Although foundation is meant to look practically invisible, having the wrong foundation can ruin even the best makeup job. Finding the perfect foundation for your skin, however, can sometimes feel like winning the lottery. There are so many to choose from, all claiming to be the best of the best, but which ones really stand out? The top three makeup foundations for 2017 are Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder, Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation and L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, though the right foundation for your needs will depend on your skin type and what kind of coverage and finish you prefer. Check out the top eight questions below to learn more about how you can find the perfect foundation for that flawless look.
Most specialty stores that specialize in makeup, such as Sephora or Ulta, will accept returns of the unused portion if you are not happy with your purchase. In addition, several drug stores will also allow you to return foundation that doesn't work well for you. Check the return policy before you buy, so you can ensure returns are possible when trying new foundations.
If possible, testing foundation before you spend money is ideal, and while this isn't practical with drugstore foundations, you can easily get samples of higher-end foundations from your local makeup store or the makeup counters at higher-end retail stores. Be sure to take the sample home and use with with your regular products, rather than just trying a sample in the store, so you can be sure the foundation will work well for you throughout the day and not cause breakouts or irritation.
While the higher-end makeup companies would love you to believe that the more expensive a foundation is, the better it is, this is simply not true. Instead of focusing on price, pay attention to ingredients and find a foundation type that works best for your skin.
Finding the right foundation starts with understanding your skin type and individual needs. People who have dry skin shouldn't use foundations meant for oily skin and vice versa. If you have aging skin, pay close attention to ingredients that help fight the signs of aging and nourish your skin. If you're not sure of your skin type, talk to your dermatologist to learn more about the issues you should address when looking for the right foundation.
While foundation primers are getting a lot of attention these days, they aren't necessary for everyone. Primers are great for helping reduce redness, mattifying oily skin and helping foundation stay in place longer, but if you have normal to dry skin with very little redness, you can usually skip the primer and simply apply the foundation by itself.
Foundations with sunscreen are an effortless way to include sun protection in your makeup routine, which can be great for people who don't normally put on sunscreen for everyday activities. However, if you're going to spend a significant amount of time in the sun, you may still need to apply a sunscreen under your foundation for added, more long-lasting protection.
People with dry skin should look for foundations that offer plenty of moisture and won't dry the skin further. This means you should steer clear of powder and matte foundations, and opt for a luminous or satin finish, instead. In addition, look for foundations that are hydrating and contain other skin-nourishing ingredients.
If you have oily or acne prone skin, matte or powder foundations may work best for you and can help control oil throughout the day. People with acne prone skin may also want to look for foundations that help fight acne, but be careful not to buy foundations that have harsh chemicals or ingredients, as these can sometimes inflame acne even more.