by Sinead Onyx
Pimples are a nuisance. Everyone hates pimples. I hate pimples; that’s why I try to keep my skin as clear as possible by eating a healthy diet, drinking eight glasses of water a day, and taking off my makeup at night.
But sometimes, I can slack off a bit with my skincare routine and start growing a “little friend.” Or maybe I overdid the greasy fries from last night. Whatever the reason, the bumps on my skin have got to go. Immidiently.
That’s when foundation comes in handy.
Foundation can be handy for not just pimples, but to create an even color complexion to the skin, change natural skin tone, or like I said in the beginning; cover up flaws. Some foundations are even used as a moisturizer, sunscreen, or base layer to apply more makeup. Foundation is the foundation of all makeup.
Now that you know how important a foundation is, something still begs the question: Which type of foundation should you use? Powder or liquid foundation?
Both types of foundations have their pros and cons. But I guess it all depends on your skin type, the level of coverage you’re looking for, and your desired finished look. Let’s take a look at the differences:
Powder vs Liquid Foundation
Powder-based foundations all began with Max Factor’s Pan Cake. They used talc (a mineral made up mainly of the elements magnesium, silicon, and oxygen) as the main ingredient. The pigment was added along with other ingredients before being pressed into pans.
This type of foundation gives you more coverage since there is more pigmentation. It also sticks to the skin easier since it has more akin adhesion agents and is lighter weight, which means it requires less. Double win!
Though there are a lot of benefits to powder foundations, using them might give you a look that is too floury and dry, especially around the eyes. If you’re not careful, your skin might look drier. Powder foundations might also flake as they’re applied.
Liquid foundation, on the other hand, can give you a glowy or a matte beauty look. They’re smoother and easier to apply on the skin. Not to mention super versatile, so depending on the type of brush or technique you use, it can give you any kind of custom coverage. And if your skin is dry, you’ll be better off with liquid foundation. It can help your dry skin give your face a more dewy look. Powder foundation might look more visible on the fine lines of dry skin.
But be careful; if applied wrong, it can make it look too visible and streaky. Foundation should be a second skin; not a mask that people can tell is fake. So make sure to only apply on problem spots, not necessarily the whole face.
If You Chose Liquid Foundation…
If you pick is liquid foundation, then have fun choosing between these liquid foundations that I found were the best. I’ve bought, tested, and gathered information on all seven foundations. I thought all of them worked well with my dry skin (I struggle with that a lot). But I wanted other women’s opinions on what they thought of these liquid foundations too.
So here are seven liquid foundations that I thought were the best. All are reviewed by real women, who are working on getting the best coverage too. You’re not alone!
COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation
The COVERGIRL + OLAY Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation made my skin feel ten years younger. Seriously. This liquid foundation will plump up your skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, all while erasing imperfections too. Not to mention, that the vitamin C will keep your skin hydrated.
“Put this primer on damp skin as the first step in my makeup today, then finished with a very, very light veil of the foundation and Bare Minerals blusher. As you can see by the picture attached, I look pretty darn good for an 80-year-old lady! (That is not a typo.) Good stuff! … Credit must also be given to my parents, who apparently passed on some lovely skin genes. … If there is a negative about the foundation, it would be that it is really hard to wash off my hands after applying it to my face, but maybe that’s the price to pay for a foundation that really stays on. I wore it to a hot outdoor wedding today, on the beach in the sun, and I still looked picture perfect -at least makeup-wise- at the end of the day, six hours later.” — GiGi
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation
This lightweight, non-greasy makeup glides on smoothly and works across all skin tones to help provide flawless, natural coverage. The silky foundation formula contains an exclusive and unique blend of antioxidants including vitamin E, feverfew, and natural soy, which work together to help visibly improve your skin’s luminosity, tone, and texture.
“I work 12 hour shifts at a theme park – I am outside the entire time. Of course, I searched Sephora for the longest-wearing foundation and forked out good money for several including Estee Lauder’s Double Wear, but I wasn’t impressed. Cue more research that led me to Neutrogena. As someone who works in the cold, blazing heat, humidity, sun, and/or rain for 12 hours at a time let me tell you this is the best foundation I have ever used. I honestly don’t even need powder (despite sweating!), the SPF is an excellent bonus, and by the end of the day, I don’t resemble a melted wax figure. 10/10” — Amber
jane iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation
This pigmented serum minimizes the appearance of pores, diminishes appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and evens skin tone. Plus, it’s 100% vegan.
Certainly one of my top 2 favorite foundations. Looks very natural, it’s not heavy but it covers well without looking like I’m wearing a lot of makeup. Also, it doesn’t bother my sensitive skin. It’s a bit pricey but it’s a high quality product. — Liddy
Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation
This liquid foundation is a multi-tasking liquid foundation makeup provides buildable coverage with sunscreen & all-day hydration. It gave me an even, natural finish.
“Have been using Dermablend for many years now and will always. As your skin ages, it gives you many surprises such as unwanted brown spots, creases, etc. I am going to be 82 this year and have had so many compliments on how lovely my skin is but actually, Dermablend has come to the rescue. I have found that after cleansing skin then adding a slight moisturizer to the face, the foundation blends smoothly and evenly. I now have friends buying this product and are very happy with their results. Highly recommended!! — Dee Todd
Phoera Liquid Foundation
This can corrects and perfects skin imperfections such as uneven skin tone and under eye circles. It provides seamless, flawless camouflage in ultra-smooth finish.
“This covers my Rosacea with no problem. I received #104 and #105. At first I used the #104 but now that summer is here and the face gets more sun I added some #105. So pleased. I’ll be buying this from now on. Great product at a super cheap price.” — Lizbett
Gabriel Foundation Liquid
Creamy and luxurious, this medium to full coverage liquid foundation is made with naturally derived ingredients to even out skin tone and give skin a silky, natural finish.
“I have very dry, sensitive skin which caused me to have to switch to organic skincare and makeup. I tried the Physicians Formula Organic line but, oddly enough, I was allergic to it. So, the search was on for a light moisturizing foundation that was right for me. After researching, I decided to try Gabriel Color Moisturizing Liquid Foundation in Natural Beige. I’m glad I did. The foundation goes on smoothly (I use my fingertips). I have slightly red cheeks and this foundation actually covers the redness quite well when it’s dry. I use a moisturizer with this foundation and my skin feels soft and supple all day. Not bad for an almost 63-year-old grandma! I recommend this foundation for anyone who has dry, sensitive skin.” — Beverly S.
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Quench-N-Tint Hydrating Foundation
Your perfect moisture-meets-foundation. Quench your skin with our intensely hydrating foundation and a even skin to with our light to medium buildable coverage
“My teenage daughter turned me onto this makeup and I really like it. It hides skin imperfections but is really light and doesn’t break my skin out.” — Elizabeth Brown