13 Most Common Types of Foundation Makeup


Makeup is an art. Applying it flawlessly may look simple, but it can be a lot more difficult than you expect. There are even professional make up artist courses dedicated to the study and application of makeup.

Even just choosing the right makeup products can be overwhelming. Take foundation, for example. Of course, different brands offer foundation products of varying quality. But more than that, foundation can also vary widely in terms of application type, ingredients, and coverage.

There’s no right answer when it comes to choosing the right foundation. The product you choose ultimately depends on your skin type, your preferences, and the look you’re going for.

Not sure how to pick? Use this guide for foundation makeup will eliminate some confusion and help you make the right choice. Here are the thirteen different types of foundation makeup:

Type #1: Liquid Foundation Makeup

You’re probably already familiar with liquid foundation, which comes in a tube or bottle. Depending on the brand, you can get very light to full coverage with this type of makeup. Perhaps the best characteristic of liquid foundation is its ability to blend, so you can work up to the coverage you want gradually. You can even mix two different shades to get a perfect match to your skin colour.

This type of makeup is great for all skin types and creates a natural-looking finish.

Type #2: Cream Foundation Makeup

Another common type of foundation makeup is cream foundation. If you’re looking to create a dewy look, go for a cream foundation. It has a heavier texture than most other types of foundation, so it offers fuller coverage.

Type #3: Whipped Foundation Makeup

Is it a liquid? Is it a cream? Well, it’s a mix of both. It’s thicker than liquid foundation but it’s not exactly as thick as cream foundation. It’s light and airy, just like whipped cream.

You’ll most commonly find whipped foundation in a jar, but it sometimes comes in a bottle too.

Choose this foundation type if you have textured and combination skin. Use your fingertips to apply it, and it’ll give you medium to full coverage.

Type #4: Cream-to-Powder Foundation Makeup

This type of makeup foundation is an interesting product. It goes on like a cream foundation, but it actually dries into a powdery finish that creates a matte look. It’s great for those with combination skin.

Type #5: Powder Foundation Makeup

Powder foundations come in a compact. They’re great for creating a matte look and for applying those quick touch-ups throughout the day. It’s a good product for oily skin.

Type #6: Airbrush Foundation Makeup

If you want to look like celebrities on the red carpet, use a water-based or silicone-based airbrush foundation. It’s applied using an airbrush gun, so it’s typically only used by makeup artists (or regular people who know what they’re doing). It’ll make your skin look smoother, and it tends to last a lot longer than the other types of foundation makeup. No touch-ups!

Type #7: Spray Foundation Makeup

Yep, foundation even comes in spray form. The canister looks similar to hair spray. Spray it on your face and a light mist will come out. You could also spray it on a brush and buff it into your skin. You can get light to full coverage with this foundation type, depending on the formula.

Type #8: Cushion Foundation Makeup

While not as popular as the other types (yet), cushion foundation is rapidly gaining popularity these days. This product comes from South Korea. Basically, it’s a sponge soaked in foundation.

It not only makes your face look flawless, but it also offers a bunch of skincare benefits, too. Choose from a dewy, matte, or semi-matte finish.

Type #9: Tinted Moisturizer Makeup

While not exactly a foundation per se, it’s close enough that we’ve added it to the list. This is the perfect product if you don’t want to feel like you have makeup on. It provides just a sheer amount of coverage while moisturizing your skin. It’s great for oily skin.

Type #10: Serum Foundation Makeup

If you’re looking for a lightweight feel but want a decent amount of coverage, consider serum foundation. This foundation is seriously awesome. It delivers high-intensity pigments in a high-fluid blend to produce an airbrush-like look. Plus, it delivers skincare benefits too.

Type #11: Stick Foundation Makeup

Stick foundation products are compact and easy to throw in your purse and bring with you everywhere. Use too much, though, and it might make your foundation look cakey. This is because stick foundation products are thicker than most other types. To avoid the cakey look, apply it first to a brush or sponge rather than directly to your face. It’ll give you more control over the coverage. It’s best for oily or normal skin types.

Type 12: BB Foundation Cream

BB cream stands for “blemish balm.” It’s pretty creamy, which makes it a great option if you’re trying to even out your skin tone. It moisturizes the skin and is great for all skin types.

Type #13: CC Foundation Cream

CC cream stands for “colour correction.” It’s great for unevenly coloured or sallow skin, thanks to its colour-correction ingredients. It’s a good option if you’re going for a more natural look. Bonus: This product contains hydrating and anti-aging ingredients, too.


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