Where do I start with foundation makeup?

The art to a flawless-looking make-up finish is understanding how to apply foundation evenly and smoothly, hiding your imperfections while celebrating the uniqueness of your skin.  

The secret to getting it right lies in correctly prepping the skin and finding the foundation application tool that best complements your skin type and desired finish. 

Step 1: Cleanse without drying out the skin

 

To get the most out of foundation, it’s important to start with the best canvas. Cleansers help to dissolve impurities and minimize the appearance of pores, creating a smooth base over which to apply foundation.  

Try No7 Restore and Renew Cleansing Lotion. Supercharged with antioxidants and natural AHAs, it helps to gently exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of pores, creating a clean, smooth base. 

After you've spent all that time perfecting your foundation and the rest of your makeup, you'll want to make sure you properly set it all so it stays put. When setting makeup, Boswell says, "I like to use a loose translucent setting powder with a fluffy brush for a light finish. Or a powder puff for more of a matte finish. If I use a powder puff I always follow with a fluffy brush over the face to make sure I remove any excess powder."

How to choose the right type of foundation

• Pick the right formula

Now that you’ve got the application steps down, the next stop on your foundation journey is picking out a foundation formula. Liquid foundation and powder foundation are the two most popular types, but there are also options like cream formulas, stick formulas, and BB and CC creams. Spoiler alert: Your skin type plays an important role in the type of formula you go with. "I typically use liquid foundation on normal to dry complexions or mature skin," says Boswell. This way, it won’t look cakey. Liquid foundations and BB creams are often a great choice for those with dry skin as they often also come with moisturizing benefits in the form of hydrating ingredients. In some cases, liquid foundations can cause oil-prone skin types to appear more oily. However, there are plenty of oil-free mattifying liquid foundations that offer the best of both worlds.

Powder foundations are a go-to for beginners because they’re quick and easy to apply. Boswell says she likes to use powder foundations on oily skin as they can help to absorb excess oil. However, she adds, "Powder foundation can settle into fine lines and wrinkles," so it might not be the best choice for those with more mature skin.

• Pick the right finish

There are three primary types of foundation finishes to know: matte, dewy, and luminous. Matte-finish foundations are formulated without any ingredients that add shine or dewiness, and often contain ingredients that absorb oil. They leave skin looking smooth, shine-free, and airbrushed. Dewy-finish foundations, on the other hand, don’t shy away from the shine. These foundations make your skin look bright, glowy, and naturally radiant. They're also often made with moisturizing ingredients to hydrate skin. Lastly, luminous foundations offer a lit-from-within type of glow. They're not quite as glowy as dewy foundations and not quite as flat as matte. They’re sometimes called “skin-like” or natural finish foundations, making them an ideal happy medium.

The foundation finish you choose mostly depends on your personal preference, but your skin type also plays an important role. Because matte foundations are typically shine-free, they’re great for controlling oil, making them ideal for oil-prone skin. Dewy foundations boost moisture, making them a great choice for those with dry skin. Overall, Boswell says, "Powder foundations tend to have more of a matte finish whereas liquid foundations are dewier."

• Pick the right shade

The magic of a great foundation is when it looks invisible on skin. The color should blend in seamlessly with your natural skin tone—like your skin but better. Foundation shades can range from light and medium skin tones to dark and deep tones with tan shades in between. First, find where your skin tone fits in that range. To further narrow down your options, you'll need to take your skin's undertones into account. Undertones can be cool, warm, or neutral. Brands like BEAUTYBLENDER make it easy to find your match. Their Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation comes in 40 shades, ranging from very fair to very deep and everything in between.

Next, you'll need to swatch the foundation on your skin to see if it's a match. “I always like to match my neck. You can add bronzer or blush to incorporate some of the color you have in your chest and shoulders (which sometimes can be a bit darker than your face), so there is a seamless blend from my face to my neck. Here’s a pro matching tip. If you already have a foundation that matches you, swatch it on your arm when you're going to the store to buy a new one. Swatch options next to your existing foundation shade so you can see it without trying it on,” Kastuk tells us.

To properly test foundation, smear a vertical line onto your face going from the lower half of your cheek to just below your jawline. The right foundation should basically disappear into skin with little to no lines of demarcation. Another pro tip: Because foundation can sometimes oxidize (change color once it reacts with air), you’ll want to let the swatch sit on your skin for a few minutes before you determine how well it blends into your skin. And don’t forget to check it in natural light to find your best fit, so head to a window if you’re indoors!

With so many shades, types, and finishes to choose from, applying foundation is a fun and easy way to experiment with makeup. Whether it’s dewy or matte, full coverage, or sheer, the best foundation products will ensure you put your best face forward.

Below, discover what we’ve found are some of the best foundations on the market.