What Is Foundation Makeup and How Do You Use It?

If there’s one product we’d argue everybody should have in their arsenal, it’s foundation makeup. This complexion staple serves as the base (literally) of nearly every look, helping to even out your skin and create a smooth, even canvas for your makeup application. It’s also among the more tricky products to shop for, as there are several different types of foundation makeup, each with their own unique set of benefits. Whether you’re a foundation newbie or a makeup lover looking to brush up on the basics, we suggest you keep reading. Ahead, we’re sharing a crash course on foundation, explaining what this base makeup product is, how to use it, and tips for choosing the right foundation finish for your skin type and goals. 

What Is Foundation For?

Foundation is a type of face makeup that’s meant to be applied all over your face to create an even base (or, well, foundation) for the rest of your look. It can come in a wide range of skin-like shades and is meant to closely match your natural skin tone and undertone. If you’re wondering what does foundation do, it varies. Most formulas are designed to help visibly even out the skin tone and minimize the appearance of discolorations and other imperfections. Some can also help mattify the skin or add a dewy glow—the specific benefits depend on the foundation you choose. 

Types of Foundation Formulas

When walking down the makeup aisle, there are five main types of foundation makeup you may notice. Keep reading for a run-down of each.

Liquid foundation

Liquid foundation is arguably the most popular type of foundation makeup, thanks to its versatility and ease of use. As the name suggests, these products have a fluid formula and can usually be applied with a brush, sponge, or even your fingers. For a skin-like finish, you’ll generally want to opt for a formula that offers natural-looking coverage, such as the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation.

Powder foundation

Powder foundations typically come pressed in a compact, like blush or bronzer. These formulas are generally best suited for those with combination or oily skin, as the powdery texture can help mattify unwanted shine. One of our favorites in this category is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder, as it offers lightweight, breathable coverage that wears for up to 24 hours without a cakey finish.

Cream foundation

If you have drier skin, a cream foundation may be a great option for you. These buttery formulas are thicker than liquid foundations and glide onto the skin without clinging to dry spots or patches. To apply it, you’ll typically need a brush or sponge, though some cream foundation formulas can be applied with your fingers, too.

Serum foundation

Serum foundations technically fall under the liquid foundation category, but they’re thinner and more fluid than your standard liquid foundation. These formulas are skincare-makeup hybrids that help hydrate your skin while providing sheer, natural-looking coverage. 

Skin tints and tinted moisturizers

Skin tints and tinted moisturizers are typically water-based formulas suitable for most skin types. Like serum foundations, they tend to provide light, natural-looking coverage and boast skin benefits (such as hydrating the skin). If you’re looking for a skin tint to add to your routine, try the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glow Skin Tint. It’s formulated with blurring pigments and reflective pearls for a glowy, second-skin finish.

Types of Foundation Coverage

Once you determine which type of foundation makeup formula is best for your needs, you’ll need to figure out how much coverage you want. Here’s a breakdown of your options.

Sheer coverage

A foundation with light or sheer coverage is ideal for someone who wants to even out their skin tone a bit but isn’t looking for a product that will cover or hide imperfections. With these formulas, your skin will still show through, and you’ll be left with a natural, fresh-faced finish. For a barely-there finish, try the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. It contains 1% hyaluronic acid and helps hydrate and smooth the skin while providing sheer, lightweight coverage.

Medium coverage

Medium-coverage foundations help conceal some imperfections (like redness or minor discoloration), but they still look like skin. They’re a great option for those looking for an everyday foundation to help make their skin look smooth and even.

Full coverage

Full-coverage foundations are ideal for when you’re after a flawless looking base. These pigment-packed formulas are designed to completely cover imperfections to make your skin look even and uniform. Some can even cover tattoos. 

Buildable coverage

Buildable foundations, as the name suggests, are flexible formulas that can be layered (or built up) to your desired level of coverage. These formulas are great options for those seeking a versatile formula that can be used for both more natural and fuller-coverage makeup looks. One of our favorites in this category is the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation. The breathable formula feels lightweight on the skin and can be built up or sheered out, depending on your application method.

Types of Foundation Finishes

A foundation’s finish refers to how it appears on the skin, and can vary from smooth and velvety to glowy and radiant. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of foundation finishes.

Matte finish

Matte foundations lack any noticeable shine. These can be a great option for those with oily skin, but their smooth, velvety texture also makes them a popular choice for full glam makeup looks. For a matte finish without a dry or cakey feel, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation.

Dewy finish

Dewy foundations, by contrast, are glowy and radiant-looking—more so than natural skin. They’re typically liquid or serum formulas and are well-suited for those with dry or dull-looking skin. If you’re aiming for a glass skin effect, a dewy foundation is what you’ll want to reach for. Skin tints are also an excellent option for a glassy look—get your glow on with the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glow Skin Tint or the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50.

Natural finish

Natural-finish foundations are designed to look like skin. They’re neither matte nor dewy, but fall somewhere in between. The aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation falls into this category. 

How To Choose the Right Foundation for Your Needs

There are a few different things to consider when hunting for the best foundation for your needs. Here, we’ll explain the various factors at play to help you narrow down the best foundation makeup to add to your arsenal.

• Your skin type: As a general rule, those with oily skin tend to do well with matte powder foundations, while drier skin benefits from the hydrating feel of skincare-makeup hybrids like serum foundations and tinted moisturizers. That being said, you should always feel free to select whichever formula feels best to you. 
• How much coverage you need: If you’re simply looking to even out your skin tone but don’t need to cover any significant discoloration or imperfections, consider using a sheer or medium-coverage foundation. For a more uniform, airbrushed-looking base, opt for a full-coverage foundation, or customize your look with a buildable formula. 
• Your desired finish: Finally, consider how you want your skin to appear when your makeup is complete. For a smooth, velvety finish, a matte foundation is your best bet. If you want to look radiant and luminous, you’ll typically want to opt for a dewy foundation. And if you simply want your skin to look like skin, reach for a natural-finish foundation.

When choosing foundation, it’s also crucial to consider your skin tone and undertone—but that’s an entirely separate discussion. For an overview of how to match your foundation to your skin, check out our article, How To Find Your Foundation Shade Match: An Expert Guide. Or, take our foundation match quiz to help narrow down the best L’Oréal Paris foundation makeup formula for you. 

Next Up: 7 Drugstore Foundations To Try in 2025

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris