How to choose the right foundation formula

Your makeup routine starts with your base, so there’s no doubt that getting your foundation right is crucial. If you’ve nailed your base, the rest of your makeup should come together seamlessly. But unless you’re using the right formula of foundation for your skin type, your makeup will never look quite right.
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If you’re not sure how to choose foundation to suit your skin type, you’ve come to the right place. We spoke to National Makeup Director for Lancôme, Lara Srokowski, to get her best tips on how to choose foundation for your skin type and achieve your most flawless base ever.
Which foundation formula is best for oily skin?
According to Lara, anyone with an oily skin type should avoid oil-based formulas. “If you have oily skin you are best to opt for something oil-free with more of a matte finish,” says Lara. “If you have oily skin you may also suffer from open pores, so I would recommend using an oil-free primer to help to control any oil and for a long wearing result.”
bh loves: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation, Covergirl Outlast Active Foundation
Is there a formula that is better suited for dry skin types?
“Yes, if you have dry skin I would recommend using a liquid foundation with a dewy finish,” recommends Lara. Dry skin types should also focus on having a good skin care regime before applying makeup. “A trick to creating more of a hydrating texture is to add a pump of your favourite serum into your foundation for a healthy glow and to maximise your skin care results,” she says.
bh loves: COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Luminous Natural Glow Foundation, endota spa Liquid Radiance Foundation
How should anyone with combination skin choose a foundation?
If you have this skin type you’re in luck as most foundations are suitable for combination skin. “Combination skin is your most common skin type which means you have a healthy balance of oil through the T zone and are comfortable in the cheeks,” explains Lara. “Try setting your foundation with a light compact powder, focus on applying to the T zone area to prevent any unwanted shine throughout the day.”
bh loves: Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup SPF 25, Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation
What’s the best foundation formula for acne-prone skin?
If you have acne-prone skin, you’ll want a foundation that offers full coverage with a long-wearing formula. “I would recommend using a liquid and a powder foundation together to achieve a fuller coverage,” says Lara. “Use a foundation that is oil-free like Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear for extra coverage and to mattify the skin. Before setting your foundation, apply a high coverage concealer with a small brush to the areas you wish to achieve more coverage.” After you’ve applied your foundation, set the look with a long-wearing powder.
bh loves: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear, M.A.C Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
What’s the best foundation formula for ageing skin?
“The best formula for someone with any ageing concerns is a natural liquid foundation with a dewy finish,” explains Lara. Look for a foundation that’s enriched with skin care to help to target any anti-aging concerns. “Avoid using any heavy powders and keep the skin extra dewy by priming the skin with a hydrating primer,” she says.
bh loves: La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20, Ultraceuticals Ultra CC Powder Pure Mineral Foundation
What’s the best foundation formula for normal skin?
Normal skin types can get away with wearing any type of foundation, however Lara recommends something that’s sheer and lightweight to mimic the natural skin tone.
bh loves: Lancôme Miracle Cushion, Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals Foundation
Should you change the way you apply your foundation based on the type of formula you’re using?
The type of makeup brush you use should change based on the foundation formula that you’re using. “Foundation brushes are best utilized with liquid formulas, so I usually use a combination of two foundation brushes one to apply the products and a bigger stippling brush to diffuse the product out,” explains Lara. But what about Beauty Blenders and sponges? Lara says that these work best when you want to add coverage or apply concealer to a smaller area. “For a powder foundation I prefer to set the makeup by using a big fluffy brush and then use the sponge applicator that comes with the powder for touch-ups throughout the day,” she says.
bh loves: asap pure kabuki brush ($25, adorebeauty.com.au), QVS Professional Foundation Sponge
Are you using the right foundation formula for your skin type? What’s your favourite foundation?
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119 Member Comments
i absolutely love the maybelline super stay foundation as i have combo skin type
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I have dry combo skin and have found lighter coverage with dewy finish is the best, especially bb creams and tinted moisturisers! have not been able to go back to matte and full coverage foundations since
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I own every finish of foundation because my skin changes so much throughout the year haha
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I agree. The foundation is key to the whole look working.
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I don’t wear heavy foundation. I prefer tinted moisturiser or just a light dusting of powder. I’m currently using Bare Minerals and loving it.
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Wow this is great, I shared it with all my girls!
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I apply all my liquids with a Laura Mercier sponge and find I can even the effect to be as soft and natural as I want.
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Liquid foundations all break me out without exception. I have now found Alima Pure powder foundation and will be sticking to that.
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I found this really interesting and will be helpful when choosing from now on, thanks.
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I have normal skin and I'm loving the Marc Jacob's Shameless foundation
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Helpful article, one to refer back to
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I like a light texture
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Interesting article, currently using a Maybelline and a Clinique foundation.
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I've finally found the right foundation for my skin. Estee Lauder's foundation stays on my face and neck through all seasons of the year. Whether my skin is oily or dry, this foundation is just amazing!
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I have dry skin so my foundation always tends to cake in some places.
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I would love to know if oily skin can have a dewy foundation
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I have always had a love affair with foundations so I've accrued quite a few! I especially love those with a high spf in them - top faves are the MAC Waterweight with spf30 and the Elizabeth Arden Prevage foundation with spf25. But there are so many more awesome ones too!
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Such an important thing to know from an early age.
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I have three foundations on rotation, BB cream as well. I tend to mix and match types and how much coverage the foundation offers even during one application. And of course changing up the matte to more dewy as well is always great. Then there's things like highlighters etc etc. I could never stick just to one type :) Too much fun to be had!
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I've been reaching for my BB creams lately
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I use a matte liquid foundation for my oily skin
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I wear a quite a few different foundations, some are mineral based too. Estee Lauder foundation is simply luxurious on the skin. I must get my hands on the Lancome Miracle Cushion. I can see that being a favourite in my collection.
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My sis has dry skin and adds tiny bit of oil in hers. Mine is normal to oily and I dab foundation on special occasions only minimally, shearing it out (for blurring effect). So prefer light weight ones, no oil, serumy with skincare benefits if possible.
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I definitely prefer a dewy look for my dry skin. I've recently started adding a drop of jojoba oil to my foundation and it's made an amazing difference!
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I haven't found a foundation to compare to Make Up Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation. I dont like a heavy cake feel or look and this foundation is weightless and smooth and gives a soft dewy look.
Ive had consultants at Mecca and Sephora try to match it and nothing else compares for me so feel lucky to have found a foundation that I love.
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