News Flash: You Might Be Wearing the Wrong Foundation. Here's How to Find Out
Photo1/6The right kind of foundation (liquid, cream, powder, BB, CC, tinted moisturizer, mousse, spray, liquid-to-powder, airbrush...) is pretty crucial in your beauty routine—it's the canvas on which all your other makeup will sit, and is ideally what makes your skin look perfect (glowy but not shiny and even-toned without being cakey). But knowing what works best for you takes a whole lot of trial and error. To streamline the process, celebrity makeup artist Elle Leary is breaking down the basics of the five most common types.
Read on to learn the pros and cons of everything from powders to CC creams!
Photo courtesy of Walmart.com2/6Liquid Foundation
Who it’s for: "This type of foundation is best for someone that has normal, dry, or combination complexions, but there are a few formulas that are made for oilier skin types. You can wear just a little or build them up for a fuller layer of coverage, which makes it the most universal base. Any skin tone can wear them because there are so many brands that make liquid foundations that you’ll definitely be able to find a shade that matches you. This formula is also best for girls that have problematic skin because you can hide a lot of imperfections with them. But (pro tip!) if you do have irritated or acne-prone skin, use a formula that’s more natural with as few added chemicals and fragrances as possible."
Leary Loves: Flower About Face Liquid Foundation, Emani Hydra Wear 12 Hour Foundation, Dior Airflash, and Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Photo courtesy of Chanel.com3/6Powder Foundation
Who it’s for: "I always recommend this formula to girls that want a very light coverage or who need help to keep their faces matte. A powder will help suck up that shine. I just urge girls to be careful putting too much on because it can look cakey at the end of the day when you keep appling more. So interchange blotting with rice paper or oil-removing sheets and then powder later when you notice the grease again. In general, a good routine would include an oil-free moisturizer, a mattifing primer, and then a light dusting of powder with a fluffy brush to get your desired coverage."
Leary Loves: Chanel Poudre Universelle Liber Natural Finish Loose Powder, La Mer The Powder, and Colorescience Sunforgettable
Photo courtesy of Sephora.com4/6CC Cream
Who it’s for: "CC stands for color correcting, so if you have dark spots or feel the tone of your skin needs brightening, you can try these. But they’re really only for people with those specific concerns or for more mature skin."
Leary Loves: Olay Total Effects CC Tone and Correcting Moisturizer, Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream
Photo courtesy of Kevyn Aucoin5/6Tinted Moisturizer
Who it’s for: "Try these if you want the lightest amount of coverage possible. Your skin will show through look dewy. I don’t recommend this for oily or combination skin types unless you use this as your daily moisturizer. And always look for one with an SPF!"
Leary Loves: Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Tinted Balm, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Photo courtesy of Sephora.com6/6BB Cream
Who it’s for: "Think of these guys as fancier versions of tinted moisturizer. I would lean towards one with a little more coverage. They often have added ingredients to boost hydration and prevent premature aging. All skin types and tones can use these, so if you’re looking for a little more out of your cover-up, give them a try! Again, use these in place of your daily moisturizer if you’re greasy."
Leary Loves: Est;ée Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant BB Creme, Stila Stay All Day BB Cream.
