All Types of Makeup Foundation: A LoveChild Beauty Guide

Hey Beauties! The world of makeup has seen a lot of innovation in recent years, and the category of foundations is no different. The types of formulations developed over the years have been according to diverse skin types and evolving makeup aesthetics. From liquid to powder foundations, let’s take a look at all the types of makeup foundations available today and understand how they differ from each other on the basis of finish, coverage, and application. 

What Does A Foundation Do? 

Essentially, a foundation creates an even and smooth base, giving a uniform complexion to the skin. It also helps cover any natural flaws, including redness and pigmentation (depending on the coverage). 

Types Of Foundation Makeup

1. Liquid Foundation

Without a doubt, Liquid foundation is the most popular and commonly used formulation. Liquid formulations come in bottles and tubes with pumps, wands, or droplets so you get a desired amount of product.

Application: Liquid foundations are often applied and blended with brushes, makeup sponges or finger tips. 

Coverage: Find sheer, medium, buildable, and full coverage options.

Finish: Liquid based foundations come in various finishes including dewy, matte, and natural (or Satin) finish. 

Skin Types: Ideal for dry, normal, and combination skin.
Liquid foundations like Lights Camera Foundation are often preferred for long time wear like weddings and photoshoots due to their HD flawless look. 

2. Mineral Foundation

Created with finely ground minerals, these Mineral Foundations have a powder consistency that is meant to give coverage and add colour. Mineral Foundation is especially good for sensitive skin, it’s predominantly non-irritating and does not clog pores. 

Application: Mineral powder foundations are available in loose powder jars and applied with a puff or a brush. 

Coverage: The powder formula provides a light to medium coverage. 
Finish: A mineral foundation can give natural, matte, or a slightly radiant finish, depending on the product you choose. 

Skin Type: Preferred for sensitive, acne prone, oily skin.  

3. Serum Foundation 

In a rise of makeup products that can also serve as skincare, serum tints have emerged as a great multi-benefit (foundation+moisturiser+sunscreen+primer) product. Serum or Skin tints are a lightweight foundation with a ‘serum-like’ texture. They help to even out the skin tone, at the same time adding glow and hydration with skin-loving ingredients. 

Application: Serum tints are best applied by fingers or a damp sponge.

Coverage: A serum skin tint foundation gives a buildable - lightweight to medium coverage.

Finish: The formula gives a dewy, radiant, and nature finish. 

Skin Type: Dry, normal, and mature skin

Adding convenience to makeup, serum tints like Skip Everything 4-in-1 Serum Skin Tints are great daily use foundations for longwear. 

4. Pressed Powder/Compact Foundation

Pressed powder, known more commonly as Compact powders is a classic foundation formula in makeup that is used to even out the skin tone, manage excess shine, as well as set the makeup (if used in combination with foundation). 

Application: Compact powders can be applied with powder puffs or dense brushes. 

Coverage: Pressed powder like the Skip Everything Mattifying Compact has a buildable coverage from light to medium.

Finish: Mostly, pressed powder compacts come in a matte finish.  

Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone skin

5. Tinted Moisturiser 

Tinted moisturiser’s main purpose is to add hydration all while adding a little bit of ‘tint’ to the skin. This also combines the benefits of skincare and moisturiser similar to the serum tints, but mainly differs in its coverage. 

Application: Apply tinted moisturisers with fingers or a sponge for an even finish. 

Coverage: With a light/sheer coverage,  tinted foundation is perfect for a barely there makeup look.

Finish: Tinted moisturiser is great for nourishing the skin, it leaves a dewy finish on the skin.

Skin Type: Dry, normal, sensitive skin

6. BB Cream Foundation 

BB cream foundation or a ‘blemish balm’ is a multi-tasking makeup base makeup that usually includes the benefits of SPF, foundation, and moisturizer. A 5-in-1 BB cream like the One Take makes life even more convenient by including the power of a primer and serum along with the sun protection, foundation, and hydration. 

Application: BB cream can be applied and blended with fingers.  

Coverage: This multi-tasker is great at blurring skin, giving a buildable light coverage.  

Finish: BB cream is a great go-to pick for daily use, it gives a natural matte finish. 

Skin Type: Normal, dry, sensitive skin

7. Mousse Foundation (Cushion Foundation)

Mousse foundation is a type of makeup foundation with a whipped, airy texture, similar to mouse chocolate. 

Application: Mousse foundations are airy and can be applied with fingers, brushes, and sponge. 

Coverage: These have a medium to full coverage.  

Finish: The finish of mousse foundation is usually matte or soft matte, with a velvety texture.  

Skin Type: Oily, combination skin

9. Stick Foundation 

Similar to a stick or a lip balm, this creamy foundation is packed in a stick form. Stick foundations are often used for touch ups, targeted application, or giving a quick and easy coverage. Stick foundations like Mini Masaba Foundation Stick are portable and make application convenient on-the-go makeup.   

Application: You can swipe it directly and then blend it with your fingers, brush or a sponge.  

Coverage: Can be layered according to desired coverage. Can go from medium to full coverage.

Finish: Natural to matte finish

Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily skin

And there you have it, beauties, a complete guide on all the makeup foundation types! The various types of foundation in makeup differ in their suitability for different skin types, finishes, and coverage levels. From liquid to stick foundation, you now know which one matches your skin’s needs and your makeup preferences.

LoveChild offers a thoughtful range of foundation options, each available in shades that suit all Indian skin tones. Whether you're after a dewy glow, matte finish, or a skin-first tint, there’s something in the lineup just for you. So go ahead, pick your perfect match and let your skin dazzle the way you like!