Most women dream of creating the perfect look and having flawless skin. Don’t worry if you don’t have a naturally spotless complexion! A foundation blurs most skin concerns, and it’s the base upon which you build your makeup look. But what are the benefits of foundation? And what do you look for when buying the perfect foundation that meets your skin concerns? We answer all your questions about the number one staple in many beauty bags. 

What is foundation makeup?

Foundation is a form of face makeup that matches your skin tone. It evens out all skin imperfections and creates the perfect base for the rest of your makeup. Foundation is an umbrella term for a wide range of products that vary in consistency and texture. These various products have one thing in common: they even out your skin tone, conceal imperfections, and cover redness. With so many products on the market, the best foundation is out there for you too! If you want to have a flawless makeup look, it’s best to follow this order of application:

  • First, you apply a moisturiser and let it sink in for a few minutes
  • Use a primer to smoothen the surface of your skin, so that your makeup glides on effortlessly. Another benefit of primer is that it seals your skin and protects it from damage done by air pollution.
  • Now it’s time to apply foundation and get flawless-looking skin!
  • Dust loose powder all over your face to set your foundation.

False foundation facts debunked

There are many myths about makeup and foundation that are not necessarily true. Do you wonder if makeup is bad for your skin, or if high-end brands are so much better than the Here are some false foundation facts debunked.

Foundation does not tan your skin. If you think you’re too pale and look much better with sun-kissed skin, it’s best to use a self-tanner. Foundation in a colour that is too dark for your skin tone will only make you look dull and older than you really are. You want to look radiant and beautiful, not old and dreary!

Don’t choose a foundation that matches your wrist. You risk picking a shade that is way too light for your complexion, and you’ll look like a ghost or as if you were suffering from a terrible cold. When choosing the perfect shade that matches your skin tone, it’s best to use daylight and match your foundation to your jawline. If it matches there, it’s the perfect shade for you.

Even if your foundation has sunscreen, you still should use an SPF separately. It’s best for your skin if you use a high SPF every day, even when it’s cloudy. And no, dealing with the UK weather is not a good reason not to use SPF; even the watery English sun can cause your skin to sunburn, with all its consequences.

One of the most common beauty inquiries of all time: foundation or concealer, which comes first? The answer to this age-old question is… drums please. Foundation! It’s best to use foundation first and then apply concealer to hide stubborn imperfections.

High-end foundation makeup is not better than the less expensive brands you buy at your local pharmacy. Both luxurious and inexpensive foundation makeup have to meet equal requirements. In a few cases, high-end makeup tends to be made of better quality ingredients, but that doesn’t imply that inexpensive brands are of poor quality. The ingredients used in many foundations are more or less the same.

Foundation should not be darker than your concealer. On the contrary! Lighter concealers only make any imperfections stand out, and that’s not what you’re looking for if you want to have flawless skin. To get the best result, match both your concealer and foundation to your skin tone.

Types of foundation

Foundation makeup is available in various shades and products. Which foundation is best for you mainly depends on your skin type. Liquid foundation is the most common type of all, but other types that work just as well, or perhaps even better. You can choose from

  • Liquid foundation
  • Mousse foundation
  • Mineral powder foundation
  • Compact powder foundation
  • Cream foundation
  • BB or CC cream

Benefits of foundation makeup

Most women use makeup to highlight their most beautiful features or cover imperfections. Using foundation as part of your daily makeup routine has many benefits. Continue reading and find out!

  • Foundation evens out your skin tone
  • Foundation covers imperfections like blemishes and redness
  • Foundation protects the skin from air pollution
  • Foundation makes the rest of your makeup stay on for longer
  • Foundation gives the skin a healthy, radiant glow

Checklist: what to look for when buying the best foundation for your skin type

A foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone is a staple for your makeup bag. But what do you need to look for when you’re choosing the best foundation for you? Here’s a quick checklist for you to find your perfect match!

  • Foundation shade. The perfect foundation shade matches your skin tone. It’s best to test different shades on your jawline in natural daylight. The shade that seamlessly blends in with your jawline, is the one.
  • Foundation finish. The finish makes or breaks a foundation. There are matt, glossy and natural finishes available. Which one is best for you depends on your skin type and preference.
  • Foundation coverage. Foundations come in sheer, semi-sheer and full coverage. The sheerer the coverage, the less the foundation conceals.
  • Foundation SPF. Even though your foundation contains sunscreen, it does not protect your skin from harmful sunrays. Use a separate sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays and prevent premature aging of the skin.
  • Foundation non-comedogenic. Usually, non-comedogenic foundations contain fewer chemicals. The fewer chemicals, the more you reduce the risk of getting clogged-up pores or nasty blackheads. 
-21%

Mac Cosmetics M.A.C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation NC25 15g

£27.65 £35.00
Available at 5 webshops
-18%

L'Oréal Paris L'Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation

£9.00 £10.99
Available at 4 webshops
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Dior Forever Skin Glow Female 30 ml

£41.90 £53.93
Available at 3 webshops