Makeup
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Picking the perfect foundation
Tue, 29 March 2011 10:42AM
Liquid? Powder? Mousse? Matte? Dewy? These days there are more foundation formulas to choose from then we’ve had home-cooked dinners. Deciding on the ultimate complexion enhancer, depends on so many things, like your skin type, the finish you’re after, the season, and the amount of coverage you’re craving. Here’s a little checklist to help you find the perfect foundation.
We’d bet our entire shoe collection on the fact that Jamie Lynn Sigler likes to mix things up with a few foundation formulas to get her skin looking this great.
Oily vs dry skin: As a general guide, oily-skin should stick with light-weight, oil-free formulas to keep shine at bay. On the flip-side, if your skin is dry, you can afford to dabble in creamier, more nourishing formulas that contain the same kind of hydrating ingredients you’d expect to find in an anti-ageing face lotion. We like: Maybelline New York Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation, $21.95, for long-lasting coverage and hydration.
Barely-there vs going-nowhere-anytime-soon coverage: If you’re a fan of natural-looking coverage, opt for a tinted moisturiser or light-weight, liquid formula for a sheer finish. The beauty of opting for a light-weight formula is that you can mix it with your face cream in the morning to subtly even-out your complexion, or layer it for long-lasting coverage that’s perfect for those days when your skin is in need of an extra pick-me-up.
Powder vs liquid: Once upon a time, the only way you could create a matte-finish was with a powder, which had the potential to make already-dry skin look flakey. The good news is, the latest matte foundations have a knack for keeping unwanted shine around problem zones, like the t-zone, at bay, without leaving skin looking washed out or dull, making them perfect for using on all skin types.
Finishing powders: If there’s one complexion product we think is worth its weight in gold, it’s a translucent finishing powder. Not only are they great for reapplying throughout the day to knock back shine from the t-zone, but you can also use them all-over to transform a dewy foundation into a matte finish.
Primpers,
Do you use a powder or liquid foundation?
Have you tried a mousse formula?
Do you use a finishing powder?
Words: Eliza Ashe. Pic: Getty.
Posted by: Eliza Ashe
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28 Comments
Posted by: p3charmed Master Fan // Tue, 29 March 2011 11:15am
I cant get any foundation to suit me because a im deathly pale and b i have such super sensitive yet acne prone that most things irritate me, so i just go au naturale most days, shine and all..
Posted by: Karen-1298334769 Master Fan // Tue, 29 March 2011 12:56pm
I usually use tinted moisturiser or a liquid or mousse formula but only when I am going out. Otherwise I don’t wear anything at all.
Posted by: meandmyface Enthusiast // Tue, 29 March 2011 01:32pm
I’m a big liquid foundation lover because I have dry skin, but I’ve had a few successful endeavours with mineral powders also – but only if I use a primer first! Otherwise it’s easy to get that cakey powder look
As for mousse, i’ve tried a couple but I find they dry out in the packaging very easily, but the ones i’ve tried have been tub and lid style so that could have a lot to do with it.
Posted by: candyapple Enthusiast // Tue, 29 March 2011 02:45pm
Liquid and powder. Sometimes together, sometimes separate. I have never tried translucent powder, I always just use my foundation powder because I like reapplying a bit more colour.
Posted by: candyapple Enthusiast // Tue, 29 March 2011 02:51pm
I LOVE a smashbox foundation I have, it is kind of a mousse but a little more solid, it comes in a case like a powder would, but with a flat brush for applying. It’s like a soft concealer type foundation… I’m not sure how to describe it!
Oh I love it so much, I used it everyday and used the whole thing in just a few weeks =( It is now only for special occassions or ‘saturday night’ make-up =)
Posted by: candyapple Enthusiast // Tue, 29 March 2011 02:55pm
Ps. p3charmed – I would highly recommend you try a powder foundation from Youngblood (look it up on strawberrynet or their own website). I use it and it’s great for sensitive and acne skin, that’s who they designed it for (you can read more detail from dermatologists on the website). Swipe it on bare skin to powder over the acne and shine, it really looks great and you don’t have to use too much product either.
Posted by: bluebird Master Fan // Tue, 29 March 2011 05:09pm
I used to only use Dove tinted moisturiser but now prefer The Body Shop or Inika mineral powder unless I’m really short of time. I’ve used a Mirenesse translucent powder as well which is ok for combatting shine.
Posted by: katiekates Devotee // Tue, 29 March 2011 11:30pm
i’ve never used a mousse formula, it sounds interesting. think i might have to run into priceline 2moro and get some!
Posted by: Becca Master Fan // Wed, 30 March 2011 09:53am
I love the finishing powder – makes everything so glowy!
Posted by: samuel Devotee // Wed, 30 March 2011 02:29pm
I usually use liquid or tinted moisturiser but I willing to try something new loved Yaz how to do video learnt a few tips.
Posted by: Danni Master Fan // Wed, 30 March 2011 05:25pm
I always prefer liquid foundations, but I don;t mind mineral ones. STick and powder foundations just seem too cakey…
Posted by: strawbsundae Master Fan // Wed, 30 March 2011 05:47pm
I use a liquid foundation for my combination/oily skin and set the foundation using Australis set powder. This translucent powder is amazing as the powder is minute and prevents my face from looking like a slick at the end of the day. I sometimes use a foubdation powder in between, however i only need to use powder when i need fuller coverage. I’ve never tried a mousse foundation before however it does sound lightweight and creative.
Posted by: beautybee1 Master Fan // Wed, 30 March 2011 07:49pm
Generally I like liquid foundations and avoid powders which make my skin look even more dry.
Posted by: beautybabe111 Master Fan // Wed, 30 March 2011 10:43pm
Love this guide! I use liquid foundation, and I ABSOLUTELY love mousse foundations, Maybellines dream matte mousse and Loreal paris’s matte morphose still my heart! I don’t use a finishing powder but when I wear tinted moisturiser I set it with a light dusting of bronzing powder.
Posted by: PrettyPrincess Master Fan // Thu, 31 March 2011 07:50am
I always use a liquid and loose translucent for setting.
I have tried powder foundations but don’t think they suit me.
Interested in the mousse ones, but never tried them.
Posted by: Tina-1291133452 Master Fan // Thu, 31 March 2011 09:09am
i always use liquid.. i have a bottle of a matte one (for when my skin is really oily) and one i use most days, which is really light and dewy. i want to try a mousse one though..
Posted by: melmeko Master Fan // Thu, 31 March 2011 11:50am
I have yucky oil skin, the biggest dilemma is always foundation
However since discovering powder foundations I am not having so many blues, liquids are still good for extra coverage, but also more suitable for nights rather than during the day when its just too hot and nothing wants to stay in place, instead it just slides off in the humidity. Have heard great things about these foundations though 
Posted by: Felicety // Thu, 31 March 2011 03:38pm
Im using the napoleon stick foundation at the moment because my skin has gone mental and I need the coverage. I really like it but it would be useless for a barely there look.
I use a mousse sometimes and I love how light and fluffy it is.
I always use a powder on my t-zone and my eyelids. Im doing no makeup today but now I want to put some on… Silly!
Posted by: pollyanna21 Devotee // Thu, 31 March 2011 07:20pm
I’ve gotten much better with my foundation choices, these days going for a liquid foundation with medium coverage and using finishing powder to set it. But don’t forget to use primer!
I used the mousse foundation years ago and hated it. It dried out my skin and I really didn’t feel like I was getting much for my money (mousse is just a liquid whipped up to contain a lot of air – so really you are paying for air and a little bit of product!).
Posted by: GorgeousEmeralds Master Fan // Sun, 3 April 2011 02:14pm
I generally use liquid foundations when I need more coverage but since I have combination skin I need to use powder to keep the oiliness at bay.
Posted by: hkcandy Master Fan // Sun, 3 April 2011 03:58pm
i prefer liquid foundation because it provides more of a fuller coverage:)
Posted by: Nalini-1298541379 Master Fan // Mon, 4 April 2011 11:19am
I’m a big fan of mineral foundation and how versatile it is. I usually wear mine as a powder and buff it in, but sometimes I switch things up a bit and mix it with my moisturiser. I’m quite loving the Maybelline matte mousse foundation, but the Smashbox creme to powder foundation is also a great option!
Oh yes, and I always set my foundation with a finishing powder to give it more staying power.
Posted by: MissPaigeLauren Devotee // Wed, 6 April 2011 03:23pm
I have been useing Napoloean Perdis minimal makeup liquid foundation and i like it but i think i am going to have to try the maybelline dream mouse foundation. I have normal to oily skin so would it be to rich for me???
Posted by: jessocialite Enthusiast // Sun, 10 April 2011 11:06am
I’m a fan of the natural look yet always find tinted moisturiser looks patchy on my face. I always use a liquid formula and switch between MAC, clinique or shiseido
Posted by: loopylexy Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 12:16pm
I have oily skin… however I’m using Covergirl clean foundation right now and I’m quite liking it. matte foundations end up looking awful on me. Muddy, i guess
Posted by: blueyes // Mon, 13 June 2011 10:07pm
I love using mineral makeup by glominerals it’s a bit more expensive but its amazing on the skin and it helps you if you have sensitive or acne prone skin. Mineral foundation can look a bit dry at first but if you moisturise first and let it sink into the skin before you apply your foundation it melts into the skin and gives you a beautiful glow without looking like you are wearing a mask.
Its really good to buy a flat kabuki brush to work the product in in small circular motions. This allows the product to spread evenly- remember less is more when it comes to powder or you will look cakey
Posted by: Bantam Master Fan // Fri, 9 September 2011 11:51pm
I like the mousse formula, but can be a bit difficult to work into the skin.Powder foundations don’t look good if I layer. And liquid, well, I tend to go overboard sometimes and wear too much… And yes to the finishing powder, especially when it’s summer!
Posted by: Bantam Master Fan // Fri, 16 September 2011 11:46am
I think it’s also important to say that the method of application is important! I believe a good foundation brush will do wonders! Also, don’t forget to prime so that your makeup has a smooth surface to go on