What’s the best full coverage foundation for your skin? There are many factors to take into consideration when answering that question. It is, however, essential to make the right choice as you could avoid lumps, orange patches, break-outs and more.
What skin type do you have?
The first question you should ask yourself is what skin type do you have? The first breakdown depends on your level of dryness. You could one or a combination of the following:
- Oily skin throughout your face
This skin type looks shiny and feels oily. If you held a tissue to your face you would be able to see the oil. The excess production of sebum in oily skin leads to regular break outs and a greater need for a good foundation. Certain liquid foundations might only add to the shiny look of the skin and could slide off over time.
- Dry skin throughout your face
Dry skin generally feels tight and somewhat rough and is often flaky. Foundation use on this type of skin can be difficult as skin flaking off will take the foundation with it, giving you red patches, particularly around the nose.
- Normal skin
This skin type looks dewy and does not feel tight or flaky, or oily and shiny. You are very lucky if you have normal skin as choosing a foundation will be much more simple.
- Oily t-zone
Your t-zone includes your forehead, nose and chin. These areas are most prone to producing excess oil and in some skin types, they are oily while the rest of the face remains normal. One type of foundation might work fine on the oily areas but leave the normal areas looking and feeling dry and vice versa with a different type of foundation.
- Combination skin
Combination skin has areas of different skin types. For example, this skin might have dry patches around the nose, oily patches on the forehead and normal skin on the cheeks. As with an oily t-zone, finding the right foundation for this type of skin can be difficult.
- Sensitive skin
This skin type is hugely sensitive to creams, soaps, the weather, what you eat and many other environmental issues. Generally, sensitive skin will feel painful or irritated after you apply a harsher or even different product. Foundations should be mild so that they do not inflame skin.
Some people may not fit into just one category of skin type and some may find that their skin changes in different climates or at different times of the year. When Summer comes, the foundation you found perfect through the Winter months might not be of any use anymore.
Choosing your foundation
There are many different types and forms of foundation, and once you know what your skin type is, you can narrow down the search.
- Powder foundation
Powder foundation usually comes in either compressed or loose form and you would apply it to your skin with a powder puff or large brush. Fine powder can help to soak up oil keep skin shine free.
- Liquid or cream foundation
There are different consistencies of foundation in this category, ranging from very liquid to a thicker cream. Dry skin and normal skin types should look at foundations in this category.
- Mousse foundation
Mousse foundation, while still liquid, is generally lighter and airier than the rest. This foundation might work for combination skins and is easy to use on normal skin.
Many foundations contain other things which provide the user with extra benefits.
a) Moisturising foundation
Some foundations contain moisturiser which helps dry skin stay flexible and dewy looking, and aid against flaking.
b) Sun protective foundation
Choosing a foundation with an SPF factor is always a good idea, and saves you putting on separate sun cream which could ruin your make up.
c) Minerals
Many foundations, particularly powder foundations, contain minerals which are good for your skin.
d) Perfume free and pH balance
Foundations that are perfume free and pH balanced are good for sensitive skin as there is less chance of irritation and inflammation.
There are yet more cover up options available including the following:
- Loose powder
Translucent loose powder, dusted onto an oily t-zone could help to regulate skin before applying foundation.
- Corrective pens
Foundation pens, filled with crème or pencil concealer, will cover up redness, pimples, dark marks, scars and black bags under the eyes. If your skin is relatively clear, you could just cover up the faults. If you have more marks, you could use a pen after applying foundation for a perfect finish.