We are beyond blessed to have so many makeup options available to us. But sometimes the market presents us with the paradox of choice and we can be all sorts of confused about what to use. A perfect example of this is foundation. Cream, liquid, powder — how are we supposed to know what will look best on us?
The good news is that there is no wrong answer; it really is a personal choice and you should do just what feels best for you and your skin. “The form of foundation you choose will depend on personal preference,” M.A.C. Cosmetics Senior National Artist Fatima Thomas tells InStyle. “Whether you prefer liquid, cream, or powder, there may be options across formulas that can work for your skin type and coverage needs.”
But if you don’t want to be indecisive like Goldilocks and are looking to find the perfect fit foundation-wise, the experts are here to help you out. Below, Thomas and celebrity makeup artist Sean Harris dive deep into the differences between cream, liquid, and powder foundation and give their tips on how to apply each one.
Read on to discover what they had to say.
What is cream foundation?
According to Harris, a cream foundation is a formula that is either wax- or oil-based and mixed with skin-toned pigments to give you coverage. Thomas adds that they are pliable solids that can come in stick or compact form, and because most cream foundations contain solid emollients, they have a balmy and creamy feel to them and leave a satin-to-dewy finish with buildable coverage.
Harris says the biggest benefit to a cream foundation is that it can provide fuller coverage compared to powder and liquid foundations as the pigment load is stronger. He says you’ll want to reach for this when you want coverage to last a really long time.
If this sounds like something you want, try a cream foundation like the KVD Beauty Good Apple Full-Coverage Cream Foundation Balm or the Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Skin Finish Buildable Coverage Foundation Stick.
What is liquid foundation?
Thomas says that liquid foundations are water-based blends of emollients and pigments. Because most liquid formulas contain water, she says they provide hydration to the skin. These also provide buildable coverage, which Harris says makes it a great option for any occasion. He says that liquid foundation looks the most natural compared to powder and cream, so it’s also the easiest to create that skin-like appearance for that no-makeup-makeup look.
Thomas’s personal pick, especially for dry skin, is the M.A.C. Cosmetics Studio Radiance Face and Body Sheer Foundation for its hydrating properties. You can also try something like the NARS Light Reflecting Foundation or the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation.
What is powder foundation?
Powder formulas don’t contain water, says Thomas. Instead, they're made of pigments, binders, and other emollients that are blended and pressed into powder. She says they offer a natural matte finish (they can give a radiant finish if they contain reflective particles) and many offer oil-controlling properties.
She adds that they offer flexible coverage and provide shine control. You can also use a powder foundation as a setting powder ontop of a cream or liquid formula. Harris recommends using a powder if want to create a matte finish.
To get that matte look, try something like the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Refillable Powder Foundation or the BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15.
What are the downsides of cream foundation?
Cream foundations tend to be heavy and can clog pores, which is a big concern for those who have oily skin and are prone to breakouts. While Thomas says she has found clients with oily skin who enjoy cream formulas, she says that those with normal and dry skin benefit most from this type of foundation because of its rich moisturizing effect and dewy finish. Harris adds that he likes to use it on mature skin or whenever fuller coverage is needed.
What are the downsides of liquid foundation?
The downsides to liquid foundation are minimal. Both Thomas and Harris say that liquid foundations work for all skin types. “It has a universal appeal due to its ability to glide onto the skin,” says Harris. “You can also get varying amounts of coverage depending on what brand you choose.”
What are the downsides of powder foundation?
Because powder foundation doesn’t contain any water, they have no moisturizing properties. While Thomas says that any skin type can use a powder formula if the skin is prepped and primed strategically, those with dry skin are more likely to opt out of using it because it won’t offer any hydration.
How do you apply cream foundation?
For maximum coverage, Thomas uses a damp sponge to put a cream foundation on. For the undereye areas, she’ll use her ring finger for targeted placement and blending. Harris likes to use a dense brush first and then a sponge to diffuse the product accordingly.
How do you apply liquid foundation?
Thomas says that with liquid foundation, what tool you use depends on the results you want. Sponges, for example, are great for layering on product and diffusing texture. Different brushes can also yield varying finishes depending on the size, shape, density, and fiber material. You can also use your hands if you’d like.
Harris likes to use a brush to put liquid foundation on. He recommends a dense and fluffy brush to get product into the skin seamlessly for a more natural look and to finish blending in with a sponge like the Beauty Blender.
How do you apply powder foundation?
Harris recommends using a fluffy brush to apply powder foundation and adds that the denser the brush you use, the more intense coverage you’ll have. Thomas says if you’re looking for a softer, more sheer coverage that lets your skin show through, use a soft rounded brush like the M.A.C. Cosmetics 182 Synthetic Buffer Brush. If you want more opacity, she says to use a large sponge to spread and layer.
Powder foundation is a finely milled, pigmented powder that adds coverage to your skin with a lightweight finish. It tends to be a favorite among those who like a lightweight finish, have oily skin or want to be able to touch up their makeup throughout the day. Thanks to the weightless feel of today’s powders, they allow you to provide your skin with breathable and buildable coverage that can go the distance.
We adore the TikTok viral L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder for its matte, sweatproof finish that lasts all day long. The L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder is another great option that offers a natural finish, great for minimizing shine and making touch-ups throughout the day.
Known as a tried-and-true makeup essential, liquid foundation is a pigmented, liquid mixture ranging in finish and levels of coverage to conceal imperfections and leave the skin with a seamless look. Liquid foundation is the most common form of foundation and there are many more options to choose from than there are for powder foundation.
Liquid foundation tends to be the better choice for dry skin types as the hydrating formula flatters the skin while powder can emphasize it and cling to dry patches. We love the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation for its full coverage and hydrating, radiant finish that doesn’t look cakey. If you prefer light, natural coverage, the water-based, L’Oréal Paris Skin Paradise Water Infused Tinted Moisturizer is a great option for a your-skin-but-better look.
Editor’s tip: Oily skin can definitely use a liquid foundation — reach for a matte and oil-free formula like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation for a long-lasting, shine-free look.
When it comes to the powder foundation versus liquid foundation debate, there isn’t one true winner — it all comes down to personal preference and skin type. Liquid foundations have more options when it comes to finish and coverage but powder foundation can be paired with liquid foundation to add more coverage or set your face.
This makes the case for using both in your routine. Hack your powder foundation and use it to set your face or when you want lightweight makeup you can touch up throughout the day. Reach for a liquid foundation when you have dry, winter skin or you want a natural base for a no-makeup, makeup look.
While powder typically wears longer in general, it really depends on the formula. The Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder and Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation both offer a long-wearing and waterproof, heatproof and sweatproof finish.
A matte finish tends to last longer than a dewy finish so if you’re deciding between a matte powder foundation and a radiant, lightweight liquid foundation — the powder is the obvious choice for long-lasting wear.
Plus, powder foundations come in a portable compact, making it easy for touch-ups throughout the day whereas liquid foundation is harder to touch up on-the-go.
Step 1. Start by cleansing the skin with the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types to lift away dirt, oil and impurities.
Step 2. Reach for a hydrating moisturizer with SPF like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer with SPF 30 and apply it all over your face.
Step 3. Next, add a layer of primer — we’re loving the flawless finish of the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Blurring Primer with Serum Rosy as it helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and large pores.
Step 4. Choose a liquid foundation like the aforementioned Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation or the Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation and apply it with your fingers, a brush or a sponge.
Step 1. Cleanse the skin, apply a moisturizer with SPF and prime your complexion.
Step 2. When it’s time to start applying your powder foundation, reach for the Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder or the True Match Super-Blendable Powder and choose your beauty tool of choice. A sponge can give a more full-coverage, flawless look while applying powder foundation with a fluffy brush can give a softer, more natural look with less coverage.
Step 3. Powder foundation has lots of different uses — try it as setting powder, in place of bronzer or contour or layered over liquid foundation to conceal under-eye circles or dark spots.
Next: 3 Pro Tips for Pairing Foundation and Concealer With Different Formulas
Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Design by Crystal Simone