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A couple of years ago, the main problem when buying foundation was the choice of shade. Now, with the expansion of the range of formulas and the emergence of a variety of applicators, the task has become much more complicated. Let’s try to navigate this diversity.
Tasks of foundation
Foundation (not to be confused with foundation and make-up base) is the common name for any foundation, from cream powder to cushion. In everyday life, such funds are most often called “tonal cream”. But recently, so many new formats and textures have appeared that the concept of “cream” has ceased to be universal. Therefore, a popular definition was born – “tonalniks”. Here we’ll talk about them.
Under the tonal base is meant any tinting agent: from cream powder to cushion.
Silicones and silicone oils give the texture lightness, provide an even, smooth coating and protection from external influences.
Light reflective pigments of the new generation are responsible for the “illumination” of the skin, refracting and scattering light in a certain way.
Vitamins and Antioxidants protect against negative environmental influences and free radicals.
SPF filters protect against photoaging, while the level of sun protection reaches SPF 30 and even 50.
Minerals have a matte effect.
Moisturizing and moisture-retaining components prevent the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin and give the face a well-groomed, radiant appearance.
Makeup procedure
If you want the foundation to lay down perfectly and justify the hopes placed on it, first moisturize your skin properly. On an unprepared surface, makeup will lie unevenly. In addition, the moisturizing ingredients in the composition of the tone will immediately begin to compensate for the lack of moisture (and this is not part of his responsibilities).
Moisturize your skin before applying foundation.
For the sake of experiment, try to make up after a deep moisturizing treatment – the difference will be obvious.
Foundation and make-up base
A common question from novice beauty users is whether it is possible to apply foundation without foundation? Yes, if the skin is hydrated, make-up is generally well kept on it, and additional correction of irregularities is not required.
Types of foundation
Foundations vary in texture, formula, and purpose. Here are the main types.
Fluid. The light liquid texture contains more water than oils, has medium coverage, but well evens out the skin. The concentration of pigments is not high enough to hide skin imperfections. It is the fluids that contain matting components in the form of fat-absorbing minerals.
Mousse (foam). It has an airy texture and only slightly tones the skin.
Cream. It has a plastic texture and a relatively high content of fats and hydro fixatives, often contains anti-age ingredients.
Cream-powder. The compact version of the foundation may contain more powder particles than the foundation. Easily applied with a sponge, smoothes the surface of the skin and hides its imperfections.
Powder. Compact or loose, mainly used to fix or correct make-up. Often has matting properties due to minerals – perlite and silicon.
Kushan. Moisturizing tinted fluid in a compact package has a weightless texture; coating density may vary.
How to choose a foundation
The choice of format and texture of the foundation depends on the type of skin and personal preferences.
Today, we treat foundation as a continuation of daily care. Of course, it is naive to expect the same action from him as from a day cream. But it is quite possible to count on pleasant bonuses if you focus on the type of skin when choosing.
Foundations for different skin types
| Skin type | Foundation |
| Dry | cream, mousse, soup |
| Oily and combined | mattifying fluid, mattifying compact powder, loose powder, mousse, cushion |
| Sensitive | cream with mineral pigments, loose mineral powder |
| Normal | foam, fluid, cream, cream-powder, foam |
| Age | cream, thick |
| problematic | fluid with antibacterial components and acids |
How to choose a shade
Ideally, you need to choose a foundation in daylight, since artificial distorts colors.
If the lighting in the store is artificial, take the advice of professional makeup artists: test the shade NOT on the wrist, but on the face.
“The tone of the hands and face of almost no one matches,” says Vichy medical expert Ekaterina Turubara. “So don’t be surprised if a cream that perfectly matches the color of your wrist looks like a mask on your face.”
The chance to choose the shade closest to your skin will be much higher if, when testing, you apply foundation on the border between the face and neck, that is, along the chin line.
Everyone determines the methods of applying tonal means for himself.
Rules for applying foundation
The method of applying foundation depends on personal habits and preferences: with a brush, wet or dry sponge, fingertips. The important thing is to keep it all clean.
Application procedure:
With the ring finger, apply the cream on the forehead, chin and in the center of the face;
distribute and blend the product from the center to the periphery;
if the texture allows, you can apply an additional layer to areas that require special correction.
Funds overview
Foundation SuperStay Active Wear, Maybelline New York lasts up to 30 hours, does not clog pores, provides a matte finish throughout the day, is sweat resistant.
Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation, SPF 15, Lancôme Combines an airy texture with a micro-pigmented formula that smooths out imperfections for a satiny glow.
Foundation with lifting effect Liftactiv Flexilift, SPF 20, Vichy evenly distributed over the skin, refreshes the complexion, does not emphasize wrinkles and does not accumulate in them.
Ultra-resistant matting powder Infaillible 24h Fresh Wear, L’Oréal Paris Provides a matte finish that lasts all day, making skin velvety and smooth. Presented in three shades.
Foundation All Hours Foundation, Yves Saint Laurent, It has a light texture, provides dense coverage, a matte finish and wear for 24 hours.