Foundation Guide: Find Your Formula

Equally as important as selecting the perfect foundation shade is picking the right formula for your skin type and desired look. When your skin and base work together, the end result is a flawless finish that will last longer and look more natural. We offer five mineral makeup foundation formulations with varying finishes and coverage levels across every skin type.

Discover our guide to finding your perfect foundation formula...

Foundation Guide

Finish

Foundation finish is the effect created by the combination of texture and sheen visible on the skin.

• Radiant: Dewy, glowing skin.
  
• Natural: Seamless, balanced skin.
  
• Semi-Matte: Velvety, shine-free skin. 
  

Coverage

Coverage is the degree to which foundation covers your skin. Each foundation formulation has a buildable range of coverage. 

• Light: Sheer cover, evens surface tones and lightly covers blemishes, or freckles. Lets your natural skin show through, giving a light touch of color.
  
• Medium: Perfect balance, evens and covers surface tones, blemishes, and freckles. Will cover more skin imperfections like mild acne, hyperpigmentation and redness.
  
• Full: Maximum payoff, evens and fully covers surface tones, blemishes, and freckles. Provides the maximum amount of cover for major skin imperfections like moderate to severe acne, Rosacea, bruising, and more. This will give the skin a completely flawless look, great for photoshoots and weddings.
  

Undertones

Different from your overall complexion, your undertone is the subtle color underneath your skin that never changes. Knowing your undertone will help you find that perfect foundation shade match more easily. 

• Cool undertones: Pink, red, or blue hues in the skin.
  
• Neutral undertones: Balance of peach, warm, or cool hues in the skin.
  
• Warm undertones: Yellow, golden, or olive hues in the skin. 
  

Skin Type

Skin type has to do with the natural oil production of your skin.

• Dry skin often feels tight, usually around the forehead, nose or chin. There may be flaking or dry patches.
  
• Oily skin over produces oil throughout the day, giving the skin a shiny appearance.
  
• Combination skin is both oily and dry.
  
• Normal skin feels even and balanced.

Foundation Formulas

Pressed Base

Finish: Semi-Matte

Coverage Level: Light to full

Skin Type: All skin types

Pressed Base is our best-selling foundation formula for a reason. It's perfect for any skin type, with it's customizable coverage and semi-matte finish. Use 105 Flat-Top Kabuki Brush for more coverage or 104 Dual Fiber Face Brush for less. Pressed Base also works well as a setting powder.

 

 

HD Mineral Foundation Stick

Finish: Natural

Coverage Level: Light to full

Skin Type: All skin types

This game-changing 4-in-1 HD Mineral Foundation Stick is perfect for all-over base coverage, concealer, contour, and highlight. Apply the lightweight formula directly to the skin, then blend with your preferred brush. We recommend the soft, round end of 107 Contour/Highlight Brush or Dual Fiber Cheek Brush

 

 

Luminous Liquid Foundation SPF 18

Finish: Radiant

Coverage Level: Light to medium

Skin Type: All but excessively oily

Luminous Liquid Foundation SPF 18 creates a luminous, dewy complexion with light to medium coverage thanks to light-diffusing diamond powder. This foundation is best for all but excessively oily skin. We recommend using 105 Flat-Top Kabuki Brush for expert application.

 

 

Satin Cream Foundation

Finish: Semi-Matte

Coverage Level: Medium to full

Skin Type: Normal to dry

Satin Cream Foundation gives a gorgeous, natural satin finish. This liquid mineral foundation offers medium to full coverage and is best for normal to dry skin, although many clients with oily/acne-prone skin prefer it, thanks to its superior coverage. We love 108 Angled Complexion Brush for precise application.

 

 

Lighter Options

If you’re looking for a multitasking base, try C-Shield Anti Pollution Moisture Tint for moisturizer, sunscreen, and sheer tint in one, or Tinted Primer SPF 30 for a primer and tint combination.

Set your mineral makeup with a light finishing powder to extend wear. Top it off with a spritz of a hydrating setting spray to hydrate.

Still unsure what foundation will suit you? Take our Shade Finder Quiz to find the perfect match.