Just like every snowflake, every skin type is unique. While some people have strictly dry or strictly oily skin, others have skin that bounces between the two extremes on different areas of the face.

Different skin types can benefit from using different formula types of foundation. In this makeup obsessed world, different formulas of foundations continue to be created; there is everything from the basic liquid foundation to sticks to aerosol spray cans.

Liquid foundation is one of the most basic foundation types, alongside powder. While it is a basic foundation, the different formulations companies create make this foundation a viable option for every skin type.

Application

Application technique is mostly personal preference. Different techniques will alter the coverage amount and opacity. The most popular techniques are a foundation brush or a beauty sponge like the Beauty Blender.

Brushes come in all price ranges, shapes and bristle density. Brushes will give a fuller and more opaque coverage; the denser the bristles, the fuller coverage will become. Beauty sponges should be used wet. Many people attempt to use the sponges dry, giving way to frustration. The wet sponge allows excess product to be soaked up, giving a lighter coverage. Dry skin might enjoy this technique as it puts additional moisture into the skin.

Coverage

One of the main differences in liquid foundation is the coverage type: light, medium or full. Light coverage gives minimal coverage that allows natural skin to still shine through. Medium coverage is a good option for day to day as it covers any blemishes without looking piled on and typically can be built to a fuller coverage. Full coverage is ideal for days or nights when you need a flawless canvas to work with.

Finish

Cosmetic companies have started to create foundations that cater to the different skin types. While there are many subclasses of finishes, the three main types are dewy, matte and natural. Dewy foundations work well for people with dry skin; the extra moisture helps skin look luminous, helps balance the natural dryness of skin and can help hide dry patches.

Matte finish foundations are ideal for oily skin types because they help keep oil at bay throughout the day. Dry and normal skin types may find these foundations too drying on the skin. Natural foundation provides a skin-like finish that is neither too dewy nor matte. Any skin type can use natural finishes in conjunction with the right priming and finishing products.

Tones

Most foundations follow two tones of skin: cool and warm. No matter the darkness of your shade, most foundations will lean more toward a pink shade (cool toned) or a yellow shade (warm toned). This can be most easily seen in MAC Cosmetics foundation that uses the NC and NW systems. NC denotes cool toned products, while NW denotes warm toned products.

Olive-toned skin may struggle finding the correct shade of foundation for this reason. EX1 Invisiwear Liquid Foundation is made specifically for olive-toned men and women.

No matter your needs, whether it be skin type or occasion, there is a liquid foundation out there that can help you achieve them. Look out for another installment in this foundation series in the future.