Dazzler
12-18-2009, 09:14 AM
Cosmetic foundations may be water-based, oil-based or oil-free, with varied consistencies and coverage, and are available in liquid, cream or powder form.
Loose Powder
Powder adds the finishing touch to your foundation and keeps you looking fresh throughout the day. Powder can be used on its own to look natural. Be careful not to use too much powder, especially around the eyes where the excess powder can settle into the fine lines.
Powder based cosmetic foundations have the function of combining both foundation and powder in one product. It 'sets' your foundation to make it last, it adds a matte finish to the skin that looks fresh, makes the skin seem finer by making the pores seem smaller. You will only need concealer in addition to this rather that setting the foundation with powder.
Generally, moist products are applied first and other powders follow. But when you use powder foundation, you apply the concealer first. Then, using a latex sponge, spread the foundation across the whole face including eyelids, but not the lips.
Pressed Powder
Pressed cosmetic foundations give a smooth, matte finish to the skin that helps control shine. It can be applied with either a damp or dry sponge. At first, it takes practice to use the right amount of powder.
This type of foundation works for all skin types and is easy to carry around since it's not as messy as loose powder. This makes it quick and handy for touch ups. It is available in more shades than loose powder.
When choosing a shade, get one as close to your foundation color as you can and use lightly since it tends to accumulate on your skin during touch ups.Pressed cosmetic foundations give a smooth, matte finish to the skin that helps control shine. It can be applied with either a damp or dry sponge. At first, it takes practice to use the right amount of powder.
Liquid Foundation
These usually offer light to medium coverage, can be applied using a sponge and are available in a wide range of colors that can be mixed to obtain in-between shades to match your skin tone (only mix cosmetic foundations of the same brand). Because liquid foundation is a more lightweight finish than compact it tends to be easier to use on dry skin. It is also best applied using cosmetic sponges.
To avoid a streaky finish place a very small amount of foundation on sponges and always brush over with powder. The powder helps the cosmetic foundations last longer.
Make sure you get the right cosmetic foundations for your skin type - choose an oil-based foundation for dry skin, water-based foundation for normal skin, and "oil-free" foundation for for oily skin. You can apply moisturizer 5 to 10 minutes before beginning your face powders application.
Cream Foundation
When using a cream-based cosmetic foundations, concealer may be applied either before or after the foundation. Use a wedge-shaped latex sponge and light strokes to apply the foundation across the face.
You can tell how a cream formula will cover by how it feels to the touch. The thicker and heavier it feels, the more it covers. So if it feels slightly dry it offers light to medium cover. Very rich cream pigments are used for stage.
Try not to cover too thick with cream foundation or it may look artificial and draw attention to itself.
Source (http://www.wildaboutmakeup.com/cosmetic-foundations.html)
Loose Powder
Powder adds the finishing touch to your foundation and keeps you looking fresh throughout the day. Powder can be used on its own to look natural. Be careful not to use too much powder, especially around the eyes where the excess powder can settle into the fine lines.
Powder based cosmetic foundations have the function of combining both foundation and powder in one product. It 'sets' your foundation to make it last, it adds a matte finish to the skin that looks fresh, makes the skin seem finer by making the pores seem smaller. You will only need concealer in addition to this rather that setting the foundation with powder.
Generally, moist products are applied first and other powders follow. But when you use powder foundation, you apply the concealer first. Then, using a latex sponge, spread the foundation across the whole face including eyelids, but not the lips.
Pressed Powder
Pressed cosmetic foundations give a smooth, matte finish to the skin that helps control shine. It can be applied with either a damp or dry sponge. At first, it takes practice to use the right amount of powder.
This type of foundation works for all skin types and is easy to carry around since it's not as messy as loose powder. This makes it quick and handy for touch ups. It is available in more shades than loose powder.
When choosing a shade, get one as close to your foundation color as you can and use lightly since it tends to accumulate on your skin during touch ups.Pressed cosmetic foundations give a smooth, matte finish to the skin that helps control shine. It can be applied with either a damp or dry sponge. At first, it takes practice to use the right amount of powder.
Liquid Foundation
These usually offer light to medium coverage, can be applied using a sponge and are available in a wide range of colors that can be mixed to obtain in-between shades to match your skin tone (only mix cosmetic foundations of the same brand). Because liquid foundation is a more lightweight finish than compact it tends to be easier to use on dry skin. It is also best applied using cosmetic sponges.
To avoid a streaky finish place a very small amount of foundation on sponges and always brush over with powder. The powder helps the cosmetic foundations last longer.
Make sure you get the right cosmetic foundations for your skin type - choose an oil-based foundation for dry skin, water-based foundation for normal skin, and "oil-free" foundation for for oily skin. You can apply moisturizer 5 to 10 minutes before beginning your face powders application.
Cream Foundation
When using a cream-based cosmetic foundations, concealer may be applied either before or after the foundation. Use a wedge-shaped latex sponge and light strokes to apply the foundation across the face.
You can tell how a cream formula will cover by how it feels to the touch. The thicker and heavier it feels, the more it covers. So if it feels slightly dry it offers light to medium cover. Very rich cream pigments are used for stage.
Try not to cover too thick with cream foundation or it may look artificial and draw attention to itself.
Source (http://www.wildaboutmakeup.com/cosmetic-foundations.html)