Foundation is the cornerstone of any makeup routine. It transforms the skin tone, conceals imperfections, and provides a smooth base for further makeup application. It’s also available in various forms like liquids, powders, and creams, playing a crucial role in enhancing the overall appearance of the skin.
Selecting the right foundation involves considering factors such as skin type, shade, coverage level, and finish. The ideal foundation matches the skin tone perfectly and suits the individual’s skin type, whether oily, dry, or combination. Coverage, ranging from sheer to full, and finishes like matte, dewy, or satin can also affect the final look. The choice really depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of the skin.
In this editorial, nine beauty influencers pull back the curtain on their personal makeup collections to reveal their favorite foundations. From affordable finds to luxury investments, they share insights into the products that not only meet their high standards but also address a variety of beauty needs and preferences. Check them out below!
Seerat Kamal
For anyone unfamiliar, can you introduce yourself?
My name is Seerat. I’m passionate about all things beauty and enjoy sharing my thoughts on both new and beloved products. Something that you may notice in most of my reviews is that I love to glow and experiment with products that’ll work with my dry, acne-prone skin.
Do you have a favorite foundation?
While I’m not a huge fan of traditional foundation, I’m currently really into skin tints! My go-to at the moment is the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation in shade 7. It’s an incredibly breathable formula that leaves my skin looking better than ever.
It leans towards the sheer side, but it’s buildable to achieve a sheer-to-medium finish. I’ve found it to be long-lasting through both scorching heat and chilly weather, so it’s definitely a winner in my book!
How do you go about shade matching?
I must confess, I’ve had my fair share of battles with shade matching, but I always bring my A-game. I usually do my best to match up the shade tones and undertones with complexion products I’ve tried before, especially if I’ve found a good match in the past.
Do you have any foundation tips that you’ve learned over the years?
Over the years, I have been taught that skin prep is key to a beautiful base! This is why I always make sure to prep my skin with skincare products beforehand to ensure a smooth finish. Additionally, I have been taught that warming up the foundation in your fingers and then pressing it onto the skin can help the product absorb into the skin faster, leaving you with radiance. And when it comes to application, you really can’t go wrong with your fingers, a brush, or a sponge. If you’re going for a full-coverage look, a brush or your fingers are the way to go.
- Lightweight and blends easily.
- Sheer coverage.
- Radiant finish.
- Could use a few more shades!
Joules Thomas
What made you want to create beauty content?
The OG YouTube gurus made me want to create beauty content. I have been an avid YouTube consumer since 2008. I took action in being consistent with content in 2020 during quarantine. I wanted to share my knowledge of products and also teach people how to create some bold looks.
What foundation are you currently obsessed with?
I’m currently obsessed with Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk. This foundation is worth the hype. It has been getting. I’ve never tried a foundation that glides on so smoothly and makes your skin look radiant.
If you had to choose, what’s one skincare product you can’t live without?
My way of making my looks last all day is by starting with cream products and then coating everything in powder. We can’t forget setting spray to finish!
How do you approach days when your skin isn’t looking its best?
I am more of a natural coverage girl. I luckily have been blessed to have good skin, so I don’t like to cover It fully. I personally do not like feeling heaviness on my skin.
- Buildable medium coverage.
- Perfect for a natural makeup look.
- Oil-free.
- On the pricier side.
Ellie Tat
What’s the story behind you getting started in content creation?
I actually never imagined that I would be in the content creation industry. I originally started taking photos of the products I had and shared my experience with others just because I enjoyed doing it. I did not realize that it was something that I was already doing.
I started experimenting a little more with videos, voiceovers, and editing styles. I was able to grow by doing gifted collaborations and working my way to paid partnerships and UGC.
Of the many products you’ve tested, what foundation do you recommend most and why?
The CC+ Cream Illumination With SPF 50+ by It Cosmetics is one of my favorites. It has sunscreen built-in and provides medium to full coverage without feeling too heavy on the skin. The shade matches my skin well, and honestly, it’s a go-to if I feel like wearing foundation.
Let’s talk shades. What’s your tried-and-true method for getting the perfect match?
It took me a while to figure out how to match my skin properly. First, you want to know what your undertone is (cool, warm, or neutral) by using guides online. I keep my undertone in mind, and I try all the shades according to the undertone to match my skin. Then, I test the different shades in different lighting to see what matches me the best.
When it comes to formats—liquid, powder, stick, and so on—which one takes the crown for you and why?
I prefer liquid. It is easy to work with, and you can build coverage if you need to. Liquid is always a great base to add different makeup on top of, too. I also find that it does not cling onto dry patches and pores as much compared to other formulas.
- All-in-one solution
- sun protection
- evens skin tone
Treci Rios
What sparked your journey into beauty content creation?
I’ve always been inspired by creators within the beauty community to capture my journey as a makeup artist. It’s truly a creative outlet for me. Considering the “raw or unfiltered” content trend currently flowing in the social media landscape right now, I really feel welcome to create organically and authentically without the pressure of being “perfect.”
Do you have a trusty foundation you find yourself always going back to?
Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation. It’s a daily reach for me. I absolutely regret having slept on it as long as I did.
What are your deal-breakers when choosing new makeup products?
Anything that isn’t essential. If I don’t need it, I don’t buy it. If I don’t see myself reaching for “x” product regularly, I’m scrolling past it. Really practicing being more intentional with my makeup selections as opposed to impulsively buying for the sake of “pretty” packaging or something that went viral.
What’s your strategy for ensuring an even match with your skin tone?
Getting the right undertone is so important — such a key, overlooked factor here. As an ex-Sephora makeup artist, I’d notice customers focus more on getting the shade hue correct without minding the undertone, which can be disastrous. For example, you can get a foundation shade that is similar to your skin tone, but without the right undertone, you run the risk of looking too yellow, olive, orange, etc.
Alternatively, if you select a shade that may be slightly too light or too dark but with the correct undertone, you can rectify this by brightening it up with concealer or warming it up with bronzer. Training your eye to ensure you determine the correct undertone match will take a bit of practice, but once you’re able to identify it, it will be smooth sailing.
- Buildable medium coverage.
- Perfect for a natural makeup look.
- Oil-free.
- On the pricier side.
Ozy Anele
What’s the story behind you getting started in content creation?
I’ve always loved makeup since when I was 6. My mom would put some makeup on my face for my birthday pictures — I used to rock ’90s brows for every birthday I had till I was 10. Once I felt my skills in makeup were strong enough, my friend Tomi encouraged and taught me how to get started in content creation, and I guess the rest was history.
Foundation can make or break a look. What’s your holy grail and why do you swear by it?
Hmm. That’s tricky… I would say Huda Beauty’s #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation. I love it because it has the perfect balance for a combination skin. It has a very good wear without making your skin dry and uncomfortable.
Shade matching can be a nightmare. What’s your fail-proof method to nail it every time?
I think the trick for me is to use a slight darker bronzer or I simply cream contour. I believe this method slightly cancels out the lightness of the foundation.
Liquid, powder, stick, or cushion: What’s your preferred foundation format and why?
My preference is definitely liquid because I can control how much foundation gets on my face.
- Luminous matte finish.
- Blendable, full-coverage.
- Up to 24 hours of wear.
What’s the story behind you getting started in content creation?
I initially created my Instagram as a private account, as a way to document my acne journey, and as a private visual diary of sorts. Slowly, I began to share it with a small group of my closest friends and colleagues, who were always so supportive and encouraging.
Eventually, I discovered the acne-positive community on Instagram, full of beautiful people who publicly shared their journeys as a way to raise awareness about the importance of normalizing acne in our society. This truly helped heal so many years of insecurities and trauma as I struggled with acne for as long as I could remember.
Eventually, it inspired me to take my profile off private and take the leap to connect with so many people going through the same struggles who could truly understand how I was feeling and what I was going through.
Foundation can sometimes make or break a look. Do you have a favorite?
It’s taken me years to find an all-time favorite foundation. To give you an idea, I have been working in the Australian retail-cosmetic industry since I was 15. I’m now 27, so I have tried and tested countless foundations with different coverages, finishes, etc.
There are two that I find I continue to re-purchase and always come back to. For an everyday, lightweight, natural-skin vibe, bareMinerals’ Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream. For special occasions or when I want medium-fuller coverage, Koh Gen Do’s Maifanshi Aqua Foundation.
These both have a super hydrating formula that just looks so beautiful on the skin. They both blend like an absolute dream and make my skin look so plump and healthy. They do not look like foundation, which is why I love them. They truly make my skin look like my skin but better.
Is there anything in particular that you look for in a “good” foundation?
First and foremost, let me emphasize the trick to any foundation looking “good” is all of the skincare that comes before it. You can make any foundation look good if you prep your skin with lots of hydration and skincare before it. Foundation is nothing without the skin prep that comes before it. When it comes to finding a foundation, however, the thing is it could tick all of the boxes on paper, but when trying it on, it may just not sit right or agree with your skin. It’s so tricky.
It’s also impossible to define what a “good” foundation is because so many people have different things they look for in a foundation. Truly, the best thing to do is go to your local stores and sample out different types. You’ll soon figure out what coverage and finish you’re liking, and that will help you to narrow it down. Some people also may look for particular ingredients they want to include or avoid.
I know that you’ve tried out a lot of different formulas. What advice would you give to people when buying new makeup products?
Ask for and purchase samples if you can! It’s so important to make sure your skin agrees with what you’re applying onto it before committing to investing so much money. Take the chance to experiment and play with different shades, tones, textures, and formulas so you can really find out what you enjoy and what works well for you.
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself regarding application or skill level. The best thing about makeup is that it is not that serious, and you can literally wash it off! There’s no right or wrong rules, so let your creative self experience and play.
- Great for everyday wear.
- Contains hyaluronic acid and SPF 30.
- Light to medium coverage.
- May take a little work to blend in.
Lauren C
What’s the story behind you getting started in content creation?
Hello all! My name is Lauren, and I’m from Northern Ireland My interest started about ten years ago. I didn’t have much confidence in my makeup skills, and I honestly thought people would laugh at me, so I focused more on SFX makeup. As time went on, I realized that I loved the creativity and self-expression of makeup, so I started posting on my Instagram page.
I fell pregnant with my first child, and makeup really took a back seat. I was then diagnosed with PMDD and ADHD. I started to realize that makeup was a form of therapy to me. It gave me time to sit and think, to sort out the problems in my head. On my journey, my skills have grown, I’ve met an amazing community of people and have been given some amazing opportunities. I’m so thankful and excited for the future.
When it comes to foundation, do you have a go-to that never lets you down?
I absolutely love NYX Cosmetics’ Bare With Me Blur Foundation! I’m a huge fan of a foundation that evens out your skin tone but still looks like your skin. I also love Dcypher Cosmetics. They personalize your foundation formula to match your skin tone, so no stress in making sure you’re getting the right shade.
When it comes to selecting a formula, what are your non-negotiables?
It has to be cruelty-free and vegan! I need it to be hydrating, too! In my opinion, different types of looks require different foundations, so I’m always up for playing about with finishes, but those three points are a must for me!
You’ve experimented with a range of products; what tips can you offer for people looking to buy new makeup?
Always buy products that work with your skin type! I convinced myself I could try powder foundation and it was not for me! Knowing your undertones is very helpful for picking base products that flatter your skin tone. Most importantly, though, I think just enjoy it. Makeup is meant to be fun and creative. If you like the look of something, then go for it! It’s all about self-expression.
- Affordable.
- 24 shades to choose from.
- Great for normal, oily skin, or combination skin.
Hanah Bae
What’s the story behind you getting started in content creation?
I started to post consistently during the pandemic when I found a community of other creators who loved beauty and skincare. I started to get giftings and one day got an offer to create a video for a new clean beauty brand for $15. It wasn’t much, but it was exciting, and I realized I could make the account into a side hustle.
Out of all the foundations you’ve put to the test, which one wins your approval and why?
My new favorite foundation is Date Night by Youthforia! It contains 68% skincare ingredients, and you can sleep in it, which makes me feel less guilty when I wake up in the middle of the night having forgotten to take my makeup off after a night out.
Finding the perfect shade can be tricky—do you have a technique for picking the right match?
My veins are bluish-green, so both warm and cool tones work with me, but if I choose either a warm or cool foundation shade, it’s either too yellow or too pink. Within the neutral shades, I try to find the right shade depending on how tan or pale I’ve gotten.
Format-wise, whether it’s liquid, stick, powder, or something else, what’s your number-one pick and why?
I stick to liquids because they tend to be more lightweight and buildable.
- Contains skincare actives.
- 15 flexible shades.
- No caking.
Isra Riahi
What made you want to become a beauty influencer and share tips online?
I don’t really like the word “influence.” It was mainly about sharing my acne journey. Even one of my first posts was my before and after, sharing the progress my skin has been through. I think it was just having a space that is my own, but I also created almost like a little community.
On the topic of foundation, what’s your favorite?
It’s actually so hard because I have a few, but if I had to pick one that has never ever let me down, it’s the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation. The coverage is matte, and having quite oily skin, it dries down beautifully. It’s long-wearing, doesn’t crease or anything, and doesn’t oxidize, which I really like.
It just never let me down. I’ve been using it ever since I started makeup live, and that was the first foundation I used when I was around 17. That, along with the Fit Me Concealer, was my go-to. Even when I look back at my old posts that I have archived, I was literally always using that foundation and that concealer.
What do you do to ensure that your makeup lasts all day?
Skin prep is so important. I cleanse, but I double cleanse just in case I haven’t removed all the makeup from the night before. After double cleansing, I tone, use hyaluronic acid serum, then apply a hydrating toner, not an exfoliating one. Next, I use a niacinamide serum base, followed by my skincare routine: moisturizer and SPF. I wait about 15-20 minutes for all of that to soak into my skin before applying a primer.
- Natural matte finish.
- Absorbs oil and controls shine.
- Extensive shade range.
Published by Malcolm Trapp
