Skin Type and Foundation

Confused by all the different brands and types of makeup foundations out there?  Should you use powder, liquid, tinted moisturizer, BB cream?  What the heck is BB cream anyway?  Let's take a closer look.

Not all makeup is created equal.  There are oil free formulas, thick hydrating formulas, powders, lightweight formulas, and treatment foundations.  The list goes on and on.  Finding the one that works for your skin can be trial and error if you aren't sure what to look for. 

Foundations:

• Liquid foundations blend easily into skin, but may feel heavier than other forumlas.
• Powder foundations are lighter to the touch, feel lightweight, but can be harder to blend
• Tinted moisturizers are simply moisturizers with some color added to them. These offer light coverage and won't cover blemishes.  These are great for warmer months when you don't want to put both separately on your skin.
• BB Creams are multi-tasking formulas that combine moisture with tint, along with other ingredients to address even skin tone and some anti-aging concerns.  Offering heavier coverage than a tinted moisturizer, these can be layered to cover blemishes.
• Treatment foundations have an ingredient to counteract a certain skin problem.  Some for acne, most for aging concerns, including pigmentation (brown spots) and wrinkles.

Oily Skin:

• If your skin is oily, you want an OIL FREE formula, always.  This won't contribute to oil production, will likely have an ingredient that helps control oil and shine.  It will feel lightweight on your skin.  There are also oil free BB creams and tinted moisturers.  These are multi-tasking products!
• Powder foundations are great for oily skin!  They won't feel greasy or heavy and can help control oil and provide a matte finish for shine free skin all day.

Normal Skin:

• Women with normal skin can use any formula as long as it feels good on their skin.  Find what works well and looks best and stick with it!

Combination Skin:

• If there is excess oil in the T-Zone, use a formula geared for oily skin.  You can use a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, just choose an oil free one.

Dry Skin:

• If skin is dry and/or dehydrated, steer clear of powders!  These will sit on top and will make skin feel even drier.  Look for formulas that are NOT oil free, as your skin needs the excess hydration provided by thicker formulas. If you want lightweight looking coverage, opt for a BB cream or tinted moisturezer. 

Aging Skin:

• If skin is more mature, powders are not a good choice, as the powder will settle into fine lines.  You will want a more 'dewey' finish so skin looks more youthful.  My favorite product for aging skin is BB Cream.  It doesn't cover your skin, but gives a dewey youthful glow and has ingredients to combat aging and help even skin tone. 

Some people change formulas with the seasons.  Winter can be more drying on skin and you may want a heavier, more hydrating formula, while in the summer you want a more lightweight formula.  Using the above guide can help you pick the right formula all your long, for your skin type!