From finding your foundation shade to learning how to apply foundation and the common mistakes to avoid, we explain it all in our foundation makeup hub
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How to find your foundation shade
Foundation is more than just makeup; it’s the canvas for your entire look.
Serving as the base layer, foundation helps to even out skin tone, conceal imperfections, and provide a smooth complexion upon which all other makeup is added to.
This makes it a staple in makeup bags and explains why the foundation market value exceeded $3 billion last year and is on track to pass $4.7 billion in the next five years.
We’ve got a growing list of foundation content across mamabella so we wanted to pull it all together in a foundation makeup hub.
Below you can read more about the history of foundation makeup, how it works, the different types, and how to find a shade match.
You can also explore all of our foundation content using the links below.
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mamabella | mamabella The history of foundation dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use in Egyptian and Roman societies.
Egyptians used a form of foundation made from minerals such as malachite and galena to create a smooth, even complexion and protect their skin from the sun. They valued a light complexion, which was associated with wealth and status because it suggested that the person in question didn’t have to work outdoors.
Both Greek and Roman societies used face cosmetics, including chalk and lead-based formulas, to lighten the complexion.
During the Middle Ages, pale skin continued to be a sign of wealth and nobility in Europe. Women used lead-based paints and powders to achieve a fair complexion, despite the risks to their health. By the Renaissance period, both men and women used a mix of vinegar and lead to whiten their skin.
The Victorians frowned upon too much makeup and women used light powders and creams to subtly enhance their complexion. It was during this time that zinc oxide became a popular non-toxic alternative to lead-based makeup.
By the 1920s, the rise of cinema and glamour made makeup, particularly foundation, more popular. Max Factor introduced Pan-Cake makeup, which was initially created for actresses but soon went mainstream.
Liquid foundations weren’t developed until the 1930s but they gave people more options in terms of coverage and in the post-war era, the likes of Elizabeth Arden and Estée Lauder expanded their foundation ranges to include various shades and formulations, catering to a wider audience.
Today, there are hundreds if not thousands of foundations – from liquids to creams, sticks and powders – and there’s a greater focus on inclusivity, skin health, and natural ingredients.
Glossier There are a number of foundation types depending on your skin type, what coverage you need, and your desired finish. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of foundation:
Sephora Beyond knowing which of the above foundation types suits your skin, finding a perfect foundation shade match is the hardest part of shopping for makeup.
We explain more about how to swatch foundation in our best foundation shade finder guide but in summary, you need to know:
Foundation matcher tools can help you narrow down your search but if you have the chance to speak to an expert in-store, this can make the whole process easier. A couple of things to note, however:
FURTHER READING: How to find your perfect foundation match with the best foundation shade finders
Huda Beauty Once you know your skin tone, and undertone and think you have a good idea about your foundation shade you then need to choose a foundation that suits your skin type.
We’ve tested more than 100 foundations and have picked which brands best suit which skin types but as a summary.
If you’re not sure what your type is, check out our What skin type do I have? guide.
Shutterstock Our resident makeup artist, Victoria Howe, explains how to apply foundation like a pro in more detail here, but to summarise her expert advice, the steps are as follows:
The key to knowing how to apply foundation is to use it sparingly. If you need to apply a thick layer all over your face to get an even colour, chances are you’ve got the wrong foundation shade.
You can find out how to find your perfect foundation match here, or you can take advantage of free foundation samples, listed here.
FURTHER READING: Best foundation brush | How to clean makeup brushes | How to clean beauty blenders fast
Yes, there are no rules to makeup, and foundation can be used as concealer but you need to bear in mind their differences, so you know how to use them in the best way possible.
Foundations are typically thinner than concealers and are designed to even out your overall skin tone, cover minor imperfections, and provide a smooth canvas. Concealers are thicker and more pigmented meaning they provide higher coverage.
As a result, if you want to use foundation as concealer, you may either need to apply more of it or it should be saved for blemishes or imperfections that require less coverage.
We recommend:
There are a number of common mistakes made when buying and applying foundation. These include:
Victoria is founder and editor-in-chief of mamabella, freelance journalist and Mum. She has a passion for empowering people to feel beautiful whatever their age, size, skin type and budget
