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What Is a Foundation?
What Is a Foundation?
Foundation is used to create a smooth and uniform feature on the face and also to act as a base for other cosmetics. It is the most widely used product, usually in basic everyday makeup. This product range has high water content so it adheres very well to the surface and creates a very nice and realistic looking base. There are many types available such as liquid, cream and powder which you apply all over the face to hide any spots, redness or discoloration of the skin. Such foundations are usually composed of pigments, oils, humectants and other components that serve the purpose of both covering the skin and providing skin care.
A handful of foundation ingredients contain certain sun protection factors that help block the sun's rays, so you're less likely to get sunburned and look prematurely aged. Foundation is good for cosmetic because it allows a person to have beautifully clear skin making them more confident. Each of these serves a very functional purpose beyond mere cosmetic labels, enabling a person to look their best.
Here are some common foundation product types:
- Liquid Foundation: Since liquid foundations are buildable in nature, the extent of coverage can be changed. If a liquid foundation is available, it is possible to adjust the amount of coverage on the facial skin, for example full coverage on the T-zone and leaving it on the under-eye areas. This adaptable base will appeal to many as it is ideal for every skin type, especially oily skin. Liquid foundation comes with a number of great finishes, such as matte, satin and dewy which are also less hydrating than powder foundations.
- Powder Foundation: Powder foundation is a dry product, usually finely ground into a loose powder or pressed into a cake form. Powder foundation is recommended for oily skin as the product absorbs excess oil, but with the right formula, it can be applied by any skin type. For example, for those with dry skin, it will be important to choose a powder foundation with moisturizing properties. This type of foundation easily fits into a handbag making it the best applicator for touch ups on the go.
- Cream Foundation: Cream foundations, on the other hand, are extremely hydrating. Such foundations don't let liquid foundations - lighter forms of coverage - lose their weight advantage while still providing more coverage. Cream foundations have medium to full coverage, but still give the face a smooth and silky look. It is suitable for dry skin.
- Stick Foundation: Stick foundation is a cosmetic preparation that can simply be used for evening the complexion while at the same time giving the satin-like look. It is quite easy to lay it on the skin then blend using a brush, sponge, or fingers. The ingredients found in such foundation sticks are helpful for the skin. In fact, if applied to the skin, it feels as light as a feather and highlights the brightness of a face. Most stick foundations contain a formula that lasts for the whole day without needing to touch it up much.
How to apply foundation:
Step 1: Wash your face and apply moisturizer or face primer.
Step 2: Pick one that foundation matches your skin color and type. You can choose from liquids, creams, powders, or sticks.
Step 3: Put small dots of foundation on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Use sponge to blend the dots into your skin. Blend until it looks smooth and even.
Step 4: Use a setting spray can help your makeup last longer.
Types of foundation coverage
1. Sheer coverage
A light to translucent base that doesn’t provide any correction but just gives natural coverage, perfect for someone who wants a slight improvement in their skin tone but isn’t really trying to cover up or hide imperfections.
2. Medium coverage
Medium coverage foundations are relatively thick, but not so thick that they lose their skin-like finish. Additionally, most medium coverage foundations are buildable, so they can achieve a full coverage look if layered.
3. Full coverage
Full coverage foundation makeup will completely cover all your blemishes and skin imperfections. Such formulas have a high level of pigment concentration; therefore, they can create an effective, smooth finish for a perfect, flawless and even complexion.
4. Buildable coverage
It can literally be layered to the level of coverage you prefer. This is fantastic if you have areas of your skin where you want to achieve different levels of coverage.
Types of foundation finishes
1. Natural Finish
This finish is the most similar to the skin, hence the name. It is never matte or dewy.
2. Matte Finish
This finish is shine-free, which makes it very appealing for people with oily skin.
3. Dewy Finish
This finish is shiny and glossy, so most people with dry skin choose it.
Silicone-Based foundation
What are silicone-based foundations?
The unique composition of silicone foundations has the synthetic polymer dimethicone among its components to help fill imperfections such as pores and also provide a soft silky feeling to the skin. The presence of ingredients whose names end with -cone or -siloxane, in the first two positions of the product’s ingredients label, indicates that the product contains silicone. There are silicone foundations that come in different finishes from dewy to matte, however, all these types can create a look of more translucent skin than it is.
What should use a silicone-based foundation?
Silicone-based foundations for everyone: Unless ordinary customers refrain from using foundations, there is always a suitable finish for every foundation lover. It is more useful for women with such problems as enlarged pores, wrinkled skin, or uneven skin texture; most commonly because “silicone can help blur and fill them in and create a smoother surface.”
Oil-Based foundation
What are oil-based foundations?
These use oil instead of water or silicone, which is exactly what their name suggests. They nourish the skin and often leave it looking glowy and dewy. Sadly, these are nowhere near as popular as water and silicone-based foundations; they are really hard to find.
What should use an oil-based foundation?
Oil-based foundations feel moisturizing, and therefore, might be great options for those users who have skin types that run a little drier. They are also good for mature skin which dries up. If you have oily, breakout-prone, or even combination skin, you might find that a water or silicone-based formulation does more for your comfort level.
Water-Based foundation
What are water-based foundations?
The main ingredient of water based foundations is water. They are usually less heavy than silicone based foundations. In this case, however, the foundation is able to give a more natural, less cloying effect. Water based foundations however contain silicone in the formulation but not as much as in a silicone based formulation.
What should use a water-based foundation?
Like silicone based foundation, these water based formulas are also appropriate for nearly all skin types and skin issues. They do not pose difficulties even to those with dry or combination skin as they appear quite less dense and also moisturize the skin. These light weight fluid formulas however, can be non comedogenic, thus suitable for those with oily and acne prone skin.