Which foundation type is right for me? A makeup artist weighs in

“You should have high skincare expectations for your foundation.”

When it comes to foundation, finding the right fit is no easy feat. Acting as the base layer of our makeup, choosing a formula that covers, corrects and lets the skin breathe – all while being a perfect colour match – is tricky. And these days, we want our foundation to do it all.

We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more. 

As Lori Taylor Davis, Smashbox Cosmetic’s Global Pro Lead Artist, says, “This is a new age of foundation… long-wear foundation does not need to equal ‘bad for skin’.” Below, Lori speaks on Smashbox’s newest foundation release, and how we can find the right formula for our skin type.

First off, what are the most common skin types, and how can we identify our own?

There are a few very common skin types. The first one is dry skin. Dry skin is easily identifiable because it feels tight, it feels uncomfortable, and it visibly shows texture and fine dry lines.

On the other end of the spectrum is oily skin. This skin type produces too much oil, and skin can appear shiny with enlarged pores. Then there’s normal skin which is balanced – it’s not too oily, and it’s not too dry.

The last skin type is combination skin or ‘combo skin’. Combo skin is oily in some areas of the face… [like] the T-zone, but dryer in other places… [like] the cheeks. When I am on set, I always test [the] skin prior to applying makeup to ensure I’m prepping the skin appropriately.

Using the pads of two fingers, I gently swipe without tugging across the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Fingertips glide across oily skin more easily. With dry skin, there is some resistance, so it’s fairly easy to tell by look and feel what someone’s skin type is.

Let’s talk formula. Between liquid or powder, matte or dewy and sheer or full-coverage, the choice can feel overwhelming. Once we’ve identified our skin type, where should we start with finding the right foundation?

When you are starting off in the foundation selection process, the first question you should ask yourself is coverage. Do you want a lot of coverage? Do you want sheer-to-light coverage that is more like a veil on your skin, or do you want a versatile, medium-buildable coverage? Assess your needs.

If you just have a few imperfections, perhaps you only need a light coverage paired with a concealer. If you prefer more coverage, opt for a buildable formula so you can build up where needed, but it still looks like your own true skin.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lori Taylor Davis (@loritaylordavis)

In terms of skin type, everyone has a preference for how they want their makeup to look. If you have oily skin, you aren’t necessarily locked into a matte foundation. Choose the finish you like best and leverage setting products and sprays to keep it on lock.

That said, I wouldn’t advise dry skin to go for a matte finish, because it could further enhance texture – but finishes like natural or demi-matte work great across [all] skin types.

What are the indicators of a good foundation? Can you give us an example?

This is a new age of foundation and honestly, you should have high skincare expectations for your foundation. Foundations also need to perform from a long-wear standpoint, so look for all-day wear or 16-plus hours of wear… [These days,] long-wear foundation does not need to equal ‘bad for skin’.

Our foundation needs are ever-changing. How does this new Smashbox foundation adapt to suit skin?

… It really helps to balance oil and hydration in the skin instantly and over time. It’s got the buildable coverage for visibly even and natural-looking skin. The formula… [is also] packed with adaptogens, like licorice root and sea asparagus. This complex helps skin to act like an automatic thermostat, to balance levels of oil and hydration. It’s a fascinating technology.

For more on the best foundations for combination skin, head here.