I loathe foundation. Dare I say I detest it? I have worked in this industry for 10+ years so I’ve tried a hell of a lot of them and I was ok with them until my texture changed and I started to develop the dreaded fine lines. I’m getting older guys and gals and things look much different on me than they used to.
I used to wear the KVD Vegan Beauty’s Lock-It Foundation and that makeup is basically spackle for your face. I thought I looked like a porcelain doll; however, God bless the girl who told me I looked like Billy Butcherson from Hocus Pocus.
As I’ve grown older and wiser about my skin type, I’ve come across many foundations that work for me and even more that don’t. One of the main things you need to figure out before even going through the process of finding a good foundation is figuring out your skin type.
There are 5 skin types if you look at the big picture. They are as follows; however, bear in mind that our skin type changes with the weather and our age.
Sensitive
Sensitive skin is most likely dry, itchy, and flaky. It also burns quickly (in sun or wind), flushes often, and is irritated by changes in weather, chemicals, or even just products in general. Those with fairer skin (and little melanin, a naturally occurring pigment that enables tanning) are more likely to be sensitive. Visible broken capillaries are another telltale sign.
Oily
An oily complexion is characterized by shine and excess oil (especially on the forehead and nose), blackheads, and clogged or large, visible pores. If you’re constantly blotting your face and had more breakouts than your peers as a teen, chances are you have oily skin.
Normal
The luckiest of all the types! While normal skin stays fairly consistent without a lot of breakouts, it isn’t immune to dry patches and blemishes. If you can tolerate ingredients and products other skin types could not without irritation, you might be “normal.” Usually normal types are not fair-skinned, as they have more protective melanin.
Dry
Cracked skin, rough patches, itching, sensitivity to metals and certain ingredients most people don’t have significant negative reactions to—these are all signs that you have dry skin. Other indicators: your face isn’t oily, the skin on your arms and legs is severely dry, and/or you suffered from eczema as a child.
It’s not uncommon to be more than one skin type. I have Sensitive and Dry skin. I burn easily, sport some broken capillaries and my face does get very red depending on the weather. While I am sensitive, I don’t react to alpha hydroxy acids or Vitamin C since my skin built a resistance to it. I’ve trained my epidermis very well.
Now, in saying that. These foundations I am about to talk about are what work for me. That doesn’t ultimately mean they will work for you but maybe, if we’re lucky, you find your new HG. (That’s Holy Grail for the makeup naive).
- MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation $33: This lightweight fluid formula contains a special blend of emollients that deliver sheer buildable coverage and a satin finish. The hydrating, long-wearing, water-proof foundation formula glides onto the face and body, providing stay-true colour. I personally believe it’s best applied with fingers.
- Fenty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint $29.50: A blurring skin tint that delivers smooth, instantly blurred skin in just a few easy drops. This can be applied with brush or fingers; however, I like applying it with my fingers.
- KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm $38: This is full coverage and will hide all your life mistakes; however, it’s a fresh, matte finish. It looks like skin. This vegan foundation is infused with apple extract and sodium hyaluronate to help nourish and hydrate skin. It’s creamy, non comedogenic and it minimizes the appearance of pores for a smooth, healthy look. It’s best for balanced to dry skin. We love non comedogenic items! They’re formulated to not clog pores.
- NARS Sheer Glow $47: This is a sheer, buildable foundation with a natural-looking finish that evens skin tone. Complete with skincare benefits including Vitamin C and Tumeric, it leaves skin hydrated, softer, and smoother. Vitamin C brightens skin and diminishes the look of discoloration and Turmeric enhances skin radiance and evens the look of skin tone. I like applying this with my fingers for a “my skin but better” coverage.
Let me reiterate these work for my skin type; however, depending on time of year and the products you use to Prime your skin, they’re adaptable to many different types.
The primer I am currently using and obsessed with is Saie Glowy Super Gel in ‘Starglow.’ This one can be worn alone, as a primer and/or mixed into your foundation. Bonus cool points? It’s recyclable! When empty, recycle the glass after twisting off the plastic pump to remove the inner pouch.
I want my skin to look like I just came home from a facial. I want it to look like a dewy dumpling. It’s not for everyone and knowing your skin type is extremely helpful and beneficial when finding your favorite foundations.
Also, remember that your skincare and the way you take care of your skin is going to directly affect the way makeup sits on your skin but that’s another conversation for another day. Happy hunting and I’m here if you need me.
Pretty In Ink 