Different Types of Foundation Makeup

We are spoilt with the many different types of foundations on the market. They help us even out our skin tones, blur spots and scars, and provide a base for our colour makeup. Many come with added functions such as hydration, sunscreen protection, mattifying and waterproof.

Liquid Foundation

Liquid Foundation is dominant on the market with a wide range of textures, functions, consistency and finishes. They are easy to apply and support a wide range of shades.

Cream-based Liquid Foundation

These liquid foundations are blendable and hydrate the skin. Coverage varies between different brands and some are buildable. They can easily glide over fine lines and not settle into them. They come in a wide variety of shades with different functions.

However, some may find that they melt off the skin or become cakey in hot temperate climates.  

• Suitable for: Dry Skin, Combination Skin, and Normal Skin
• Coverage: Sheer, Medium, Full

Tinted Moisturizer

Tinted moisturizer nourishes the skin and at the same time, provides light coverage with colour pigments.

• Suitable for: Dry Skin
• Coverage: Light

Water-based Liquid Foundation

With the primary ingredient being water, these foundations are suitable for all skin types. They are lightweight and gives the skin a dewy finish. The oil-free water-based liquid foundation does not clog your pores and suitable for hot temperate climates.

• Suitable for: Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin and Dry Skin
• Coverage: Sheer, Light

Serum Foundation

Serum-based foundations are packed with skin-nourishing ingredients with a lightweight feel. The coverage is buildable, from a sheer layer giving you the no-makeup makeup look to building to a more made-up look. The foundation would not settle on the fine lines or the creases on your skin.

• Suitable for: All Skin Types
• Coverage: Buildable

Silicone-based Foundation

The silicone-based foundation uses silicone ingredients as one of its primary ingredients. Silicones fill in fine lines and wrinkles, gives the benefits of using both a foundation and a primer. It is water-resistant and hence, stays on the face despite face oils and sweat. Making it suitable for hot climates.

• Suitable for: Not for sensitive skin
• Coverage: Medium, Full

Cushion Foundation

Cushion foundation is a liquid foundation housed in a compact for portability and convenience. You pressed down with your sponge to get the release of foundation onto your sponge.  

• Suitable for: All Skin Types
• Coverage: Light, Medium

Powder Foundation

Powder foundation comes in compassed or loose powder forms. They absorb excess face oil and is suitable for oily and combination skins, and give a matte finish. However, they can be drying and becomes flaky on dry skins.

Pressed Powder Foundation (2 Way Cake)

Pressed powder foundation, or 2-way cake, comes in a compact. It can be applied wet or dry, with the former giving a heavier coverage.

• Suitable for: Normal Skin, Oily Skin
• Coverage: Sheer, Medium, Full

Loose Powder (Mineral Foundation)

Mineral face powder foundation is a face powder with pigments. It gives sheer coverage with a matte finish. Containing more natural ingredients with little use for preservatives, mineral powder foundation may be suitable for sensitive skins. It fares well in hot climates. However, the mineral powder foundation may settle into the fine lines on the face.

• Suitable for: Normal Skin, Oily Skin
• Coverage: Sheer

Stick Foundation

The creamy foundation stick has a thicker texture and helps covers blemishes and scars. It is cased in similar packaging as a lipstick which makes it super convenient to bring around for touch-ups. It contains moisturizing oils which makes it easy to apply to skin.  

• Suitable for: Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin
• Coverage: Medium, Full