How to Choose the Best Foundation for You
If you want your makeup to look truly natural, you just can't skip the foundation. A well-formulated foundation looks like it's not even there, and allows everything else you add --
eyeshadow, blush, and even concealer -- to blend seamlessly with one another. Even for those who prefer not to wear makeup, foundation is often a necessity, because it evens out your skin tone and smooths away imperfections. From liquids to powders to creams and sticks, you'll find the best examples of each with the help of our guide to foundations.
Cream foundations have been around for quite a while, and Elizabeth Arden does it right with a sponge-on cream makeup, adjustable by adding a bit of water to choose sheerer coverage. Liquid foundations, like
Dior's Natural Glow hydrating makeup, now usually contain UV protection to do more than provide glowing skin; this keeps your skin healthy under the foundation.
Stick foundations such as
MAC Cosmetics Studio Sticks, are also usually cream-based, and they're just as effective for on-the-spot application like a
concealer as they are at providing soft, natural-looking full face coverage. Finally, Bare Escentials is the leader in the newest trend towards healthier makeup with their highly recommended bareMinerals, a crushed powder that feels like a cream and buffs on like silk, giving skin a natural luminosity as well as SPF protection.