BW Foundation Test

Luminous finish? Dewy? Matte? Satin? All day wear? How do I choose? Here’s a review to help you.

With the increasing presence of products marketed towards enhancing natural skin tones—such as tinted moisturizer, CC cream, skin tints, and foundation— it seems overwhelming to figure out which is the right match for you.

Well, research no further because we will review all the pros and cons of different types of coverage products to help you determine what gives you the ultimate natural “no-makeup” look. We will also add some tips on how to apply each type to your skin so that you always look your best.

Skin Tint

skin tint
From Left to Right: Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint, Hourglass Illusion’s Hyaluronic Skin Tint, First Aid Beauty’s Hello Fab Triple Protection Skin Tint, Pixi Beauty H20 Skin Tint

Pros

Skin tints are sheer lightweight coverage products that even out discoloration and leave your face looking toned, smooth, and dewy. The formula for skin tints is light, breathable, and ultra-thin, which gives a simple application.

Cons

Due to the thin consistency of skin tints, they come in limited amounts of shades and don’t provide as much coverage as foundations. So if you’re looking to hide your freckles, pores, or other traces that show you are a human being, skin tints may not be the right product for you.

How to Apply

Use your fingers to apply the formula evenly to your skin. Take a small amount and blend from the center of your face out.

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Tinted Moisturizer

Pros

Tinted moisturizers are moisturizers that offer light-to-medium coverage and evens out minor blemishes and redness. They also hydrate the skin and evens out the complexion, as well as targeting skin concerns such as aging, oily, or acne-prone skin. Tinted Moisturizers offer SPF protection and contain a combination of antioxidants, botanical extracts, and vitamins such as algae, and Vitamins C and E.

Cons

Tinted moisturizers have recently gained a negative reputation for drawing in the color pigment deep into the skin as the moisturizer absorbs to hydrate and protect.

How to Apply

Use your fingertips to apply the moisturizer, or use a foundation brush for a more precise application, If your skin is extra dry, you can also layer the tinted moisturizer over your regular moisturizer,

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CC Cream

cc creme
From Left to Right: Eborian CC Cream High Definition Radiance Face Cream, Clinique Moisture Surge All Skin Types CC Cream, It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC Cream

Pros

The “CC” in CC Cream stands for “color correction”, so the product does just that–color correcting. CC creams are lightweight and provide little to light coverage, but are great for camouflaging redness, sunspots, and problematic or dull skin and skin discoloration such as hyperpigmentation.

Cons

CC cream is not an ideal product for someone who prefers more and full coverage. While it can cover up redness and hyperpigmentation, it cannot cover up fine lines and wrinkles.

How to Apply

Since CC cream is made with a buildable formula, use a beauty blender or makeup sponge for an even finish. You can also use your fingers by dotting a small amount of product on the cheeks, chin, and forehead, and using patting motions to blend for maximum coverage.

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Low Coverage Foundation

foundation

Pros

Makeup foundation helps your skin looking dewy and luminous by providing coverage for your face, covering hyperpigmentation, fine lines, pores, and acne. Foundations are especially beneficial for dry skin due to its moisturizing properties.

Cons

Liquid foundation can look shiny and wet when excess oil or perspiration are present on the skin. The excess oil found in the skin can cause the liquid foundation to clog pores, cause blemishes, or even emphasize wrinkles and fine lines.

How to Apply

It’s preferable to purchase a foundation that comes in a dropper rather than a pump. When applying liquid foundation, blend a few small drops from the center of the face outward using a damp beauty blender or a damp foundation brush. After covering your face, set the areas that are prone to slide (like your T-zone) with a light dusting of translucent powder.

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We explain in more detail in our full video: What’s the Most Natural Looking Foundation? Tinted Moisturizer, Skin Tint, CC Cream & Foundation