I recently went makeup shopping with a friend who doesn't really wear any makeup but wanted some sheer foundation. She felt a little overwhelmed by all of the choice and it got me thinking...
Do you feel a bit overwhelmed when choosing makeup? Have you found the perfect foundation, or are you still wearing your trusty one you've worn for years because you don't know any different? Do you need help deciphering your liquid foundations from your BB, CC and now DD creams, or your minerals from your mousses?
I am by no means an expert and I, too, get confused, but here's a little guide to hopefully make it easier for you to find the perfect base from now on.
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Do you feel a bit overwhelmed when choosing makeup? Have you found the perfect foundation, or are you still wearing your trusty one you've worn for years because you don't know any different? Do you need help deciphering your liquid foundations from your BB, CC and now DD creams, or your minerals from your mousses?
I am by no means an expert and I, too, get confused, but here's a little guide to hopefully make it easier for you to find the perfect base from now on.
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liquid foundation
- Gool ol' liquid foundation. It's been around for years and is still being reinvented, from sheer to full coverage, from matt to oil-based, from waterproof to lasting 24 hours - you name it, you can probably buy it. Apply with your fingers, brush or sponge and build up as much coverage as you desire.
Recommended product: There are SO many liquid foundations on the market. Earlier this year I tried out No. 7's Match Made service to find my perfect colour and have enjoyed using their Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation SPF 15 (£14.50) and would highly recommend it.
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BB Cream - blemish balm
- BB creams bounced into Europe a few years ago following a huge success in the Asian market for many years. It was the first kind of "alphabet" foundation before CC and DD creams followed suit, and acts as a lightweight tinted moisturiser, usually packed with vitamins and sun protection. Ideal for younger skin or normal skin that just needs a little pick-me-up, but also smooths fine lines and imperfections and may even claim anti-ageing benefits. Can be used in place of or in addition to your daily moisturiser and can act as a great primer before a better coverage foundation if you so wish, as it smooths out the skin.
Recommended product: Garnier's Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream SPF15 is the original BB cream that still gets rave reviews and at £6.99 it's a bargain, but there are tonnes on the market.
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CC Cream - colour correction
- Off the back of BB cream's success, CC cream then cruised onto the market about a year ago and includes all the benefits of a BB cream, but takes it to the next level! If, like me, you suffer with uneven skin tone then a CC cream might be just the answer. Providing more coverage, evening out skin tone and colour-related skin issues and brightening skin in one, dark spots, acne, redness or generally dull skin will be banished! Plus, some claim to improve your skin tone over time...but it's too early to tell.
Recommended product: Maxfactor Colour Correcting Cream SPF10 is about £9.99, or go more high-end with Smashbox Camera Ready SPF 30 CC cream at £29.99.
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DD Cream - daily defence / dermatologically defining
- The newest kid off the block, but it doesn't even seem to know what it is!! Supposedly offering a mixture of BB + CC + more, with a specific focus on anti-ageing (and a higher price tag because of it).
Recommended product: Decleor DD Daily Defence Fluid Shield SPF 30 at £29.50.
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mousse foundation
- I haven't personally used any of the whipped, fluffy, mousse-like foundations currently available, but I have friends who swear by them. Basically liquid foundation whipped with air, it is usually affordable, easy to apply, provides good coverage and has a long-lasting powder-soft finish. It's quite a thick consistency compared to liquids or BB creams, but glides onto normal and oily skin well - but probably best to steer clear if you have dry skin.
Recommended product: The classic is Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse at £7.69, or No. 7 have recently brought their Beautifully Matte Mousse Foundation back after briefly discontinuing it (£13.50).
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compact foundation
- Another type that I'm not personally fond of having tried it when I was younger and feeling like I was caked in makeup (and I think it's what my Nana used!). However, a very good friend of mine achieves a flawless look with Max Factor's Facefinity Compact at £10.99 so I could be swayed....
Ideal for oily skin that needs mattifying, especially when you're on the go!
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mineral foundation
- My current beauty crush. Based on a theory of using naturally derived minerals to provide a coverage like any other liquid/cream/mousse foundation, it's gaining popularity for its organic powers which "enhance skin from the outside in" and it even has a broad-spectrum sun protection. bareMinerals are the current trailblazers in mineral skincare and makeup and I've recently tried out their mineral foundation (I have my eye on one of their starter kits for Christmas - hint, HINT).
Using a huge, fluffy brush, it's all about 'buffing' and circling the powder around your face until you've achieved the perfect coverage. There are cheaper versions on the market such as the cult classic Lily Lo at £13.49 or M&S at £12, and it doesn't just stop at powder - there are also mineral-based liquid foundations and powder compacts, as well as bronzers, blushers, eyeshadows, lipsticks, mascaras - the list goes on.
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I believe less is more and that we shouldn't clog our skin with makeup everyday of the year; however, I know that slapping on a bit of makeup can really pick you up and make you face the day, so I hope you can now consider your options with a bit more clarity.
Remember "every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top" - but makeup just enhances it.
Laura x
