Regardless of whether you are going full glam or au naturale, a good makeup look is never complete without silky, blemish-free skin. Cream foundations can help smooth out any bumps and ridges while simultaneously providing coverage for any dark circles or pigmentation. If applied properly, you can achieve a flawless finish on your skin without it looking cakey or overdone.
Although cream foundations offer many benefits, it is also true that choosing the right one can be an intimidating task. With so many options available on the market, a first-time user may easily get confused. To help you out in your journey, we have prepared this comprehensive buying guide highlighting the key features of the best cream foundations in 2021.
What Is A Cream Foundation?
A cream foundation is a type of makeup base that has a thick, cream-like consistency, typically used for those who like high coverage and a matte finish on their skin. Users who find liquid foundations too runny and powder foundations too cakey prefer using cream foundations for their staying power and easy use. Typically packaged in the form of a stick or compact, a cream foundation is a great choice for all skin types.
What Are The Benefits of Cream Foundation?
High CoverageOne of the biggest advantages of using a cream foundation over others is the high amount of coverage it offers. If you are someone who has a lot of bumps and ridges on their skin as a result of acne scars or whiteheads, you may be well aware of the struggle between covering your blemishes and looking like your makeup is too cakey. In cases like these, cream foundation acts as a godsend, allowing you to easily smooth out your skin while still looking natural.
Natural Finish
Most cream foundations contain moisturizing agents like oil and hyaluronic acid, allowing it to go on very smoothly despite being viscous. By blending into the contours of the face, it provides a silky, matte texture that won’t create cracks or lines as the day goes by.
Long-Lasting
Due to its thick formula, a little goes a long way when applying cream foundation. If the proper amount is used, a single stick or tube of product can last you a long time.
What To Consider When Buying A Cream Foundation?
The number of makeup brands offering cream foundations is endless, with each one offering a different number of benefits. In this sea of never-ending choices, it can be difficult to decide what to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect cream foundation. To help you out on your journey, we have prepared a list of the key aspects that should be considered before buying a cream foundation.
Skin Type
Although cream foundations are usually known as working well for all skin types, their performance is particularly great for dry or mature skin. This is because of the high amount of moisture that cream foundations contain, keeping your skin looking dewy and hydrated. Aging skin with bumps or scarring can also benefit most from cream foundations as they are high coverage and easily blendable. If you are someone with oily skin, a cream foundation would still provide you with great benefits but may cause even more oil production and not stay on as long.
Undertones
Even if you’ve decided that a cream foundation works best on you, the greater struggle of selecting the perfect foundation shade is still yet to come. Basing your foundation shade on the undertones of your skin can be a foolproof way to achieve this. If you have a cool complexion, select a shade of foundation that has pink or red undertones. Similarly, a warm complexion is better suited to orange or yellow foundation shades.
Packaging
Cream foundations can come in a variety of packaging styles. Stick bottles are a great option for those who are always on the go. Circle tins are less portable but the product inside is much more accessible. You can decide which style to go for based on how you intend to apply your makeup in your daily life.
Ingredients
The ingredients in a cream foundation are what can make or break the product. Ceramides,
Hyaluronic Acid, glycerin, and antioxidants like Vitamin A and C are the top ingredients to look for when selecting a foundation for their hydrating and soothing properties. Likewise, fragrance and parabens should typically be avoided, as they can be too harsh on your skin.
How To Apply Cream Foundation?
You can apply your cream foundation using a wide-bristled brush or damp sponge for maximum blending. Always start with clean, moisturized skin, after which the cream foundation should be applied in evenly spaced dots all over the face. Since cream foundation dries quickly, be sure to blend quickly and in circular motions. You can finish up with a setting spray or layer of loose powder for a more refined, flawless finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use cream foundation daily?
A thick layer of foundation can clog pores which may result in unwanted zits or acne on your face. If you plan on wearing your foundation daily, you can avoid any negative repercussions by making sure to use a good quality product applied in a thin layer. Being consistent in removing makeup at the end of the day is also necessary to maintain the quality of your skin.
Can I use my hands to blend cream foundation?
Though it is a common assumption that using your hands to use makeup is unhygienic and should hence be avoided, cream foundations are actually better suited for application with bare fingers. This is because the warmth of your skin can help the product blend better into your skin.
What should I apply before applying cream foundation?
For a smoother finished look, many makeup artists recommend applying a moisturizer or primer to prep the skin before adding a thicker product on top. If you have greater pigmentation under the eyes or around the mouth, you can also add concealer or color corrector in those areas for some added coverage before applying foundation on top.