by Paola Fanutti

Created on: August 02, 2008

Finding the right base for your face can be cosmetically challenging. There are many different features in a foundation that a woman looks for: the right shade, ingredients, texture and finish. There is no single, best foundation type for anyone. The foundation you select will depend entirely on your skin type and the desired finish.

Makeup is clearly not universal, and different foundation formulas can help make the most of some skin types and provide more or less coverage, making some foundations better suited to some women than others.

You need: COMPLETE COVERAGE

You want: An Airbrush Foundation

For a completely flawless and glamorous touch, the best choice is a spray -on, airbrush foundation. Used by professional makeup artists but also available for home use, airbrush makeup promotes luminosity and radiance, is not cakey or flakey, and completely covers even the most stubborn flaws. A little expensive, airbrush makeup promotes a healthy glow, and is ideal for showcasing the skin. To apply, simply mist your face with the airbrush spray, covering your head and hair with the headband provided. Once sprayed, blend the product with a cosmetics puff.

You seek: A NON-MELTING FORMULA OR ONE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

You want: A Mineral Makeup

The newest rage, mineral foundations, generally loose powders that contain real minerals derived from the earth, are ideal for sensitive skins that need natural formulations free of pore-clogging chemicals. Made of minerals like Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide and Iron Oxides that glide smoothly onto the skin, mineral makeup is generally dry, devoid of liquid, and won't slide off the face in hot temperatures. To apply, dust makeup onto skin with a mineral foundation brush made of natural bristles in a gentle, circular motion.

You have: MATURE SKIN

You want: A Cream Based Cosmetic

Mature skin needs the extra hydrating and moisturizing properties that a cream based foundation provides. A cream foundation goes on extra satiny and silky, leaving skin dewy and soft, instead of dry and rough. Creams leave a matte finish and hide wrinkles without accentuating, or worse, settling into fine facial lines, the way other foundation types do. To apply, glide a slightly damp sponge applicator neatly and evenly over face.

You like: SHEER TO MEDIUM DAILY COVERAGE

You want: A Liquid Base

The most common foundation formula, the liquid version, is great for versatile, sheer to medium overage and can contain a wide variety of ingredients, ranging from age-defying complexes, to anti-oxidants, to sunscreens and botanicals. They are ideal for many skin types, glide on easily, and can be worn alone, or set with pressed powder for longer wear. To apply, dot liquid over face with fingers, a cosmetics sponge, or brush, and blend outwards towards the jaw line.

With such a remarkable range of foundations available that can cater to any skin type or coverage need, the ideal base is available for every woman to create a flawless face.

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