulas from airbrush, spray, wipe on, mineral, solid stick – but they are basically one of these three formulas:
Left to right: Compact/Pressed Foundation, Liquid Foundation, and Loose Powder.
Compact/Pressed Foundation
Said to be one of the heavier finishes, compact foundation (or pressed powder) used to have a bad rep as being too thick and full of talc like in the olden days – the heavier formula absorbs oil instantly and gives a heavier coverage, so some are a little hesitant!
However, today there are many different ingredients used that help skin look fresh, matte, smooth, and not heavy at all.
- Great for those with oily or combination skin.
- Covers large pores.
- Portable and convenient packaging for touch-ups.
- Absorbs oil instantly for quick touch ups during the day for busy women.
Liquid Foundations
The most popular formula, they range from sheer tints to heavier coverages. It’s easy to apply and the most hygienic packaging are pump bottles.
- Suits most skin types, but those with oily skin will have to top it off with powder.
- Oil free formulas will suit oily skin.
- Gives a slightly dewy look.
- Can be applied by sponges, brushes or your fingertips.
Loose Powder
Depending on your application (and layers), loose powder can be used sheer or heavy. Normally applied with a fluffy brush or kabuki brush – mineral makeup foundations are normally in loose powder formulas.
- Suitable for any skin type, but dry skin may need a liquid underneath.
- Instant oil absorption.
- Very matte finish, no shine at all.
What type of foundation do you use? I’m personally not a big fan (probably will be in the future though) so for now I’m still using a translucent loose powder base by Aubrey Organics most of the time, (review here) or Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer when extra coverage is needed. 
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I use NYC mineral powder foundation. I’ve used it every day for a month or so and no breakouts or irritations (my skin is combination) :p sheer coverage (but that’s enough for me right now), matte look. so I’ll probably stick to this one !
That’s great about no breakouts! That is what’s so awesome about mineral makeup, you’re not putting crazy stuff on your face that clogs pores!
hi, renee! i like foundation; it’s a need for me… at least for special occasions … i have some scars on my nose so it have to cover them for holidays and stuff… but on normal days i’m just a sunscreen-girl! i’m currently using Revlon’s colorstay liquid base for oily/combination skin (i have oily nose and forehead).. it’s great!!! and also cheap!!!
Hey Lorlori!
How’s the exercising going?
Making me proud still? Hehe…
Glad to hear Revlon has worked for you! I’ve never tried their makeup except eyeshadows (which I love, highly recommended!) and their mascaras (which I don’t recommend haha). And I’m VERY happy to hear you are a sunscreen girl, please don’t ever stop!
right now i’m loving mineral make up in loose powder form…the downside to it is that it can be really messy sometimes…no can do for that last minute touch up!
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I love mineral makeup in loose formula too, think it’s my fave of all. Oh, and tinted liquid moisturizer is nice too
Which one are you currently using? I tried the one by The Body Shop and it’s pretty good!
And yes, it can be REALLY messy. Mine dropped a few times and my whole floor would be covered in powder. Then I scoop it up and put it back in the tub to use on my face again LOL.
Hi Renee! I’m really looking for a good kabuki brush. I’m thinking of buying the one from Make Up For Ever but I’m not decided yet on the price, cause it costs 50$
. I recently bought the HD foundation also from MUFE but I’m really interested in trying a mineral makeup foundation. I heard that ID bare is great for an oily complexion.
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Hey Tavia! Yikkesss $50 for a brush?! You’ll have to let me know about those HD foundations, I hear they are “the BEST” so I’d love to hear your review on it
And yes, mineral makeup is great! You can read my post on the pros and cons of mineral makeup too:
http://www.beautyfool.net/the-pros-and-cons-of-mineral-makeup/
The only thing with ID Bare Escentuals is that if you live in a place with a hot climate, it tends to get very itchy on the skin, in my experience. I think it’s due to the ingredient bismuth.
I would be lost without my loose mineral makeup. The thought of going back to liquid makes me cringe.
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Preach! I too cannot ever go back to ‘normal’ foundation, although I don’t have much experience on it, I love mineral/organic options and I trust them much more
Hello twin (:
Just a question, you mention using loose powder on top of liquid foundation if you have oily skin (you know my skin, it can get really oily and I use liquid foundation) and my question is whether this is something you recommend? Wouldn’t it be too heavy having two types on and wouldn’t it be even worse for your skin (i.e., makes it harder for it to “breathe”).
I’m thinking compact or loose foundation might be the way to go especially since it’s so much easier to touch up when you’re on the go! (:
Hey Nat!
Actually; liquid foundation, concealer and loose powder is the norm, so I don’t think it’s too heavy. However, I know what you mean though, because I had the same concerns, people always used to think I was crazy when I said my skin couldn’t breathe! The good thing about loose powder is that it is very fine so it won’t further clog your pores, a quick pat down your T-zone (or wherever you are most oily) will be completely fine.
Or, you can always use a compact foundation like you said: this only needs one ‘layer’ although because of this, it is quite thick. If you’re acne prone it may not be the best. Of course, it also depends on the brand. I heard that ones by Maybelline and MAC are so thick they look like masks
So you could do some research on good ones.
Furthermore, if you’re concerned about being too thick, clogging the pores, etc, I recommended mineral makeup. They are loose powder forms in ‘thicker’ form, but they are made out of minerals so it’s fantastic for the skin, and looks flawless too. The new one by Body Shop was really great and affordable, you can read my review here: http://www.beautyfool.net/the-body-shop-natures-minerals-foundation-review/
Ah! Tons of choices! So either;
1) Buy a loose powder to apply over your current liquid foundation, it won’t be too heavy ‘technically’, but we all have our preferences
2) Ditch the liquid and buy a compact foundation that is only one step but may be thick and clog pores, but great for touch ups.
3) Ditch all and switch to mineral makeup: good for skin, looks flawless and in powder form, so great for oily skin. However, very messy for touch ups. You can read my post on the Pros and Cons of Mineral makeup here: http://www.beautyfool.net/the-pros-and-cons-of-mineral-makeup/
Hope I helped… Let me know what you decided on!