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Makeup 101 - Different Types of Foundation

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Ok, so we have already figured out the best types of foundation for different skin types here, but today we are going to look further in depth at all the different foundation types available and what their benefits are. Another learnin' day here :-)

Liquid Foundations

Liquid Foundation is what most of us think of when we hear the word "foundation". They have been selling it for years, it comes in a bottle and goes on evenly over the skin. Not all liquid foundations are created equal, in fact, there are many different types ...

Long Wearing Foundations are very popular especially with the oily-skin types. Long wearing foundations do not break down with the oils on your skin and last all day. Putting them on can be a challenge, as they set quickly, but just work in one area at a time, blending in before moving on to the next section. Use a creamy cleanser to break down the product when washing your face at night. Long wearing foundations are available for all different skin types, from drugstore brands to prestige lines.

Illuminating Foundations are very big right now and great if you have dry skin, because they give you back that glow that dry skin is lacking. These are great for normal to dry skins, if you have oily or combination skin, you are already "dewy" enough, no need to add more or you'll be a shiny mess. Women "of a certain age" tend to love these foundations, because they replicate a youthful, healthy glow.

Matte Foundations are intended for combination to oily skin types so they are of course oil-free. This type of foundation absorbs oil and will keep shine from coming through. It could be a heavier coverage, to cover breakouts. If you have dry skin and use a matte foundation, you will find it feels tight on your skin. Leave this to the oilier girls. Matte foundations are available in almost every line, from drugstore to department store.

Acne Foundations are often matte foundations with some acne medication (salicylic acid) in it so you can heal your skin as you hide it. These types of makeup are great for oily or breakout prone skin. You shouldn't use these if you have an aspirin allergy as you can also be allergic to the salicylic acid. Look for words like "acne " or clarifying on the label.

Anti-aging Foundations are often moisturizing foundations with firming ingredients and/or ingredients to help minimize wrinkles and fine lines. They often have illuminating ingredients to give the skin back it's youthful, healthy glow. The usually have medium to full coverage and are loved by women around the world!

Tints or tinted moisturizers are very light coverage, some containing moisturizer so it is one stop shopping. These are great if you need minimal coverage and are looking for a quick product to slap on in the morning. Unless you are using a separate sunscreen, make sure you choose a tinted moisturizer with a minimum SPF of 15. Tinted moisturizers come with different levels of moisture including oil-free. Tints or TMs are a great option for teenagers or other women with skin that just needs a slight coverage. Combined with a good concealer, you'll be good to go. Tints and T.M.s are also great for women who don't know which color they are ... because of the light tint, it is easier to match!

Cream or Creme Foundations

Cream foundations are usually available in compacts or jars, but sometime in bottles. These are very moisturizing and great for the driest of dry skins. These are usually marketed at older skins, because of dryness and loss of radiance. These creams will also give you a dewy, youthful look. Look for words like "comforting", "soothing" or "smoothing". Many contain anti-aging ingredients designed to give the appearance of plumper skin. If you have even slightly oily skin, do not go near these with a ten foot pole. Cream Foundations are available in drugstore and department store lines, with the department store lines having more anti-aging ingredients, therefore a higher price. Cream foundations should not be confused with Cream to Powder foundations discussed below.

Stick Foundations

Stick Foundations can come in different formulations, creamy or matte, but they are meant to give you a lot of coverage with a minimal amount of work. You just slide it on your face and blend it where you need it. Think of it as an extra large concealer stick. It is great for women who just have a specific area they want to cover and don't like the feeling of foundation all over the face. They are also great to keep in your purse for touch ups later on in the day. If you have oily skin, look for ones that say they dry to a powder or a matte finish.

Powder Foundations

Powder foundations are an oily or combination skinned girls' best friend. They offer great coverage and absorb oil at the same time. Those with normal skin also love the convenience of just swiping on some powder and looking put together all day. Powder foundations are generally too drying for skin skin and can amplify the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Mineral Foundations have become HUGE in the last couple of years. The usually come in loose form, but can also be pressed into a compact. Mineral makeup has light to medium coverage that is buildable ... meaning the more you add, the more coverage you will have. Some mineral makeup sets come with Finishing Powders that you put on to set you makeup, avoid sparkly ones if you have oily or combination skin. Some mineral foundations contain bismuth oxycloride which some people react to and find their skin itches, I sure do. Mineral foundaitons are great for normal or combination skins or sensitive skins looking for a flawless finish. The loose powder can be messy and is not easily portable.

Compact Powder Foundations are great foundation for busy people on the go, you can put them on anywhere. The are also good for normal to oily skin types. The powder is usually very finely milled and goes on very smooth. The most popular powder foundation is MAC Studio Fix, because it has good coverage and comes in lots of different tones. The coverage is usually buildable and it gives you a nice matte look.

Powder Acne Foundations some lines have powders with acne medications in them to help heal your pimples as it covers them. You should avoid putting these near your eye area. These are only for combination or oily skin types.

Cream-to-Powder Foundations go on in a semi liquid state and dry to a powder finish. These are also portable, but if they open in your purse, you could have trouble. These are also good for normal to oily skin types and they go on very smoothly so it is easy to control the amount of coverage you would like.

Next up, we'll discuss the different methods of applying foundation.

What's your favorite foundation and why? Tell us in the comments below ...

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