It’s the first (and potentially the most confusing) step in our makeup routine – the base.
There’s a plethora of liquid foundations, mineral foundations, BB Creams, CC Creams and tinted moisturisers on the market – but what’s the right product for you and your skin? Are you looking for full-coverage, flawless skin? Or perhaps a light coverage option with SPF?
We’re here to make it easy for you! This blog will outline the basics of the base – plus some tips and tricks to applying these products.
Foundation
What is it?
Foundation is used to even out skin tone, cover imperfections and provide an even base for the rest of your makeup. Most foundations are found in liquid or powder form and can range from sheer coverage to full coverage. You can even choose the “finish” of your foundation, such as matte, satin or glowy.
Pros and Cons.
Foundation is a one-stop-product for flawless skin! Foundations are usually available in a wide range of shades to suit any skin colour. Liquid foundation is also highly customisable; it can be mixed with moisturisers, illuminators, and colour correcting products to achieve the perfect coverage and finish.
Foundation – whether in liquid or powder form – has the potential to look cakey and heavy. The last thing we want to do is accentuate fine lines and wrinkles, so it’s best to choose a foundation with less coverage and apply sparingly.
How do I apply it?
Liquid foundation can be applied with a dense buffing brush, a damp sponge, or with fingers – depending on the level of coverage that you want. Mineral powder foundations can be applied with a dense brush.
F&F Favourites:
Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation is a medium/full coverage liquid foundation available in six natural shades. We like to apply this particular foundation with the Ere Perez Vegan Multi-purpose Brush for a smooth, even coverage.
The Inika Mineral Powder Foundation is a perfect option for an everyday, lightweight coverage – it’s even inbuilt with SPF25. Available in 12 shades.
Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation
Ere Perez Vegan Multi-purpose Brush
BB Cream
What is it?
BB Cream, or Beauty Balm/Blemish Balm, combines the best of skincare and foundation in one simple step. BB Cream was first developed in Germany but gained immense popularity throughout Asia – and in particular – South Korea. BB Creams are essentially a three-in-one product which combines primer, moisturiser and foundation.
Pros and Cons.
BB Creams are a multi-functional, time-saving product that provides lightweight coverage to the skin. BB Creams are perfect for days when you don’t want heavy coverage – perhaps for work, the beach, or the gym. The best thing about BB Cream? It helps you to achieve that effortless (I just woke up like this!), glowy look in one simple step. Lastly, BB Creams are usually inbuilt with SPF protection.
BB Creams are often limited in shade ranges and aren’t particularly inclusive of fair skin and dark skin. BB Creams can also wear off quite quickly during the day.
How do I apply it?
BB Creams are best applied all over the face with fingers, like a moisturiser. For a glowy look, apply with a damp sponge. For a more matte look, apply with a dense brush.
F&F Favourites:
The Lily Lolo BB Cream combines moisturiser, anti-ageing ingredients, and mineral pigments to blur imperfections and even skin tone. Available in Fair, Light, and Medium.
The Hanami Super Soothie BB Cream hydrates, corrects, protects and perfects. Available in Fair, Nude, Tan, and Dark.
Hanami Super Soothie BB Cream
Lily Lolo BB Cream
CC Cream
What is it?
CC (Colour Correcting) Cream is the new kid on the block! CC Creams boast the same benefits as BB Cream but are designed to correct issues like redness, darkness or sallowness.
Pros and Cons.
CC Creams are great to use as a base underneath foundation or an alternative to BB Cream. CC Creams can be a miracle product for women wanting to correct specific skin issues. They’re lighter than BB Creams but can still cover imperfections.
CC Creams on the market are quite limited, so you might struggle to find the perfect match for your skin’s specific needs.
How do I apply it?
Exactly the same as BB Cream! Or, you can apply the CC Cream with your fingers on the areas you wish to correct.
F&F Favourites:
The Madara Tinting Fluid works the same way as a CC Cream by tinting, illuminating and evening out your skin tone. Available in Moon Flower (Rose Beige) and Sun Flower (Golden Beige).
Have you found the perfect product for your skin? Let us know what your favourite option is and how you like to apply it.
