Shopping for base makeup can be tricky. How do you know how to choose the right foundation? We turned to beauty influencers for some tips and tricks — after all, they get to try out the different finishes and formulas available as part of their work, so they would know what’s best for them and their skin type. We’ve collated all of their advice here, in hopes that it’ll save you from wasting hard-earned money on yet another bottle of foundation that doesn’t work for you!
I have sensitive skin with hyper-pigmentation due to hormonal acne, so I tend to gravitate towards foundations that are oil-free, with medium-to-high coverage. I prefer one that is dermatologist-tested and has a matte finish (as my T-zone gets oily really easily). Texture is an important factor as well—I like one that feels lightweight on the skin. And given Singapore’s hot and humid weather, it also needs to last all day without requiring any touch-ups.
I don’t want my sensitive skin to act up just because I use a foundation with the wrong ingredients so I pay a little more attention to ensure that it is at least non-comedogenic and free from parabens, formaldehyde, SLS/SLES, Oxybenzone etc (the usual suspects).
While a cruelty-free formula is important to me, not many good (foundation) brands in the market are able to achieve this. Hence, if I find a foundation that works for me, I might not actually care too much… it’s a never-ending dilemma until someone comes up with the perfect formula for me that’s cruelty-free!
I tend to gravitate towards higher-end brands as the texture and finish of the formula tend to be more refined as compared to drugstore ones. But I’m happy to use a drugstore brand as long as the formula delivers! My current favourites are the Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation and Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup.
On a day-to-day basis I keep my makeup simple, and can usually finish my makeup in 10 minutes or so. That’s why I prefer cushion foundations because they’re just easier to use, especially on-the-go. I guess you can say I choose foundations based on convenience and what I’m doing on that day. Liquid foundation is great but I have to use it with a foundation brush or Beautyblender, which is an added hassle for me especially when I have no time in the morning. If I have more time or if I’m attending an important event, I may choose a liquid foundation.
Foundation-wise, the key thing for me is that it must sit well on my skin and not streak. The Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is perfect and still my all-time favourite, but can be a little pricey. A more affordable option is the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation, be it cushion or liquid form. Drugstore brands can be fantastic too. The Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is amazing and affordable and will suit those who just starting out their makeup journey.
Price-wise, now that I’m a working adult, I don’t mind paying a little more and view it as an investment. My limit is a maximum of $100 for one foundation.
I do have to admit I don’t pay much attention to whether the brand is cruelty-free or not—I won’t specifically go and Google a brand to make sure they are free of those nasties then decide to buy it. But if the brand is cruelty-free and nasties-free, it would definitely catch my attention more.
I don’t really wear makeup often, but if I want to look a little more put-together or create an even skin tone, I’ll look for something light in terms of coverage, but still pigmented enough to cover up small blemishes. I prefer sheer to medium [coverage], because it’s more natural, and I like that “look” best. I just need my foundation to make me look a little less tired, and to cover small blemishes so my skin tone looks more even when I go out. I go for the matte foundations or put powder after my foundation because I don’t like looking oily.
[Clean foundation formulas are] very important to me because I’m putting this on my face, and ever since I’ve seen how clean/clear my skin can be, I try to stay away from anything that clogs my pores/prevents my skin from breathing.
The Bobbi Brown Serum Foundation has got to be one of my favourites so far. It’s super lightweight (feels like it’s not even there), has SPF, and gives me a glow that isn’t oily. The other one that’s similar is from the MAC Lightful C range. I’m [now] using the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation after I got a tan following my holiday in Penang.
I am very particular when it comes to selecting foundation because of my sensitive, prone-to-congestion skin and also due to my active lifestyle. It is important to me that the formula is free from alcohol and fragrance. Since I go for regular dance practice straight after work, I appreciate foundations that are long-lasting yet lightweight and comfortable on the skin. Matte or satin finish is preferred since I perspire so much from workouts and my skin becomes naturally glowy after dancing.
I like to go for sheer to medium coverage because I tend to get a couple of new blemishes after my monthly cycle. Brands and price are not my top consideration, as long as the formula delivers. That said, product reputation through user reviews makes more sense before any major makeup purchase. At the moment, my most frequently go to foundation is IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40. It fits all the bill and I am happy to skip additional sunscreen as it already contains enough SPF!
When choosing a foundation, the first thing I look for is the finish of the foundation. I have oily skin and so I generally go for a matte finish so that it holds up as I get oily throughout the day. A matte foundation also allows me to control where on my face I’d like to look dewy by adding a highlighter to areas such as the cheekbones, nose bridge, the tip of my nose, cupid’s bow and my chin. I have blemishes and an uneven complexion and a light coverage foundation does not work for me, so I prefer foundations with medium-to-full coverage, which also tend to last longer throughout the day.
I usually have long days, going from one event to another, so I look for a long-wearing foundations because I generally don’t get a chance to take it all off and reapply it for my next event. So for me, setting my matte foundation with a translucent, loose powder helps with that. I also carry a compact powder that matches my skin colour with me for touch ups and oil control.
I support and therefore purchase items from brands that are cruelty-free. That’s the most important factor for me. Additionally, if I know of products that are organic and works well for me, I’ll surely support it.
I think that foundation is a product that I don’t mind spending a little more on especially if it’s for special occasions. However, as a foundation for daily use, drugstore foundations are the way to go—it’s also cost effective. The foundations that I’ve owned thus far are all mid-range—MAC, Fenty Beauty, Makeup Forever, NARS. But recently, my favourite combination is Urban Decay and Maybelline.
Read Next
Text: Smita DeSouza/Cleo