Choosing the right foundation can be tricky; a shade too light and you risking looking like a Geisha girl, too dark and you are transformed into an unintended bronze goddess. Which formulation—powder, liquid, mineral or mousse—works best? What about specific formulas that benefit your skin type the most?
It's a veritable minefield but it's worth taking the time to figure out THE foundation that's just right for you because the newest formulations cover all bases, from reviving radiance and hiding flaws to smoothing out wrinkles and making open pores disappear. Before you go shopping, figure out if you're pale, medium or dark. Once you know your skin tone, use the specific brand's shade name as a guideline. If you're fair skinned, stay away from pink-toned foundations because fair skins are prone to redness. Instead, look for a hue labeled beige or buff that neutralizes redness giving you a matte look. Wheatish skinned beauties with yellow undertones—most Indians fall in this category—do best when they stick to shades labeled warm, medium or golden. Meanwhile dusky skin tones should look for tan and sable to give a light sheen to their complexion.
Formulation essentials
Tinted Moisturizers
Tinted Moisturizers like Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF 20, Maybelline New York Clear Glow BB Cream, theBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer SPF18 and Olay Total Effects Touch of Foundation SPF 15
What is it?
Lightweight moisturizer formulations that offer a sheer color wash and light coverage for a natural look to even out the skin tone. Ideal if you don't need a lot of coverage but want to moisturize skin and even out skin tone. Perfect for softening and protecting skin and adding a hint of color. These usually offer some sun protection as well.
Who are they meant for?
Women with normal to dry skin.
Liquid foundations
Liquid Foundations like Lakme Perfecting Liquid Foundation, NYX Professional Makeup Total Control Drop Foundation and Deborah 24Ore Perfect Foundation
What is it?
These versatile formulations go on like a dream and offer anywhere from sheer-to-full coverage. They blend beautifully into skin to create a matte effect and hide pores to give a flawless finish. Since most are water-based, they feel ultra-light on skin. The water-proof and smudge-proof versions tend to be heavier because they contain oils and wax. If you're prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, stick to a water-based formula.
Who are they meant for?
Liquid foundations work for all skin types. The water-based formulations are especially suited for oily or combination skins.
Stick foundations
Cream and stick foundations like Nykaa SKINgenius Foundation Stick Conceal Contour & Corrector, Makeup Revolution Fast Base Stick Foundation, Faces Ultime Pro Blend Finity Stick Foundation and Flower Beauty Pore Perfect Instant Blur Stick Multi-Tasking Foundation
What is it?
Stick foundations are the go-to option for girls who demand SOS convenience. They're also perfect for use as a concealer to hide imperfections. Though they're easy to use, it's best to stick to spot applications rather than all-over use. Blending in the formula after use is important to even out the makeup.
Who are they meant for?
They work for all skin types, dry, oily and combination skins.
Stripe test works best
You can analyze your skin tone in countless ways but the stripe test is the only real way of figuring out which foundation shade suits your skin and color. Apply three different shades of foundation in vertical stripes from the cheekbone to right below the jawbone. Experiment with a freshly washed face and not your arm, hand or wrist as most commonly do because these areas can have different shades than your face. The forehead or décolletage are also good options.
Then head to the window with a mirror, and check out the foundation stripes in natural light. The shade that appears almost invisible, blending into your complexion is right for you. Remember a good match should just even out your complexion and hide away imperfections, not make you a shade fairer or darker. Nothing looks tackier than a face in a different shade from the neck and rest of your body.
You can analyze your skin tone in countless ways but the stripe test is the only real way of figuring out which foundation shade suits your skin and color. Apply three different shades of foundation in vertical stripes from the cheekbone to right below the jawbone. Experiment with a freshly washed face and not your arm, hand or wrist as most commonly do because these areas can have different shades than your face. The forehead or décolletage are also good options.
Then head to the window with a mirror, and check out the foundation stripes in natural light. The shade that appears almost invisible, blending into your complexion is right for you. Remember a good match should just even out your complexion and hide away imperfections, not make you a shade fairer or darker. Nothing looks tackier than a face in a different shade from the neck and rest of your body.
Mousse formulations
Mousse formulas like Colorbar Flawless Finish Mousse Foundation, theBalm Even Steven Whipped Foundation and Lakme Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse 16hr.
What is it?
Mousse or whipped foundations can be applied in thin layers depending on the level of coverage you want. Essentially, its liquid makeup with air whipped in to make it lighter and smoother.
Who are they meant for?
Whipped foundation works for all skin types, but is especially great for dry or aging skins because it glides on smoothly instead of caking up in facial lines.
Cream-to-Powder formulations
What is it?
An interesting innovation, the cream-to-powder foundation goes on like a liquid but dries to a powder finish. The formula minimizes oil—a boon for humid weather—allowing you to stay shine-free all day. It's easy to apply and you don't have to top it with powder to get full coverage. Think of it as more tinted moisturizer and less creamy concealer stick.
Who are they meant for?
It's ideal for normal to slightly oily skin types. Perfect if you have combination skin with a greasy T zone.
Mineral Powders
Mineral powders like L'Oreal Paris True Match Minerals Skin-Improving Foundation, Natio Pure Mineral Foundation
What is it?
Mineral formulations are the latest thing in makeup. A boon for sensitive skins and women with allergies because the key ingredient is inert minerals that rarely cause reactions or clog pores. The best way to use mineral foundations is to brush them on with big, puffy brushes like Colorbar First Impressions Powder Brush or the Vega Powder Brush, building up layers of nearly-invisible powder. In fact, the soft focus look they create has led many to liken the finish to airbrush makeup. Depending on your needs, you can use the product to build medium to full coverage.
Who are they meant for?
Ideal for normal to oily skin types. Also great for women who tend to suffer breakouts with regular foundations.
Concealers
Concealers like Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer, L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD, NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer Wand and Wet n Wild Photo Focus Concealer
What is it?
Concealers are the go-to when you want to conceal a flaw like under-eye circles, cheek redness or a zit. Consider thickness and color when choosing a brand. Nykaa expert Namrata Soni suggests choosing a yellow-toned product to cover up under eye circles. Rule of thumb: choose a color that’s a shade lighter than your foundation. Test the color on your neck below your ear. Always apply concealer before foundation for perfect coverage says Namrata. “Lightly dab on foundation over the concealed area to prevent it from rubbing off.
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