The most popular foundations in the industry are tinted moisturizers, liquids, and cream-based, water-based, emollient-based, and mineral-based foundations. You will need to have all of them in your kit, with a good selection of colors for mixing and matching. This will allow you to handle any skin tone and type. Cake and stick foundations are also used, but not as readily, though they are also found in most makeup kits.
Tinted Moisturizers: Are the sheerest or lightest of coverage, when you do not need a lot of correction. Tinted moisturizers will even out skin tone, and can add just a hint of color if needed. They are great on men, or when you need just a hint of added color on good skin.
Industry Standards: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Stila Color Tinted Moisturizer.
Liquid Foundations: Give a sheer overall coverage that looks natural, and are easy to apply with a sponge or brush to get a smooth finish. They are good for all skin types, and are available in water-based, emollient (hydrating), and mineral-based formulas. For oily or sensitive skin, use a water-based foundation. For dry or mature skin, choose a hydrating foundation.
Mineral foundations are good with all skin types. Liquids are widely used in the industry, easy to mix, and do not have to be powdered.
Industry Standards: Armani, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Clinque, Estee Lauder, Iman, M»A»C, Make Up For Ever, Revlon ColorStay, Visiora.
Mineral Foundations: Are great for sensitive or acne-prone skin. There are fewer ingredients, and because the minerals are inert, they will not support bacteria. They are great for people with allergies and sensitive skin, as well as rosacea. Mineral – based makeup gives long-lasting coverage that does not settle into fine lines or irritate the skin. They should be applied with a sponge or makeup brush. They are available in liquid or powder form. They offer broad – spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and are water resistant, and contain no talc or parabens. They are not tested on animals.
Industry Standards: Bare Escentuals, glominerals, Illuminare, Jane Iredale, ColorScience.
Cream Foundations: Usually come in a compact or stick (pan stick). They are wonderful on all skin types and provide excellent coverage. Cream foundations are widely use in all media, and are easily applied with a sponge or brush, providing overall coverage with a rich texture and deep tone. You can achieve different finishes with cream foundations: sheer, more coverage, and layering over a liquid for even more coverage. Layering over a liquid gives you a beautiful and flawless finish, but because it is more product, there could be
some film and lighting situations that it would be too heavy for. It is good for all skin types, but best on dry skin. It should be set with powder.
Industry Standards: Black Opal, Bobbi Brown, Cinema Secrets, Gerda Spillmann, Iman, M»A»C, RCMA, Visiora.
Powder Foundations: Are great for the two-for-one application. They give a flawless matte finish. Apply with a dry sponge or makeup brush. For more coverage, use a damp sponge to apply. It’s not for every skin type, and works best on oily or acne – prone skin, but also works well for normal or combination skin. It’s great for quick solutions when there is no time, on set touch-ups, or for fast application of color.
It’s also good in humid conditions.
Industry Standards: Lancome Dual Finish, M»A»C Studio Fix.
Cream to Powder Foundations: Are good for most skin types, but great for combination skin. They should be applied with a dry sponge.
Try: Benefit’s some kind-a gorgeous, Vincent Longo Water Canvas Creme-to-Powder Foundation.
Cake Makeup: Comes in the form of a “cake” and is usually applied with a damp sponge. It gives a matte finish. The sponge should not be wet, but damp to get a smooth finish. It is used extensively for stage performers for face painting, clown makeup, fantasy, and body makeup.
Industry Standards: KRYOLAN, Mehron.
Fillers and Mattifying Products: Are great to use on bare skin. The fillers are clear or
opaque, and fill in fine lines and scars. Fillers can be used on bare skin, under makeup, or over makeup. Mattifiers take down shine, and are great for bare skin, bald heads, and prosthetics.
Industry Standards: Make-Up International Face to Face Supermatte Antishine (comes in Light, Medium, and Dark), Lancome Pure Focus T-Zone.
Try: Benefit’s is dr. feelgood for smoothing and filling in under or over makeup.