Liquid, powder or stick? An easy guide to find your perfect foundation

It may take a little time and effort to find the one that's the best fit for you, but once you do, it quickly becomes the go-to of your kit, and the one product you reach for again and again (oftentimes, daily). And like your favourite pair of jeans, you might find yourself buying multiples of your favourite foundation, too!

But with so many foundation types available, from sheer BB and CC creams and tinted moisturisers to fuller coverage stick and powder formulas, it can be so damn hard (and frustrating!) narrowing it down to The One. This wide variety of foundation formulas is not necessarily a negative; we all have different skin types and preferred finishes, after all, so one size will never fit all.

So we're here to make your quest for your perfect foundation formula a little easier (if you want to know how to pick the right colour, see this guide). Here's what you need to know to ace your base.

For those times when you want…

light coverage that allows your skin to shine through.

Formula

Beautifully lightweight, these offer the sheerest coverage in the foundation family.

Skin type

Any skin type can wear a tinted moisturiser or skin tint. As some may contain skincare ingredients, you can find one that has additional benefits for your concern, whether it’s a matte finish for oily skin or soothing ingredients for skin prone to irritation or sensitivity.

Coverage

Very, very light – but that’s the point! These offer your-skin-but-better results, with coverage that wakes up your complexion without actually covering it up.

How to

Your fingers are easiest, and because of their sheerness, you can work these into skin like a moisturiser.

For those times when you want…

all-over, skin-like coverage

Formula

These can vary in consistency, from water-light and weightless, to creamier formulas – but all offer easy blending that melts seamlessly into skin.

Skin type

Most skin types can find a liquid foundation that works with their complexion, from hydrating formulas with a satin finish for dry skin to balancing formulas with a matte or semi-matte finish for combination skin.

Coverage

It's a ‘choose your own adventure’ type of situation. You can find liquid foundations that offer sheer, light, medium or full coverage, and in a huge range of finishes: satin, luminous, matte, luminous-matte... the list goes on!

How to

Liquid foundations can be applied with your fingers, a sponge or a brush, and work well with any cream or powder makeup that is applied over the top.

For those times when you want…

buildable coverage that lasts all day and night.

Formula

Richly-pigmented, these are like solid cream foundations that need to be warmed up and worked into skin. Bonus: they can double as concealers and contouring products, too.

Skin type

Most skin types, but oily or blemish-prone skins will need to find one that won't clog pores or cause breakouts, and mature skins might find that some of the creamier consistencies may settle into fine lines.

Coverage

Depending on how much product you apply to your skin, and how many layers you choose, stick foundation can offer medium to full coverage.

How to

Prep is essential, so make sure your skin is adequately moisturised as this will give you some glide to be able to blend in the foundation for that seamless appearance (you don't want it to catch on dry patches of skin). You can use a brush or sponge, but you might find that the warmth of your fingers also makes it slightly easier to blend in. And because of their consistency, stick foundations also work like a concealer, so go over any areas of concern with another layer.

For those times when you want…

a matte (but not flat) finish.

Formula

These rely on fine particles that adhere to the top layer of the skin, providing colour, buildable coverage, oil control and a blurring effect. And forget the mask-like powders of the past: modern formulas deliver dynamic matte finishes that still make you look fresh, not flat.

Skin type

If you find yourself on the oily skin side, or you’re prone to breakouts, a powder will ensure less product penetration into the skin and keep you from shining throughout the day. Super oily skin will need to prep with a primer, or the powder may clump together, while dry skins will need to prep with a hydrating primer, otherwise the powder may absorb moisture and make your skin drier.

Coverage

Can be anything from sheer to full, depending how many layers you apply. But be warned: too many layers can sometimes leave skin looking cakey or powdery.

How to

Dust on the face using a powder brush and feel free to use over liquid foundation for added insurance in any areas prone to oiliness.

For those times when you want…

a base that won’t further annoy your prickly skin.

Formula

Finely-milled minerals, like zinc, mica and titanium dioxide are combined with pigment, but these formulations are more notable for what they leave out: no preservatives, synthetic fragrances, oils or waxes.

Skin type

The minimal ingredient list makes these suited to anyone prone to sensitivity or irritation, or even blemishes (mineral makeup is generally non-comedogenic). And because the formula is free from oils and waxes, it's also ideal for oilier skin, too.

Coverage

The level of coverage depends on how many layers you apply. But remember, because mineral makeup leaves out a lot of the ingredients you'd find in other foundation formulas, a little goes a long way and you won't need to apply as much to get fuller coverage.

How to

You'll need a brush to apply mineral powders, which are often loose and packaged in a sifter, while mineral liquids can be applied using either your fingers, a sponge or a brush.

For those times when you want…

a portable foundation to stash in your bag.

Formula

These are essentially liquid foundations that have been poured into a sponge and housed in a compact. It's this portability that makes them a gamechanger.

Skin type

Any skin type can find a cushion foundation that works for them.

Coverage

This is where cushion compacts resemble skin tints: the coverage is sheer, natural, and luminous. The sheerness means they are buildable, so you can layer up for slightly more opacity.

How to

Use the included applicator puff to press foundation into skin for a seamless result.