Invaluable tips for picking the perfect formula and hue.
Applying an undetectable base is the first step for looking gorgeous. We all love products that are effortless to use and give your complexion the little boost it needs first thing in the morning. Here’s a compilation of some great base products – tinted moisturizers, Blemish Balms (BB) creams and Color Correcting or Complexion Care (CC) creams—based on different skin types to make it easier for you to find the one magic potion just right for you! Most of these products are fairly easy to blend, give decent coverage and enough SPF for typical day wear, thus saving you precious morning minutes that you would have otherwise spent layering on different products.
Oily skin rescue products
Shades
This comes in stick form and hence works best for oily skin and stays put nearly all day long. It doesn't make my T-zone shiny once set with a powder, gives excellent coverage and contains Salicylic Acid to tackle acne prone skin. And the best part – it blends in just two strokes!
Rs. 250.00
This is my personal favourite and even though it's not a CC cream in the general sense, it gives moderate coverage, brightens up the skin and has a soft velvety finish that works quite well with my oily skin. The yellow tint makes it a great match for warm Indian complexions.
Rs. 250.00
Shades
Brands worth a try if you have dry skin.
Shades
This has a lovely emollient texture that dry skinned girls will appreciate. It made my oily skin a little shiny after application but on drier skin types, it has a comforting and hydrating effect. What's more it provides sheer coverage, smoothes like a primer and has a dewy finish and is available in three shades. Choose one that suits your skin tone the best.
Rs. 550.00
This is also one of my favorites even though I have oily skin. And that's because it gives just the right depth of sheer coverage, a soft glowing finish and is super easy to blend. It's not very hydrating but doesn't cause flaking on dry patches and gives a nice glow to the skin. Oily skinned ladies can try this but you need to use a powder to set it.
Rs. 199.00
For girls with normal /combination skin
Ponds BB cream: The perfect base if you want instant natural coverage and advanced sunscreen protection. The formulation also gives superior skin brightening benefits that last throughout the day. I personally like the Ponds BB cream because it provides incredible coverage. On the con side it does need a little effort to blend. However, the end result is excellent. I think this is one of the best budget buys in the market today.
Rs. 125.00
L’Oreal Paris True Match BB cream: This cream has a slightly richer texture than what works for my oily skin but it does brighten up the skin quite well. The coverage is moderate and what I like most is that the color adapts to your skin within a few minutes of application. I also like the high SPF/PA+++ protection that makes it great for Indian summers. I love the beautiful cream and gold packaging as well!
Rs. 550.00
Shades
Even though I’ve categorised these base makeup creams on skin type, you can always make a specific product—even it isn’t absolutely right for your skin type—work for your skin. If you have dry skin for instance, you can use a rich moisturizer underneath and if you have oilier skin, you can use a pressed powder for better oil control. My personal favorites that are versatile and can work for all kinds of skin types are the Lakme CC cream and the Garnier BB cream! Get your tube today!
By Ankita Chaturvedi, beauty blogger and author of Corallista.com, a one stop destination for beauty reviews, looks and tutorials.
