Liquid, Powder Or Stick? An Easy Guide To Find Your Perfect Foundation
March 27 | 5 minute read
Words by Kerri Gordon and Sherine Youssef
It may take a little time and effort to find the one that's the best fit for you, but once you do, it quickly becomes the go-to of your kit, and the one product you reach for again and again (oftentimes, daily). And like your favourite pair of jeans, you might find yourself buying multiples of your favourite foundation, too!
But with so many types available, from tinted moisturisers to fuller coverage stick and powder formulas, it can be so hard (and frustrating!) narrowing it down to The One. This wide variety of foundation formulas is not necessarily a negative; we all have different skin types and preferred finishes, after all, so one size will never fit all.
So we're here to make your quest for your perfect foundation formula a little easier (if you want to know how to pick the right colour, see this guide). Here's what you need to know to ace your base.
Tinted Moisturisers and Skin Tints
For: light coverage that allows your skin to shine through.
Formula: beautifully lightweight, these offer the sheerest coverage in the foundation family.
Skin Type: any! As some may contain skincare ingredients, look for one that has additional benefits for your concern, whether it’s a matte finish for oily skin or soothing ingredients for skin prone to irritation or sensitivity.
Coverage: very, very light – but that’s the point! These offer your-skin-but-better results, with coverage that wakes up your complexion without actually covering it up.
How To: your fingers are easiest, and because of their sheerness, you can work these into skin like a moisturiser.
Liquid Foundation
For: all-over, skin-like coverage
Formula: these can vary in consistency, from water-light and weightless to creamier formulas – but all offer easy blending that melts seamlessly into skin.
Skin Type: most skin types can find a liquid foundation that works with their complexion, from hydrating formulas with a satin finish for dry skin to balancing formulas with a matte or semi-matte finish for combination skin.
Coverage: it's a ‘choose your own adventure’ type of situation. You can find liquid foundations that offer sheer, light, medium or full coverage, and in a huge range of finishes: satin, luminous, matte, luminous-matte... the list goes on!
How To: liquid foundations can be applied with your fingers, a sponge or a brush, and work well with any cream or powder makeup that is applied over the top.
Stick Foundation
For: buildable coverage that lasts all day and night.
Formula: generally richly-pigmented, these are like solid cream foundations that need to be warmed up and worked into skin. Bonus: they can double as concealers and contouring products, too.
Skin Type: most skin types, but oily or blemish-prone skins will need to find one that won't clog pores or cause breakouts, and mature skins might find that some of the creamier consistencies may settle into fine lines.
Coverage: depending on how much product you apply to your skin, and how many layers you choose, stick foundation can offer medium to full coverage.
How To: prep is essential, so make sure your skin is adequately moisturised as this will give you some glide to be able to blend in the foundation for that seamless appearance (you don't want it to catch on dry patches of skin). You can use a brush or sponge, but you might find that the warmth of your fingers also makes it slightly easier to blend in.
Powder Foundation
For: a matte (but not flat) finish.
Formula: these rely on fine particles that adhere to the top layer of the skin, providing colour, buildable coverage, oil control and a blurring effect. And forget the mask-like powders of the past: modern formulas deliver dynamic matte finishes that still make you look fresh, not flat.
Skin Type: if you find yourself on the oily skin side, or you’re prone to breakouts, a powder will ensure less product penetration into the skin and keep you from shining throughout the day. Super oily skin will need to prep with a primer, or the powder may clump together, while dry skins will need to prep with a hydrating primer, otherwise the powder may absorb moisture and make your skin drier.
Coverage: anything from sheer to full, depending how many layers you apply. But be warned: too many layers can sometimes leave skin looking cakey or powdery.
How To: dust on the face using a powder brush and feel free to use over liquid foundation for added insurance in any areas prone to oiliness.
