Fashion & Style

Choosing the right foundation for your face is important. Should you go with liquid or cream? What’s the difference?

Makeup Tips: Cream vs Liquid Foundations

Most women, at some point in their lives, begin using a little makeup; sometimes to cover up blemishes, other times to even up the skin. Whatever the reason for the use of makeup, it’s important for women to select the right foundation for their skin tone and type.

Cream and liquid foundations may have the same final result – to provide a woman’s face with a clean, even, and beautiful look, but their application components are very different.

Liquid foundations

Liquid foundations provide a very smooth, clean finish. Most of them include skin moisturizing ingredients that provide nutrients for your skin, and feel very smooth upon application. Liquid foundations, with lubricants, are especially made for women with dry skin. A semi-liquid foundation works best for combination skins.

Of all base makeups, the liquid foundation, especially one with a light tint, provides the cleanest, most even texture to the skin.

Cream Foundations

If your face absorbs the foundation too quickly, and you find yourself needing to reapply your makeup once or twice more per day, you probably have dry skin and need to switch to a cream foundation. A silk cream foundation will provide additional moisture to soothe and even out your tones.

Most cream foundations come in stick or compact. They are a wonderful foundation to use against the elements by providing protection, and sealing to the skin against sun, wind and cold.

Will foundations irritate blemishes?

The answer to that is it depends on your skin sensitivity. It’s truly best to let a blemish be exposed to the air so that it can heal properly. If you just can’t stand the thought of going without makeup, choose a medicated stick. Medicated sticks are especially made to cover irregularities and blemishes, but they are not foundations. Most medicated sticks are oil and fragrant free and do not irritate sensitive skin. Keep one handy in your makeup kit.

How do I choose the proper foundation color?

Whether using a liquid or cream foundation, choosing the right color is paramount in getting the look you’re striving for. If you choose a foundation that’s too dark, your skin will look either dirty, blotchy or too made up. If you choose one that’s too light, you will look pale and it will not blend in well with you other features.

If you’re not sure what color to use, consult a cosmetologist. These individuals are trained in skin and makeup and are often more than willing to give you tips and guidance on what will work best for your skin tone. They can help you determine whether to use ivory, tan, neutral, beige or some other blend of color as your foundation. Some ladies prefer to experiment on their own. If you go to a cosmetology counter in a department store, you’re likely to find foundation samples. Ask for some free samples and then apply them at home. Before you know it, you will become an expert in skin care and makeup – at least for your own skin!

Written by Patricia Williams – 2002 Pagewise