We get it, finding a new foundation that’s right for your skin can be hard. There are so many different finishes, shades, and brands out there that it can be difficult to know where to start. To make the search for your go-to foundation a little easier, we’ve created a foolproof list to guide you through the different types of foundation finishes so that you can find which is best for you. Remember to keep in mind the coverage, texture, and longevity you prefer, and check out our recommendations on the best foundations to match your needs.
MATTE
Every single makeup bag will have held a matte foundation at some point, but gone are the days Dream Matte Mousse – matte foundations are now far less heavy and masking on the skin. This finish creates a flawless, shine-free base that lasts all day long, which naturally lends itself to being a favourite for those who have oilier skin types.
One of our fave matte foundations is the Jouer Essential High Coverage Crème Foundation. This foundation gives you matte coverage without the heavy feel and will last from early in the morning until the end of your night out.
DEMI-MATTE
A demi-matte foundation sits in between a dewy finish and a matte finish, which for some people is the perfect balance. A demi-matte foundation gives you the long-wearing powers of a matte, with a hint of glow that you’d associate with a dewy foundation. The finish isn’t as flat as a matte, making it the ideal foundation to try if you have oily skin but still want a hint of glow and luminosity.
Our demi-matte pick is the Elcie Micro Silque Foundation, a lightweight yet buildable foundation which gives you a radiant coverage without the heavy feel.
NATURAL
If you’re looking for an everyday foundation that isn’t too heavy, then a natural finish foundation is the one for you. Natural finish foundations are soft, light, and breathable, making them perfect for office conditions that can wreak havoc with your complexion. They give just the right amount of coverage to perfect your skin, without looking like you’re wearing a lot of makeup.
A coveted natural foundation is the EX1 Pure Crushed Mineral Powder Foundation. The powder formula is buildable, breathable, and friendly to your skin thanks to the antioxidant and vitamin E content. The oil-absorbing formula lends itself to oilier skin types, but the undetectable finish suits almost any kind of complexion.
SATIN
Being the most common foundation type, the chances are that you’ve tried and loved a satin finish foundation. Similar to a demi-matte, a satin finish sits in between matte and dewy on the foundation spectrum, meaning it’s long-lasting whilst infusing the skin with luminosity. Satin foundations suit pretty much any skin type, so whether you have oily, dry, blemish-prone, or mature skin, you’re bound to love the comfortable wear of a satin foundation.
There is literally nothing that Revolution can’t do, and this foundation proves that. The Conceal and Hydrate Foundation is the perfect satin formula for a smooth, subtle glow that suits any skin type. The added extra of hyaluronic acid means it lasts all day without settling into fine lines or clinging on to dry patches.
DEWY
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you may have noticed that dewy skin is literally everywhere. The super-glowy look has overtaken our past preference for matte finish foundations, and it isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Dewy foundations are lightweight, hydrating, and glowing. They give your skin a perfecting radiance that looks like you’ve just spent the weekend in a spa, and who doesn’t want that? Think skin that looks like skin – plus it look unreal on selfies. The hydrating formula naturally lends itself to drier and more mature skin types, but a dusting of powder in targeted areas means that it can work for oilier skin too.
When the Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation launched earlier this year, we instantly fell in love. This natural, radiant formula blends into your skin like a dream and is both luminous and long-wearing, two things that you rarely find hand-in-hand in a dewy foundation.
