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The evolution of Foundation TypesWhen our mothers were our age, the commonly used foundation types were thick and hard to manage. The color choices were limited, and only three forms were available: liquid, cream-to-powder, and pressed powder. Makeup has come a long way in that it is now lightweight, luminescent, and in some instances can now be literally sprayed on the face with a light mist of air using an airbrush. Science and packaging has evolved so much that foundation types are available in all types of ingredients. Keep in mind that not only is application important, it is vital. Makeup that tends to be thicker and drier is very difficult to blend, but provides more coverage. Light makeup is easy to blend, but fails to cover the skin’s imperfections. I encourage you to take your time and find a solution you're comfortable with. There are so many different foundation types on the market, so there's no need to rush. Now it's time to choose your Level of Coverage: Sheer makeup is good for light, natural coverage. Light coverage is perfect for women with flawless skin. Medium coverage is a good choice for those of us with some discoloration, a few acne scars, and maybe some freckles or broken blood vessels. Heavy or full coverage foundations offer the most camouflage. They're good for covering burns, birthmarks, bruising, melasma, and scars. Makeup is generally used for balancing out the skin tone and concealing blemishes. Now that healthy vitamins and minerals are being included as part of the ingredients, it helps the skin to be healthier and stronger. The information below tells you all about the different foundation types, as well as level of coverage and which skin types they are commonly used for.  Different Foundation Types◈Tinted Moisturizer: If you don’t need a lot of coverage, but want a product that evens out skin tone and relieves dry skin, this may be for you. Tinted moisturizer softens and protects the skin, while adding only a hint of color. It contains the least amount of coverage for all foundations.The advantage is that you will not have to apply moisturizer if you wear this foundation type because it’s already included. Most provide SPF protection, are available in different shades, and are quick and easy to apply. A couple of disadvantages are that it may give shiny appearance to the skin, and it will not cover blemishes. Perfect for the following skin types: dry, sensitive, combination and normal. Level of coverage: Very light ◈Mousse or Whipped Foundation: Mousse makeup is liquid makeup with air whipped in, making it lighter and smoother. It comes in a spray-type can or clear glass container, and the texture is like whipped cream. This foundation type provides great coverage but you feel like you've got nothing on. It's lightweight and easy to apply. The best way to apply it is with your fingers. If your skin is a little on the dry side, apply a moisturizer first, and you should be fine. Lasts all day. It costs more than other cosmetics because you're paying for the added air and specialized packaging. Whipped makeup is good for all skin types, but it's especially nice for those with dry skin because of its tendency to go on smoothly instead of caking up in facial lines. Level of coverage: Medium ◈Liquid Foundation: You might like this formulation best because it applies so smoothly and is easily found at your local drugstore. You can enhance the smoothness by putting it on with a slightly damp makeup sponge. A couple of advantages are that the oil or emollient part of this type of makeup provides good movement, which allows blushes and eyeshadows to blend easily over the face. You can buff away any mistakes with a sponge. One disadvantage is that if you have oily or combination skin, you may find yourself with shine almost immediately after applying. You'll often see liquid makeup in waterproof , smudgeproof or even 24-hour versions. These specialized mixtures contain oils and waxy ingredients, causing some sensitive wearers slight skin irritation. If you start having problems with breakouts when wearing waterproof makeup, switch to a non-waterproof type and see if it helps. Perfect for dry and normal skin types. Level of coverage: Medium ◈Cream-to-Powder: One of the most popular makeup options is cream-to-powder foundation. It goes on creamy, but dries to a powder finish that lasts all day. You'll find cream to powder makeup in compacts that look like powder, or in tubes or bottles. This foundation type blends on quickly and easily and provide a semi-matte or powdery finish. This type of foundation doesn't require powdering after you apply it. If you wish to use powder, make sure you apply it as lightly as possible to avoid a caked, heavy look. Be careful not to overdo it, and produce a made-up look. Cream-to-Powder doesn't work well if you have oily skin because the cream components can make your skin look more oily. Believe me, I've tried it, and was left with too much shine! Perfect for the following skin types: dry, combination, normal. Level of coverage: medium to heavy (full) ◈Stick Foundation: One of the newer formulations, but is gaining popularity. It provides all the benefits of a cream foundation in a convenient stick form. It goes on creamy, but dries to a smooth, satiny finish. You will find it in a twist-up container, which allows for convenient touch-ups throughout the day. The benefits are similar to cream-to-powder in that it blends on quickly and easily, and doesn't require powdering after you apply it. If you wish to use powder, make sure you apply a sheer powder to avoid a caked, heavy look. Be careful not to apply too much, as you will appear overly made up. There are some formulations that are great for oily skin, but I suggest testing before purchasing. Perfect for the following skin types: dry, oily, combination, normal. Level of coverage: medium ◈Powder Foundation: This type of makeup combines powder and foundation that provides great coverage and is easy to apply. Designed to be used dry, the powder and pigment provide a matte, velvety texture. This is one of my personal favorite foundation types because it is so convenient. They’re convenient, blend on easily, last all day, generally don't change color, and feel light on the skin. They are the best choice if you want a polished appearance. They also work very well over sunscreens, and can help take down the shine some sunscreen ingredients can leave on the skin. An advantage is that it is not a good option if you have any amount of flaky skin. The powder content makes this type too drying for someone with dry skin. Perfect for the following skin types: oily, combination, normal. Level of coverage: medium to heavy ◈Mineral Foundation: Mineral foundation types are the latest thing in makeup. Their popularity came about in part due to the fact that the foundation has very few ingredients, so it tends to be perfect for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Brush on minerals with a powder brush, building up layers of nearly-invisible powder. Mineral makeup has been compared with the airbrush in creating a flawless appearance. A few advantages is that it's hypoallergenic, usually contains an SPF of 20, and comes in many different shades. Most lines offer a few shades of powder with each purchase, so you can mix and match until you find your perfect color. Many mineral makeup wearers swear that not only does it provide them with great looking coverage, but that it actually improves the quality of their skin. Perfect for all skin types. Level of coverage: Light to medium An attractive makeup application must begin with a product that blends smoothly and evenly with your skin. Even if you feel that you need makeup that provides good coverage, make sure it covers your flaws or blemishes without looking cakey. Your primary goal is to be sure it matches your skin exactly. Avoid buying a product that will alter skin color because in daylight or office lighting, it will appear completely unnatural. For women of different ethnicities, skin is almost always some shade of neutral ivory, beige, tan, dark brown, bronze brown or ebony, with a very slight yellow undertone. Some Latinas and Black women have a red cast to their skin, and some Indian women may have an ashy undertone. Makeup should follow these tones exactly, avoiding any unnatural looking skin colors. You can dust on a bronzing powder to combat ashiness, or apply a sheer powder (with red undertones) if you want to preserve the red cast, preferably in the cheek area. Remember to apply lightly. Return from Foundation Types to Foundation Makeup home page
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