Liquid Foundation: Liquid foundations come in oil-based as well as water-based formulas. Although they cater to all skin types, as a result their moisturizing effects, they have been the makeup choice for people with dry skin. Liquid foundations are easy to apply and quite versatile, ranging from solutions that provide different kinds of coverage:
- light coverage - even out the skin tone
- medium coverage - hide light blemishes
- deep coverage - cover dark discoloration, and hide enlarged pores
Pros:
- Suitable for all skin types
- Provide light, medium, and full coverage
- Matte to a dewy finish
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- High coverage liquid foundations can clog skin pores
- When worn for long hours in warm environments, your face can appear patchy making you look a bit shiny and oily
Cream Foundation: Cream foundations are typically oil-based, heavier, and feel like a thick cream. They work for all skin types, although they cater more to dry skin types. Suitable for an all-day event, as they provide a matte full coverage finish. Cream Foundations can provide all day coverage without creasing or caking, maintaining your skin’s hydration. They provide medium coverage for blemishes and fine lines.
Pros:
- Suitable for dry skin
- Provide medium coverage
- Matte finish
- Medium lasting
Cons:
- Tends to crease after a while, especially if your skin is dry. Apply sufficient moisturizer before using a cream foundation
Powder Foundation: Powder foundations are oil-free and contain powders that absorb excess oil and moisture secreted by your skin, providing a matte, smooth finish. Suitable mainly for oily skin types, yet it can be used by all skin types, especially on those occasions when your skin is prone to breakouts, which happens mostly during the summer months and impacted by your hormones.
Pros:
- Suitable for oily skin
- Provide light (sheer) to medium coverage, handy for a natural makeup look
- Matte, luminescent finish
Cons:
- If your skin is very oily, powder foundation turns a bit clumpy after some time.
- Under warm conditions, they tend to change color due to sweat and oils
- Short lasting, needs reapplication
Mousse Foundation: Mousse foundations are lighter and have a consistency-like “whipped cream”. In the last couple of years they have gained popularity due to the coverage they provide. Because of their texture they do not settle in your skin, consequently do not accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. Apply them with a sponge or a brush.
Pros:
- Suitable for all skin types
- Provide medium to full coverage
- Matte finish
Cons:
- Despite their medium to full coverage, they then wear off after 2 to 3 hours of application
- Short lasting
Serum Foundation: Serum foundations are less known in the market. Have the texture of a moisturizer, so something in between a liquid and cream foundation, making it very easy to spread to provide a medium to full coverage.They tend to absorb quickly, and as a consequence they can wear off after 2 hours of application. Serum foundation can contain some beneficial skincare ingredients such as collagen.
Pros:
- Suitable for all skin types
- Provide medium to full coverage
- Matte finish
Cons:
- Despite their medium to full coverage, they then wear off after 2 to 3 hours of application
- Short lasting