Unlocking Foundation Type Confusion

Want to learn how to find your foundation type and what formula you should be using for your skin type? Here are all the basic makeup tips to figure it out! With all of different types of foundation coverage out there like BB creams, tinted moisturizers, full coverage, anti-aging and more–it can get confusing. So let’s unlock it all and discover what is best for you with the 8 different types of foundation.

What Is a BB Cream Foundation?

A BB Cream stands for Beauty Balm. It is a multi-tasking skincare and makeup product that helps to treat, hydrate, prime, protect, and camouflage the skin. The only problem with beauty balms is that the range in color is pretty limited–most lines only have about 5 shades. This is similar to a tinted moisturizer although sometimes a little thicker. Most BB Creams aren’t recommended for oily or acne prone skin as they can be very hydrating.

Who Would Use This: This is good for someone with normal skin type and for someone who wants anti-aging benefits and doesn’t need full coverage.

Kendra’s Picks

What Is CC Cream Foundation?

This was made to help correct your skintone (like redness or sallow skin) with added anti-aging benefits of combating fine lines, wrinkles, brown pigmentation and more. It isn’t as thick as most BB creams, and the range in color can be extremely limited–around 1 to 3 shades.

Who Would Use This: Anyone with current hyper-pigmentation problems, or someone who wants to prevent hyper-pigmentation. Not ideal for everyone because the range in color choice is so limited.

Kendra’s Picks

What Is Tinted Moisturizers?

A Tinted Moisturizer acts as a moisturizers with a tint of color. Crazy, right? They usually have some great anti-aging benefits to them with an SPF. There is a better range in color choice and you can even find some that are matte.

Who Would Use This: Perfect for anyone who doesn’t like the feel of anything on their skin.

Kendra’s Picks

W3LL People Non-Toxic Tinted Moisturizer $28.90
Ilia Non-Toxic Tinted moisturizer $42.00
Beautycounter Non-Toxic Tinted Moisturizer $45.00

What Is Mineral Makeup Foundation?

Mineral Makeup foundations are made from finely milled minerals into a powder form and usually don’t have any talc. These are always usually a non-toxic formula. These formulas are not my favorite as they text to sit on top of the skin and not blend in very well. I personally can always tell when someone is wearing a powder mineral foundation.

Who Would Use This: Great for someone with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Also perfect foundation for someone who wants a medium to full coverage.

Kendra’s Picks

Bare Minerals Makeup $26.50
PUR MINERALS 4-1 Pressed Foundation $29.50

What Is HD Foundation?

Created for HD Television (which picks up even the slightest makeup blunder), a HD foundation was created to give a med. to full coverage without being detected by the camera.

Who Can Use This: Really, anyone can use this! HD Foundation looks beautiful on the skin. But they don’t have any anti-aging benefits and also have no sunscreen. But it is perfect for walking down the aisle (wedding), or any other special occasion where your pictures are being taken.

Kendra’s Picks

Makeup Forever HD Foundation (my go-to HD foundation): $42.00
NYX HD Formula $6.00
Koh Gen Do High Def Formula $77 (my pick)

What Is Cream Foundation?

A cream foundation is usually a full coverage foundation that is a little bit thicker than a liquid foundation. They can come in a compact or cream stick form. They are usually good for on-the-go application or if you need a full coverage application.

Who Can Use This: Someone who has a normal skin type. This wouldn’t be a good choice for someone with really oily skin.

Bare Minerals Cream Foundation Stick $27.15
W3LL People Non-Toxic Foundation $28.99

What Is Liquid Foundation?

A foundation that is liquid can be medium or full coverage. It comes is a range of shades and all different skin types. So finding the right formula for you is important.

Who Can Use This: Depending of the type, you would be able to find liquid foundation for any skin type. I feel like this is kind of the “catch all” phrase. The HD foundation fits into the liquid category.

Kendra’s Anti- Aging Liquid Foundation Picks

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation $44
Sisley Anti-Aging Foundation $170

Kendra’s Liquid Foundation Picks For Full Coverage

Estee Lauder Double Wear $43
Jouer Cream Foundation $38

What Is Airbrush Foundation?

Airbrush foundation is a makeup that is applied through an airbrush machine. Gives you a HD look, and is extremely sanitary. You can check out how to use an airbrush machine here.

Who Can Use This: Anyone can use this, you just have to be willing to learn how to do it. It’s great for someone who has more sensitive skin- or turns red if touched at all because there is no need to be touched by a makeup brush. You can apply your foundation, blush, bronzer etc.

Kendra’s Pick