Foundation (Base) Makeup

The sort of foundation you need depends on your skin type, what level of coverage you need, the weather conditions, and how much you're going to sweat while wearing it.

There are four basic types of foundation: liquid, cream, cake, and powder.

Liquid foundation usually comes in a bottle or tube, and can provide light to medium coverage.  A very few are full coverage.  They are generally made to be used all over the face, and in conjunction with a powder.  Basically, they're usually for normal wear under mild weather conditions.

To apply this type of foundation, shake the bottle first.  This is very important.

To apply cream foundation, dip a little from the jar or tube with a makeup spatula or espresso spoon, and place it on the back of your hand.  This is an important step whether you will be applying it with your fingers or a sponge.  It warms the cream for more even spreading without over-stretching the skin.  Stir the cream around a little on your hand, dot it on the face, and then spread it around until you have an even coat all over.

Cake foundations are almost always full coverage.  However, you get to choose the exact level of coverage based on how much you use.  It is the foundation of choice for makeup artists for this reason.  Most come in a small jar or a stick, like a lipstick.  They usually hold up better than the others in harsher weather conditions or in heat and bright lights.

To apply cake foundation, scrape a little off, and place it on your hand.  Then spread it around a little.  Because of its hardness, it might not be a good idea to dot it onto the face, but what you can do is to "load" your fingers or sponge very well.  My personal preference is a loaded sponge, because it makes it easier for me to control.

For regular use, cream to powder (actually soft cake) foundations provide pretty good coverage and wear, and are more convenient and easier to spread than professional cake foundation.

Powder foundations can be used alone or with a liquid, cream, or cake.  People with very oily skin, or who will be working outside in the sun may prefer to use it alone.  To boost and take the shine off of another type of foundation at the same time, use a matching color powder.  If you don't want to add to the coverage of another foundation, but just want to take the shine off or prevent oily spots, use a totally translucent powder with no pigment.

Translucent powder is also good for those who wear headwraps or scarves for modesty.  It won't stain your scarves.  It's also good for people who have a very variable skin tone and few blemishes, who just need shine control.  Apply this with a large makeup brush, or "kabuki" brush.