The Foundation Guide
This is how to choose the perfect foundation, with tips on coverage and shades for every skin type and finish.
Think of foundation as your beauty base layer, the secret to a flawless finish and a serious confidence boost. Whether you're aiming for barely-there coverage or full glam, this guide breaks down how to find the right formula for your skin type, the tools to apply it with, and tips for achieving a natural-looking glow. Because the right foundation doesn’t just enhance your skin, it elevates your whole look.
Edited: Melisa Rustemova — Updated: 21.07.25
Types of Foundation Makeup
There are so many different types of foundations that cater to all skin types. Later, we'll come back to exactly which one works best for your complexion.
Liquid Foundation
Liquid foundation is perfect for offering an easy-to-blend consistency and smooth appearance, making liquid foundation one of our most popular options available. There are formulas to suit all needs and skin types, such as oil-free, waterproof and 24-hour. You can build up fuller coverage by applying multiple layers of liquid foundation. Look for hydrating or illuminating versions if you're after a more skin-like glow.
Cream Foundation
Cream foundation is a great on-the-go option and is ideal for touch-ups during the day. With either compact or in stick form, cream foundation can help achieve a matte finish, which works perfectly for oily skin.
Mineral Foundation
Of all the types of foundation, mineral foundation is renowned for being made of completely natural ingredients that won't clog the pores. Mineral foundation will help banish breakouts and is as buildable as a liquid foundation, giving a clean and natural finish.
Powder foundation
In comparison to other types of foundation makeup, pressed powder foundation has excellent oil-absorbing properties. When powder foundation is applied properly, it helps lessen shine throughout the day and evens out the skin tone smoothly, effective yet barely-there coverage. Some newer formulas also offer a soft, dewy effect without going greasy.
How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin Type
Matching foundation for your skin type involves a lot of different requirements that all play a part in finding the most complementary foundation finish. It's important to know how to match foundation to your skin type correctly.
Skin Type: Oily Skin
For oily skin, the ideal foundation helps control shine, mattify the complexion, and provide reliable coverage for blemishes without feeling heavy. Look for formulas that absorb excess oil throughout the day. Choosing the right foundation for oily skin means finding a product that manages moisture effectively without clogging pores or emphasising texture.
Skin Type: Acne Prone Skin
Using a lighter-weight base is the best foundation for acne-prone skin. It balances and evens out your tone and offers good coverage without it looking caked on. The best foundation for acne-prone skin should be breathable and not too heavy on your pores.
Skin Type: Dry Skin
The best foundation for dry skin will hydrate without being greasy. Avoid a matte finish as this can exaggerate flaky dry patches.
Skin Type: Combination Skin
For combination skin, the goal is balance. Choose foundations with flexible, skin-adaptive wear that offer hydration without excess shine. Satin or natural finishes work well, and powder can be added to the T-zone for targeted oil control.
Find My Foundation Shade
What is my foundation shade, you ask? It's the best foundation colour match for your skin. Here are three steps to follow on how to find your foundation shade for the first time around.
- Find some natural light and check the colour of your veins on your wrist. If the veins are olive, you have a warm undertone. Purple means you have a cool undertone, and a combination of blue-green means you have a neutral undertone.
- Test three swatches of foundations that you think may have potential as a fitting foundation shade by applying them to your jawline.
- Choose the foundation shade match that most appears to disappear into the skin.
Best Foundation for Coverage
The best foundation coverage you need will depend on your skin type and the time of the year. We're here to help you find the best full coverage foundation for you, be it light or heavy.
Full Coverage: The best full coverage foundation will likely leave with zero blemishes, dark spots, scarring, shadows or redness. A full coverage finish can create a flawless foundation base.
Medium Coverage: For those who want to even out skin tone while still letting a hint of natural complexion shine through, medium coverage foundations are the perfect in-between. They provide enough pigment to blur imperfections and redness while maintaining a breathable, skin-like finish.
Light Coverage: If you have naturally clear skin, prefer a natural look or want a sheer finish you'll appreciate a lightweight foundation. Tinted moisturisers and BB creams, and the best light coverage foundation for when you want to achieve that natural glow, while subtly evening tone.
How to Apply Foundation Evenly
It may seem simple, but some of us struggle with knowing how to apply foundation correctly and evenly.
Follow these steps for a smooth, natural-looking finish:
1. Prep your skin:
Begin with clean, hydrated skin. Smooth on a primer suited to your skin type—hydrating, mattifying or glow-enhancing—to create the ideal canvas.
2. Choose your tool:
A damp beauty sponge melts cream and liquid formulas into the skin for a seamless result. For more control, opt for a flat brush or dense buffing brush.
3. Apply sparingly:
Start with a small amount of product, preferably a pea-sized amount, and only add more when needed. Dot onto the centre of the face—forehead, nose, cheeks, chin—then blend outwards. This approach ensures a natural look that enhances your complexion without masking it.
4. Blend with intention:
Use gentle, circular or dabbing motions to diffuse the product into the skin. Focus on even coverage, not full coverage.
5. Build where needed:
Layer a little more onto areas that need extra coverage, blending carefully to keep the finish refined.
6. Set to finish:
Press in the base with a clean sponge, then set with powder or setting spray, depending on your desired finish.
FAQs
Dewy vs matte foundation — which should I choose?
Dewy foundations impart a fresh, radiant glow ideal for dry or mature skin, while matte foundations control shine and provide a smooth, shine-free finish perfect for oily or combination skin. Consider your skin’s needs and the look you want to achieve when choosing between the two.
Which is better for mature skin, liquid or powder foundation?
Liquid foundation tends to be more flattering on mature skin, as its hydrating formulas smooth fine lines and avoid settling into wrinkles. Powders can sometimes accentuate texture, so opt for lightweight liquids with a natural or dewy finish.
How do you get Foundation out of clothes?
Gently blot the stain with a dry cloth to lift any excess, never rub, as it can push the pigment deeper. Dab the area with a little micellar water or oil-free makeup remover to break down the product. Follow with a mild stain remover before laundering as normal. Skip the tumble dryer, heat will only set it.
How do I choose the right concealer?
Focus on your needs. Brightening? Go for a lightweight, radiant formula. Covering blemishes? Choose matte with fuller coverage. One shade lighter for under-eyes, a perfect match for imperfections.
Should concealers be lighter or darker than foundation?
Lighter for under-eyes to brighten. The same shade as your foundation for blemishes or redness.