Foundation is a makeup product you apply to your face to create an even, uniform color to your complexion, cover flaws, and, sometimes, change the natural skin tone. You might use it daily or for special occasions. It comes in various forms like liquid, powder, and cream, and can offer different finishes such as matte, natural, or dewy. This guide will lead you through the essentials of foundation, including how to choose the right shade and type for your skin, tips for application to achieve a flawless look, and how to make sure it lasts all day. Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, there's a foundation out there for you, and we'll help you find it.
Choosing the Right Foundation Shade
Selecting the perfect foundation shade is crucial for achieving a natural, seamless look. Begin by determining your skin's undertone: cool, warm, or neutral. Cool undertones have hints of pink or blue, warm undertones are peachy, golden, or yellow, and neutral is a mix of both. Test foundation shades along your jawline in natural light; the right shade will disappear into your skin. It's often recommended to test a few shades side by side to find the best match. Remember, your skin tone can change with the seasons, so you might need a lighter shade in winter and a darker one in summer.
Consider the following points when selecting a foundation shade:
- Undertone: Identify whether you have cool, warm, or neutral undertones.
- Test Area: Always test the foundation on your jawline, not your hand.
- Natural Light: Check the foundation match in natural daylight for the most accurate result.
- Seasonal Changes: Be prepared to adjust your foundation shade with the change of seasons.
Choosing the right foundation shade ensures a natural-looking base, making it appear as though you're not wearing makeup at all. The goal is to enhance your skin, not mask it, so take your time to find the perfect match.
Application Techniques for a Flawless Finish
Achieving a flawless foundation finish is all about the right application technique. Start with a clean, moisturized face to ensure smooth application. If you have dry skin, a hydrating primer can provide a moisture boost, while a mattifying primer works well for oily skin. Use a foundation brush, sponge, or your fingertips to apply the foundation, starting from the center of your face and blending outward. For a sheer look, use a damp beauty sponge; for fuller coverage, a foundation brush is your best bet.
Steps for a flawless foundation application:
- Moisturize and prime your skin according to your skin type.
- Dispense a small amount of foundation onto the back of your hand.
- Apply in sections, starting from the center of the face.
- Blend outward using your chosen tool-brush, sponge, or fingers.
- Build coverage as needed, focusing on areas that require more attention.
A flawless foundation application can make all the difference in your makeup look. It creates an even canvas for the rest of your makeup, ensuring everything else you apply looks better and lasts longer.
What to Look For in Foundation for Oily Skin
When shopping for foundation, consider your skin type, desired coverage, and finish. Applying makeup on oily skin can be a real challenge, from constantly dealing with midday shine to finding the right makeup formula that actually stays put. "Most oily skin types face shorter wear time with certain products, specifically foundation, eye shadow and blush," explains Anna De La Cruz, director of brand development for Glo Skin Beauty, licensed esthetician and self-proclaimed product junkie. "This is why it's imperative to choose the right product depending on your skin's specific needs. If not, you deal with the ramifications of an unflattering oily shine throughout the day and formula separation, which can accentuate fine lines and pores."
While finding the right makeup that will work well with your overactive sebaceous glands is half the battle, De La Cruz says the other part of the equation involves keeping your skin clean, healthy and well-moisturized. "Key product descriptors to look for when on the hunt for makeup products that work well with oilier skin types are: oil-absorbing, mattifying, oil-free and long-wear. Also, by assuring skin is properly prepped, eyeshadow and face makeup will last longer, help control oily, unwanted shine and take a makeup look to the next level."
Key Considerations for Oily Skin Foundations:
- Skin Type: Select a formula compatible with your skin type (oily, combination).
- Coverage: Decide between sheer, medium, or full coverage based on your needs.
- Finish: Choose a matte finish to help control shine.
- Ingredients: Look for beneficial ingredients like salicylic acid to help with texture and blemishes, and avoid heavy emollients.
Ingredients to Look For:
Salicylic acid is a key ingredient to look for in a foundation, according to experts. While it's powerful in cleansers, serums, and acne treatments, salicylic acid also helps resurface skin texture, clear dead skin cells, and even out your skin tone when infused into a foundation.
Hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are not only okay, but actually helpful. A common misconception is that oily skin doesn't need hydration, but "dehydrated skin is [caused by] a lack of water, not oil-so you can actually have an oily complexion but still have dehydrated skin," explains Ross C. Radusky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Therefore, you should enlist a foundation containing some form of hyaluronic acid to increase hydration and strengthen your skin's moisture barrier. This way, less water escapes. Antioxidants (like vitamins C and E) that have anti-inflammatory properties and fight off destructive free radicals are also beneficial.
Ingredients to Avoid for Oily Skin:
In terms of specific ingredients to avoid, some makeup artists call out ingredients like myristyl myristate, a waxy emollient found in some foundations. Generally speaking, "anything that is heavy-like petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin-has the potential to clog pores," they add. Also off the table are certain oils. "Avoid ingredients like jojoba or any other types of oils or emollients," as these can make oily skin look shinier.
Should You Use Matte Foundation for Oily Skin?
According to makeup artist Alondra Excene, oily skin types aren’t limited to using matte formulas, but it is helpful. "I don’t carry ‘matte foundation’ in my kit; I use products that I can get multiple finishes out of," she adds. “It depends on what you want the finished look to be (glowy, matte, etc.).”
However, for those specifically seeking to combat shine, a matte finish is often preferred. It helps to absorb excess oil throughout the day, providing a more polished appearance.
Best Foundation Recommendations for Oily Skin
Finding a foundation that stays put and looks good on oily skin all day can be a challenge. Here are some highly-rated options:
Drugstore Options:
- Maybelline Fit Me Matte And Poreless Liquid Foundation: This has been a go-to for many. It's formulated specifically for normal to oily skin, containing "flexible micro-powders to control shine and blur pores throughout the day." It offers medium coverage that can be built up, with a natural finish that doesn't feel heavy.
- NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop 24HR Full Coverage Matte Foundation: For those who prefer full coverage, this foundation claims 24 hours of wear, is waterproof, transfer-proof, and humidity-proof. It boasts an ultra-matte finish, high pigmentation, and shine control.
- L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation: This foundation is known for its claims of 24-hour wear and resistance to heat, humidity, and sweat. It offers medium, buildable coverage with a soft-matte finish that controls oil without looking dry or powdery. Note that it may be harder to find, so its availability might be changing.
High-End Options:
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation: A popular choice for oily skin due to its impressive 24-hour wear and flawless, natural matte finish. It helps control oil throughout the day and resists sweat, heat, humidity, and water. It offers medium coverage that can be built to full and comes in a vast shade range.
- Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation: This is a full-coverage, natural matte foundation with sweat and water-proof longwear. It contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and is available in 55 shades, covering various undertones.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation: Known for its extensive shade range (40+ shades), this foundation offers a soft-matte finish with buildable medium coverage that feels lightweight. It's formulated to be resistant to sweat and humidity.
Tips for Making Foundation Last All Day on Oily Skin
To ensure your foundation lasts throughout the day, consider these additional tips:
- Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean, well-moisturized face. Even oily skin needs hydration. Use a mattifying primer to create a smooth base and control shine.
- Setting Powder: After applying foundation, lightly dust a translucent or mattifying setting powder over your T-zone and any other areas prone to shine. For true staying power and a matte finish, Dermablend Loose Setting Powder is a highly recommended option. It blends and blurs imperfections and sets makeup for up to 16 hours, being waterproof as well.
- Setting Spray: A setting spray can lock your makeup in place. Look for oil-controlling or mattifying formulas. Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray offers added sun protection while setting makeup and reducing shine.
- Touch-Ups: Carry blotting papers to absorb excess oil throughout the day without disturbing your makeup. You can also use a mattifying primer midday over makeup for touch-ups.