Types of Foundation: What’s the Best for Your Skin?

What Difference Does it Make for Your Skin?

Hey beautiful, this might surprise you, but there are about a dozen different kinds of foundation out there. And just like the different types of makeup brushes, knowing the pros & cons of each (and how they interact with your skin) is the best way to enhance your natural glow. 

But there’s bad news...

More options aren’t always better… picking the wrong type of foundation for your skin could result in all sorts of things from uneven coverage to breakouts. So let’s make sure you choose the right one for your unique skin!

The Three Main Types of Base

Most foundations fall under three main types of bases: silicone-based, water-based, and oil-based. 

Ever tried a YouTube makeup tutorial… only to end up with a totally different result? Choosing the “wrong” formula for your skin type could be the reason. 

Silicone-based Foundation

Silicone-based foundations are a popular choice for those who want that fancy airbrushed look. These foundations use ingredients like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane, which create a smooth, velvety texture that fills in pores and blurs imperfections.

Reminder: you don’t need to know those scientific terms. Just know that silicone helps create a smooth and poreless finish that lasts all day, without feeling heavy/greasy.

Water-based Foundation

Water-based foundations are perfect for those looking for a lightweight & breathable formula. They provide a dewy finish, which makes them super nice for you if you have dry/sensitive skin. Since they’re often packed with hydrating ingredients, water-based foundations also help your skin retain moisture, which gives you a fresh vibe.

And if you’re vegan, we have great news: since the main ingredient is water, many of these kinds of foundation are vegan by default.

And if you’re not vegan? Here’s 6 reasons why you might reconsider (spoiler alert: it’s not just about animal safety, but also your own safety…)

Oil-based Foundation

This is the choice for those with dry or mature skin who need extra hydration. While they might feel a bit heavier than the other types, they offer full coverage and are fantastic for dry patches or uneven skin texture. Just be cautious if you have oily skin,  since the extra moisture might not exactly be the best match.

Different Types of Foundation Makeup

Ever wondered how many types of foundation there are? The short answer is… more than you might think! The long answer is that, beyond the standard types of foundation you’re already familiar with like liquid or CC creams, there are some newer types that you might not know about.

Liquid Foundation

This one’s popular for a reason: it gives buildable coverage, evens out your skin, and lets you customize your look. Fluid foundation can adapt to different preferences and skin types and, most importantly, works for basically any occasion. 

MUA tip: liquid and water-based foundations are different things. While liquid foundation is creamier & offers more coverage, water-based foundation is lighter. 

Liquid foundation is best for these skin types:

• Oily skin (balances shine) 

• Dry skin (provides great hydration) 

• Normal skin (buildable for even coverage)

Pros and Cons:

✓ Buildable coverage

✓ Works for basically all skin types

✓ Has a long lasting finish. As in, some of them can last up to 24 hours!

X It’s one of the trickiest to wipe off your brushes, unless you know how to clean them like a pro

X May require blending for a smooth finish

X Can feel heavy for some

BB & CC Creams

BB (Beauty Balm) and CC (Color Correcting) creams are lightweight alternatives to foundation. They give you a natural look with a bit of coverage with some nice skincare benefits. 

BB cream gives you hydration, sunscreen, and a light tint. This makes them perfect for daily wear or when you’re in a hurry. While CC cream helps correct things like redness/dark spots while also evening out your skin tone.

BB & CC Creams are best for these skin types:

• Sensitive skin (gentle and soothing)

• Dry skin (BB cream for extra hydration)

• Normal skin (light coverage with skincare benefits)

Pros and Cons:

✓ Lightweight & breathable

✓ Gives added skincare benefits

✓ Great for some quick & natural looks

X Can be too light for those needing more coverage

X May not last as long as heavier foundations

X Has limited shade range

Powder Foundation

Powder foundation is awesome for a matte, “no shine” vibe. It’s breathable, it’s light, and it’s great for quick fixes when you’re going out to an important event. Fun fact: some powder foundations can also set your liquid foundation, this is because they can absorb excess shine from your skin.

Powder foundation is best for these skin types:

• Oily skin (helps control shine)

• Normal skin (provides a smooth & matte finish)

• Combination skin (balances both dry and oily areas)

Pros and Cons:

✓ Light & breathable

✓ Great for controlling shine

✓ Super handy on busy days, especially if you know how to use a flat top brush with it

X May not provide enough coverage for certain skin issues

X Can be drying for dry skin

X Can easily look cakey 

 

Stick Foundation

It’s easy to apply and gives medium to full coverage with a matte finish. On the other hand, it also might not last as long as liquid foundations (especially in hot or humid weather). The thick composition can make it harder to blend, and it can wear off more quickly because it tends to settle into fine lines or skin texture. 

Extra tip: use a damp sponge to soften the edges for that nice seamless finish.

Stick foundation is best for these skin types:

• Normal skin (smooth and matte finish)

• Oily skin (controls shine plus provides full coverage)

• Combination skin (works well in different areas of the face)

Pros and Cons:

✓ Easy and quick to apply

✓ Full coverage with a matte finish

✓ Like those electric makeup brush cleaners, it’s portable when you’re on a trip

X Doesn’t last as long in hot/humid weather

X Can easily settle into fine lines

X Can be harder to blend

Serum Foundation

These are the next big thing if you’re looking for a super light formula that doubles as skincare. They’re called “serum” because they’re packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and antioxidants that give your skin some extra TLC. 

Important: this type is very similar to tinted moisturizers, but they’re different things. The main difference is that serum foundations cover more & feel thinner, while tinted moisturizers mostly hydrate with a lighter finish.

Serum foundation is best for these skin types:

• Sensitive skin (it’s soothing & gentle)

• Dry skin (good at hydrating & nourishing)

• Normal skin (it’s super light and super breathable)

Pros and Cons:

✓ It’s lightweight & breathable

✓ Gives a natural & fresh finish

✓ It’s super packed with skincare benefits

X May not provide full coverage for those needing a bit more

X Needs a smooth application to avoid streaks

X Can be too light for oily skin

Cream Foundation

This is one of the thicker kinds of foundations out there. It gives you full coverage with a smooth finish, with a nice little hydration bonus. What makes it unique is the fact that it has a richer texture that works like a cream blush. But like stick foundation, it can also wear off quickly in hot weather. 

Cream foundation is best for these skin types:

• Dry skin (extra hydration)

• Mature skin (smooths fine lines)

• Normal skin (comfortable and full coverage)

Pros and Cons:

✓ Gives you full coverage

✓ Has a long lasting finish, meaning no touch ups

✓ Hydrating and smoothing, and just feels good on the skin

X May settle into fine lines if you have oily skin

X Can feel heavy if you over apply it

X Can wear off in hot weather

Mineral Foundation

Mineral foundation is made with ingredients like titanium dioxide & mica, so it’s free from harsh chemicals and great for everyday wear. 

Since it’s made from natural minerals, it can help protect your skin while providing coverage that is very easy to build. Actually, when people hire a mobile MUA for events, it’s the type they find themselves using the most.

Mineral foundation is best for these skin types:

• Oily skin (helps control shine)

• Sensitive skin (it’s gentle and calming)

• Normal skin (it gives you light, breathable coverage)

Pros and Cons:

✓ It’s great for sensitive skin

✓ It’s made with natural ingredients

✓ It’s light, it’s breathable, and it’s gentle on the skin

X Might not offer full coverage for some people

X May need reapplication throughout the day

X Can be a bit drying for dry skin

So far, you’ve probably used most of these types of foundation before. But we’ll now share some hidden gems you may have not seen before. Some of these are a bit different but worth checking out.

Mousse Foundation

Beautiful, please try not to eat this one. Mousse foundation got its name from the dessert because it’s smooth and fluffy, just like the real thing. This formula is made by blending air into the product, which is how it gets its cloudy texture.

It’s worth noting that this foundation has an alternative called whipped mousse, which is an even richer & creamier type. It feels essentially weightless on the skin!

Mousse foundation is best for these skin types:

• Oily skin (controls shine without feeling heavy)

• Combination skin (balances the dry and oily areas)

• Normal skin (gives a fresh & natural look with a soft finish)

Pros and Cons:

✓ It just feels fancy

✓ Great for that nude makeup look

✓ Blends easily and feels basically weightless

X Might not offer full coverage if that’s what you’re looking for

X May need to be reapplied during the day

X Can be tricky to build coverage

Cushion Foundation

Just like mousse foundation, this type feels fluffy on the skin. It’s called “cushion” because it comes in a pillowy sponge that’s designed to release just the right amount of product for smooth & even application.

These were first developed by South Korean brands and many options come with added SPF, which is just one of the reasons they’re so popular. 

Cushion foundation is best for these skin types:

• Normal skin 

• Oily skin (controls shine without feeling heavy)

• Sensitive skin (it’s gentle and often contains soothing ingredients)

Pros and Cons:

✓ Provides even and natural coverage

✓ Light and, you guessed it, cushiony texture

✓ Built in SPF for added protection (but not all options come with this)

X Can be a bit tricky to clean if you’re not using a proper makeup brush cleaner

X Can wear off more quickly than other foundations

X Doesn’t always offer full coverage

Cream to Powder Foundation

Sometimes called “cream to matte” foundation, this type is essentially two in one. It starts as a creamy formula when you apply it, but slowly smooths onto your skin and then turns into a powder, hence the name.

Cream to powder foundation is best for these skin types:

• Normal skin (provides a super smooth finish without looking dry)

• Combination skin (balances oily T-zones and dry areas)

• Oily skin (controls shine and provides a matte effect)

Pros and Cons:

✓ Ideal for controlling shine

✓ Great for touch ups and setting makeup

✓ Matte finish with a smooth and velvety texture that just feels good

X Can feel on the heavier side if applied too thickly

X Can be extra drying for those with very dry skin

X Doesn’t have the best coverage

Tinted Oil Foundation 

Earlier in this article, we briefly mentioned tinted moisturizers. But tinted oil foundation is a bit different, they give you the benefits of foundation and facial oils. 

They usually contain a blend of essential or carrier oils like jojoba, argan, or rosehip and can be applied with both brushes and blending sponges. But we recommend going for the brush instead, since it has a few 2 surprising advantages that you might not know about.

Tinted oil foundation is best for these skin types:

• Mature skin (adds moisture, which makes the skin appear younger and more radiant)

• Sensitive skin (helps avoid irritation thanks to carrier oils)

• Dry skin (helps hydrate & nourish)

Pros and Cons:

✓ Great for those looking for a dewy finish

✓ Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin

✓ Super convenient and works well with both brushes and sponges

X Coverage may not last as long on oily areas

X May look shiny if not set with powder

X Can feel too heavy for oily skin

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you put concealer on before or after foundation​?

It’s a matter of technique! Most makeup artists recommend applying foundation first. 

This creates a smooth base and means you’ll need less concealer to touch up blemishes or dark circles. But for color correction (like green concealer for redness), apply it before foundation.

How can you tell if foundation is water based or silicone​?

Check the ingredients!

Water-based foundations list water as one of the first ingredients, while silicone-based ones often include words like “dimethicone” or “cyclopentasiloxane” early on. 

Extra tip: silicone-based foundations feel silkier and smoother to the touch, while water-based ones feel lighter & more refreshing.

What is the most popular type of foundation?

It’s liquid foundation by far.

That’s because it’s super versatile and easy to use, for both beginners and pro MUAs.

What kind of foundation do professional makeup artists use?

It depends on the look/occasion you’re going for.

But many of them prefer foundations that offer buildable coverage and adapt to different skin types. 

What is the easiest type of foundation to apply?

Most MUAs would say BB creams or tinted moisturizers.

That’s because these options are easy to blend and also double as skincare.

Another extra tip: if you’re more interested in MUAs, we have a guide on how you can become one yourself.

How do I choose my foundation type?

It mostly depends on your skin type.

When in doubt, go for those with a hydrating formula. But please do a patch test before anything. This makes sure it doesn’t clog your pores.

How do you know your foundation shade?

First, you have to know your undertone so you can match it.

You can do that by paying close attention to how your skin reacts in the sun. If you tan easily and rarely burn, you likely have warm undertones. But if you burn quickly or struggle to tan, you probably have cool undertones. 

If you’re a bit of both, then you have a neutral undertone.