We all have our preferences when it comes to covering scars and acne. Many of us prefer to make changes in our diet, lifestyle, skincare routine and face masks for long term results. But what do you do when you have to hide the blemishes for a party that’s tonight or in a couple of days? Well, that’s exactly why we buy lots and lots of good makeup products including the saviour called foundation.
If your foundation isn’t right, then your entire look can go for a toss. So make sure to choose one that matches your skin tone perfectly and not one that is darker or lighter than your natural skin. Know that the purpose of the foundation is to give you an even tone while hiding scars, acne, pigmentation and blemishes. Apart from that, understand your skin’s need and type. Be aware of which the best foundation cream for you – liquid, cream, powder, mineral powder, tinted moisturiser, stick, BB cream or CC cream.
However, cream-based foundations are in high demand because they provide better coverage than liquid. Cream-based foundations have a thicker concentration and are easy-to-apply and blend.
Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing A Cream Foundation
Never try your foundation just on your hand and expect it to match your face and neck. First, try it on your hand, then jawline and then on the neck and stand in natural light while doing so. This will help you determine the right shade for you. Once you have a foundation that is your perfect match, make sure your application process goes smoothly.
How To Apply Foundation Cream?
For the application, use brushes, a beauty blender or a sponge to blend out your foundation to look as natural as possible. You can either use a flat foundation brush or a stippling buffer brush. Be aware of what type of coverage a certain area needs – full, medium or sheer. Full coverage will hide scars, acne and blemishes. Sheer coverage is best for clear skin. Here is a step by step process on how to apply foundation cream?
1. Before you start with the foundation, cleanse your face, apply toner and then apply a moisturiser followed by primer.
2. Now, apply the foundation.
3. If you want more coverage for a party or a wedding, use a flat foundation brush. For light coverage use a stippling brush.
4. Start blending from the center of your face, outwards ie. from the sides of your nose and then extend it to the cheeks and jawline.
5. For the areas where you are trying to cover scars or acne, dab the brush instead of using strokes.
6. If you are not comfortable with brushes, use a sponge or beauty blender to blend the foundation.
Tips: Use primer before foundation and set it with a powder if needed. It will allow the foundation to set in and be long-lasting. While applying, do not miss the ears and neck as the difference is visible in pictures.
Best Foundation Creams In India
To save you from the hassle of going through a zillion products, we have compiled a list for you. For all the lovely ladies out there, Here are the best foundation creams in India.
1. Lakmé Absolute Matte Real Skin Natural Foundation
Lakmé Absolute Matte Real Skin Natural Foundation offers great coverage and lasts all day long. This foundation range of Lakmé has shades that are specifically created for our Indian skin tones. And it’s great for oily skin. It will not make you look greasy and it feels light on the skin.
2. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF 15
Bobbi Brown works her magic with this super awesome foundation! It’s great for all skin types and gives full coverage without looking cakey or layered. It leaves your face looking dewy and naturally radiant. It’s our go-to foundation for wedding functions. It comes in 20 different shades so you can choose the one closest to your skin tone.
3. L’Oréal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation
L’Oréal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation provides full coverage so it’s best for people who are looking to cover blemishes, hyperpigmentation, redness, acne and acne scars. It conceals acne without being too oily. It’s a long-lasting matte foundation that doesn’t allow your skin to look dull.
4. M.A.C Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation
This foundation provides great coverage. It hides fine lines and spots by creating a blurring effect. Its light-reflecting, natural satin finish makes your skin look revitalised and refreshed. It stays on the skin for long, protects it against harmful UV rays and hydrates it. The product features 77-Mineral Complex, shea butter and vitamin E. It’s suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
5. Lakmé 9 to 5 Cream Based Foundation Compact
This cream compact provides balanced and long-lasting coverage. It blends effortlessly. It conceals fine lines and blemishes. While applying it, don’t miss out on the neck and ear area and apply an extra layer of it along the T-zone.
6. Inglot Ysm Cream Foundation – 45
Inglot YSM cream foundation is long-lasting and lightweight. It smoothly covers pigmentation with a matte finish. This foundation works wonders for dry skin as it has a creamy texture which helps in even application. It moisturises the skin. It also hydrates it without highlighting the dryness in the skin. It is suitable for all types of skin, including sensitive skin.
7. Kryolan Ultra Foundation
Kryolan Ultra foundations are perfect for professional-esque makeup bases that provide great coverage, corrects flaws and hides pigmentation. Its creamy texture makes it easy-to-blend. It’s long-lasting and it looks even better in pictures.
8. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation
This creamy foundation is lightweight and long-lasting. It provides medium to full coverage for 16 hours. It gives a shine-free finish. It is also dermatologically tested, hence, is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. This foundation is budget friendly and is great for normal to oily skin. Due to its matte formula, it keeps the skin looking fresh for the longest time.
9. Covergirl 360 Clean Whipped Creme Foundation
With its silky, velvety texture, this is probably one of the best foundations creams for daily use. If you prefer tinted moisturisers, then this foundation is definitely for you as the coverage it gives is similar. You can layer it to get medium coverage. It has a hydrating formula which provides nourishment to the skin without making it look greasy. It’s a non-comedogenic product so your skin pores won’t get clogged even if you include it in your daily makeup routine.
10. Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation
This silky serum foundation will give you some major luxe feels. It gives an instant luminous finish and is available in 13 shades. Its formula contains lychee, bamboo, grass and cordycep mushroom extracts that can nourish the driest of skin. Apart from covering the blemishes, and scars, it also protects skin against environmental stresses.
FAQs
What Is Foundation Cream Used For?
Some people confuse a foundation as a makeup product that’s used to brighten your skin colour. However, the main purpose of the foundation is entirely different. Foundation is basically a makeup product that comes in many shades. It is used to cover what you might think of as skin flaws such as redness, scars, spots, acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes. A foundation is meant to make your skin look more even, clearer and healthy.
Is It Okay To Wear A Cream Foundation Every Day?
Non-comedogenic foundations that have moisturising qualities which will comfort the dry skin can be worn regularly. Just make sure that its oil-free as well. So as long as you are wearing the right type of foundation on your skin, it won’t clog the pores.
The right foundation forms a protective barrier on your skin against the harmful UV rays. It’s not a replacement for your sunscreen but it works as the second protective layer for your skin against UV rays which are responsible for causing premature ageing.
Which Is Better – Foundation Or BB Cream?
BB Creams have been in the market for a while now and have proved as a serious contender in the base makeup category. This all-in-one cream covers all your skin’s needs from hydrating it to protecting it against sun damage. It creates a natural texture on the skin. BB creams range from a barely-there tint to medium coverage and most brands add SPF to their BB cream to provide protection against UV rays as well.
If your skin is acne prone and oily, it is best for you to use an oil-free BB cream as it’ll set in perfectly. It is rather beneficial for breakout-prone skin. The only issue with these creams is that the shades are still limited. So if you find your perfect match, BB creams are the best.
On the other hand, foundations are time-tested and thanks to Rihanna, we’ve already seen about 40 to 50 shades of foundations in the market. Makeup artists opt for them when a superior coverage is needed.
If you are looking at something that can last all day long with more coverage, a foundation is what you need. BB creams do provide moisturising but the foundation can be hydrating as well if you pick the right one. There are many hydrating foundations in the market which can give your skin a healthier look and they are available in a variety of shades. Whenever you need full or medium coverage, you need the shade to perfectly match your skin. And in case, you have oily skin, you can always go for a water-based foundation.
Is Cream Foundation Better Than Liquid?
Cream foundations usually provide better coverage than liquid foundations or mousses. However, the cream foundation may give a thick appearance and make oily skin look more oily. Cream foundations are best for dry and mature skin as they provide medium to heavy coverage and make the skin look smooth.
Liquid foundations are more suitable for oily skin as they have a water-based formula. It’s best to use liquid foundations for daily purposes. They work effectively when combining shades so if you are into mixing and matching foundation shades, liquid foundations are best for that purpose.
What Are The Side Effects Of A Foundation Cream?
While the right foundation cream won’t bother your skin, rather comfort it, but using the wrong foundation for your skin may show some side effects. Some of the side effects are clogged pores, acne, dryness, allergies and oily-looking skin. To prevent these, you must be careful while choosing your foundation shade and type. Make it as comfortable for your skin as possible and remove your makeup before going to bed.
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