The cosmetics and beauty industry is thriving with innumerable choices and brands. This can leave consumers confused as to what to buy. With regards to foundation, the product that is applied on the face and neck to give it an even-tone and also hide all the blemishes, there three kinds available- liquid, mousse, and powder. The type you use should be based on your skin type so that you get the best coverage.
To choose the best foundation for your particular skin type, check out our handy guide below:
1. Oil-free foundation for sensitive skin
If your skin is the kind that breaks out easily and gives you rashes and pimples at the slightest, then stay away from heavy pancake foundations as they could clog pores. What you need is one that is lightweight with salicylic acid so that it does not cause more pimples. These formulas could actually reduce breakouts or even prevent them. Even the line of hypoallergenic or non comedogenic and fragrance-free foundations work well for sensitive skin.
2. For mature and aging skin
Stay away from powder-based foundations or heavy matte ones if your skin is haggard and wrinkled as these formulations can settle into lines on the face and make you look more aged. Use lightweight ones with more coverage.
3. For dry skin
Liquid foundations work the best for dry skin as they give the skin the much-needed moisturizer and stay well. Even a hydrating powder foundation could offer the desired effect as they all have a creamy consistency provides the skin with good coverage and enough moisture.
4. For normal skin
If you have a moderate skin tone that does not get too dry or too oily, then a sheer liquid foundation or tinted moisturizer will work well. It will give the skin an even tone and conceal any minor imperfections.
5. For oily skin
If your skin is oily, it is best to use a powder based foundation or an oil-free liquid one. They have certain powders that can absorb the oil and leave the skin looking smooth with a matte finish. Mineral foundations also work well for such a skin type as the dry particles absorb all the excess oil and prevent excess shine.
6. For combination skin
If your T-zone is oily but the rest of the face remains normal, you have a combination skin type. The sad news is that you are stuck in the worst of both worlds. For such skin tones, you need to mix and match formulas but definitely avoid foundations that are oil-rich and are emollient.
Besides choosing the right type of foundation, you also need to select the correct shade that matches your skin tone. The best place to do a patch test is the neck or jawline. Often people do it on the inner part of the hand too. The right shade is one that will seamlessly blend with your skin color and will not make you look overly made up. When in doubt, it is always better to go in for a slightly darker shade as a lighter one will make you look chalky and artificial.
