Have you found yourself dawdling across the foundation aisle at a beauty shop, mindlessly trying to decode the section? As the world of beauty has grown, so have the options, leaving us confused. There are different foundation options like powder, stick, liquid and cream, and each of them give a different finish and coverage. Choosing the right foundation coverage depends on your personal preferences, skin type and the desired finish. In this article, we will talk about how to choose foundation for sheer, medium or full coverage.
Foundations typically offer sheer, medium or full coverage. Sheer coverage provides a more natural and lighter look, evening out the skin tone without hiding all imperfections. Medium coverage helps conceal blemishes and provides a more polished appearance. And full coverage is ideal for those who want a flawless base and cover all the significant imperfections like acne marks and hyperpigmentation. For everyday look, a light coverage might be suitable. For special occasions like weddings and red-carpet events, where photography is involved, medium to full coverage foundation is ideal. Let’s discuss further on how to choose foundation shade and type correctly and how to achieve the desired coverage.
Sheer coverage foundations have a lightweight formula that feel comfortable on the skin. It is designed to even out the skin tone, enhance natural radiance and create a fresh, dewy, natural-looking finish. They are usually water-based or have a thin consistency, allowing for easy blending and a breathable texture. To achieve the trending, celebrity-like ‘no-makeup, makeup look’, makeup artists use sheer and light foundations for the natural skin to peek through with a subtle hint of coverage.
Sheer coverage foundations are suitable for dry skin type, as they have hydrating properties. They are also a great option for mature skin as they can help even out the skin tone without settling into fine lines or wrinkles. They are ideal for hot and humid weather as heavy or full coverage foundations can feel uncomfortable and may not withstand the heat. It is best to use your fingertips or a stippling brush to apply sheer foundation.
If you’re looking for every day, office wear foundation, we recommend using Lakme 9 to 5 Weightless Mousse Foundation. It not only blends effortlessly, but also gives a matte finish that lasts through the day. You can also use Lakme Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse for a feather-light finish. The SPF 8 formula protects the skin from sun damage, leaving it naturally flawless for up to 16 hours.
A medium coverage foundation evens out skin tone, conceal minor imperfections, and create a more polished look. They also have a buildable formula, meaning you can layer the product to achieve slightly more coverage in specific areas without it looking too heavy or cakey. Medium coverage foundations can effectively conceal light acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
Choose Lakme Perfecting Liquid Foundation as it spreads evenly to cover spots, blemishes, dark circles and patchy skin tone. It is formulated to be water-resistant, smudge-free and long-lasting. The vitamin E and silicones enrich the skin by rejuvenating, replenishing and nourishing it on application.
For a full glam, airbrushed look, full coverage foundations are used. They have a highly pigmented formula that offers high opacity and have matte or satin finish. The matte appearance minimises the appearance of pores, providing a smooth and flawless surface, especially for oily skin type. They help to control shine and provide a long-lasting, matte look throughout the day. Since they have thick texture, they also require more blending to avoid cakey appearance.
We recommend using Lakme 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Foundation. This foundation with built-in primer gives full coverage and is buildable - available in 16 shades that suit Indian skin tones. With SPF 20 and long wear formula, this foundation will keep your skin looking natural and flawless through the day.
Prep The Skin: For a smooth and flawless foundation application, it is important to cleanse and moisturise the face properly. Follow it up with a primer suitable for you skin type. Prepping the skin helps create an ideal base for foundation.
Tools & Techniques: You can apply the foundation with your fingertips, a damp sponge or a dense foundation brush. You can use your fingertips to achieve sheer or natural finish. A damp sponge helps to create a smooth finish, blending the foundation seamlessly and absorbing any excess product. A synthetic foundation brush is used for heavy or full coverage foundation and for precise application. Always use patting or bouncing motion to apply foundation.
Set The Foundation: Use a translucent setting powder for setting the foundation. Using a powder brush or a powder buff, gently press the powder onto your skin. Focus on the areas that tend to get oily like the T-zone. Finish your makeup routine by applying a setting spray. Setting sprays help to lock in your foundation and extend the wearability of your makeup.
A. Yes. For example, you can use a sheer coverage foundation all over and then apply a full coverage concealer on specific blemishes or areas that require more coverage.
A. It is slightly tricky to choose foundation shade online. Understanding your undertone can guide you to buy foundation shade online. When in doubt, consider selecting two shades – one that seems like the closest match and another slightly lighter or darker.
A. For sheer coverage, choose a foundation specifically formulated to provide a light and transparent finish. You can opt for tinted moisturisers, BB and CC creams and skin tints.
The coverage of a foundation varies on the formula, texture, and application method. When selecting a foundation, consider your desired level of coverage based on your skin concerns, personal preference and the occasion or setting where you will be wearing it.
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