How to Find the Best Face Makeup and Which to Buy

When you’re trying to figure out how to find the best face makeup, there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll need to know your skin type and analyze your coloring so you can match the undertones. From there, you’ll need to make sure that all the products you layer on top of one another will work well together.

Here, we’ll piece together everything you need to get started, from primer to blush and everything in-between. We’ll also get you started in the right direction with product recommendations. 

How to Find the Best Face Makeup for You

Finding your perfect shade and finish that wears well all day may take a few tries. You’ll also need to find the concealer shade and/or color correctors if needed.

Then there’s primer, blush, bronzer, contour, highlight, and powder to choose from. You won’t need all of those, but once you decide on the face makeup types you want to experiment with, you’ll need a set that works in harmony.

Don’t worry; it’s easier than it sounds.

Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re in pursuit of your perfect products:

Test Before You Buy

Sometimes, there’s no way to know for sure if a foundation you’re considering will work for you until you try it on, wear it all day, check to make sure it doesn’t oxidize (turn orange) as the day goes on, and discover how well it performs from morning tonight.

However, sometimes you don’t have to make the upfront commitment of a purchase.

Some stores, like Sephora and cosmetics counters, are happy to help you narrow down your shade and formula options and let you take sample vials home to try. Don’t be afraid to ask!

Some online companies, like Everyday Minerals, will even offer free or very inexpensive samples for you to try through their website, so you still won’t need to make a big commitment. 

Learn to Prep the Canvas Before Applying Makeup

One thing people sometimes forget about makeup application is that it’s not all about the foundation: skincare and a primer matter before you ever lay the product down.

Exfoliate as often as you need to, find the skincare routine that works for you, and use a foundation primer before applying the foundation. The primer smooths everything out so the makeup goes on like a dream, wears well throughout the day, and looks flawless.

 Consider Your Skin Type

Your skin type will play a major role in determining which face makeup is right for you.

If your skin is oily, seek out lightweight formulas with matte or velvet finishes to start.

If you’re on the dry side, you’ll want to look for formulas marketed as hydrating or nourishing or those that promise a radiant or dewy glow. These are code for dry-skin-friendly.

Satin finishes (also called demi-matte) can look at home on any skin type.

Know Your Skin Tone and Undertones

Most foundations have a system to organize their shades, so you’ll know what you’re getting. For example, fair to deep skin tones may be numbered from lightest to darkest.

Undertones will often be marked with a C (cool), W (warm), N (neutral), or O (olive) after the number.

Once you’ve nailed down your undertones, it’ll be easier to choose a foundation shade. Here’s a quick crash course in undertones:

• If yours look blue or pink, your veins look blue, and you look best in silver jewelry, you’re cool.
• If yours look yellow, your veins look green, and you look best in gold jewelry, you’re warm.
• If you seem to have pink and yellow, you can wear silver or gold, and you can’t tell if your veins appear blue or green, you’re a neutral.
• If you seem to have green or grey undertones, you can’t tell what color your veins are, you look best in rose gold, and foundations almost always look “off” on your skin for one reason or another, then there’s a chance you have olive undertones.

The Desired Coverage and Finish

This is a personal preference. Do you want light coverage that you may even see your skin peeking through, full coverage to cover everything from freckles to blemishes, or the middle ground between the two?

From there, do you prefer a glowing, radiant complexion that looks dewy, or would you prefer something matte?

Typically, people with dry skin gravitate toward the dewier finishes, while people with oily skin prefer the matte finishes.

If your skin is normal or in combination, feel free to experiment with both ends of the spectrum to see which one you prefer and which one lasts all day on your skin.

Which Products Work Together

Since there can be so many layers to face makeup, how do you know what works together?

Formulas

In general, layering creams or liquids together works better than combining either of those with a powder.

You can wear powder cheek products on top of liquid or cream foundation, of course, but if you find that too much color likes to stick to the first place the brush touches your skin, try adding a layer of loose, translucent powder between the two next time.

Undertones

Make sure the undertones in your concealer match your foundation’s and then extend that to your blush, highlight, and contour shade.

If your foundation and concealer have pink undertones, don’t go too warm with the cheek shades. Warm foundation and concealer undertones? Skip the cool pinks and stick with peaches, corals, rusts, etc. Neutral cheek shades will work no matter what.

The Main Differences Between BB and CC Creams

BB and CC creams are pretty similar, so we’ll group those together and compare them to the foundation in a minute, but first, let’s talk about how they differ:

• BB cream offers light coverage (but more than your average tinted moisturizer), whereas CC cream provides a little more coverage.
• BB cream is pretty basic as far as performance goes, beyond blurring imperfections, whereas CC cream has more color-correcting, imperfection-blurring, and skin treatment properties.

The Main Differences Between BB/CC Creams and Foundations

For the longest time, there was the only foundation and tinted moisturizer. Then came BB, CC, and now even DD creams. So how are these creams different from the foundation?

• BB and CC creams can easily be applied with your hands, whereas foundation will often perform better with the help of a brush or sponge.
• BB and CC creams are generally lighter coverage, whereas foundations can offer more coverage.
• BB and CC creams don’t come in a wide range of shades, whereas foundations often do.
• BB and CC creams include ingredients to improve your skin with hydration, antioxidants, and beyond, whereas foundation doesn’t always do all of that.

The Main Differences Between Powder Blush and Cream Blush

Powder and cream blush are both designed to brighten your cheeks, and neither one is better than the other. However, there are some differences:

• Powder blush works well on oily skin, whereas cream blush is better on dry skin.
• Powder blush can be applied with a synthetic or natural blush brush, whereas cream blush should be applied with a synthetic brush or fingertips.
• Powder blushes can last up to two years, whereas cream blush expires after 12-18 months.
• Powder blushes can provide almost any kind of finish, whereas cream blushes usually have a youthful, dewy finish.

The Main Differences Between Color Correctors and Concealers

Color correctors and concealer can work together or separately to hide redness, blemishes, dark circles, and more, but they’re not exactly interchangeable. Here are some of the differences:

• Color correctors don’t come in skin tone shades, whereas concealers do.
• Color correctors neutralize unwanted colors in the skin, whereas concealers mask them.
• Color correctors can rarely be used alone, whereas concealers can.
• Color correctors should go under the foundation, whereas concealers can go under or on top of the foundation.

The Main Differences Between Contour Shades and Bronzers

In some cases, you can use contour shades and bronzers interchangeably. Consider their differences, though, so you can make the right purchase for your needs:

• Contour shades are usually on the cooler end of the spectrum (so they’ll look like shadows), whereas bronzers are typically warmer, so your skin will look sun-kissed along with the areas of the face the sun hits.
• Contour shades create “shadows” and sculpt the face, whereas bronzers are meant to warm up the complexion.
• Contour shades should always be matte, whereas bronzers can be matte or shimmery.

Advantages of Face Makeup

Makeup is amazing. It allows you to try on new personalities in a way, hiding the things you view as flaws and emphasizing the things you like about your looks. Diving into the world of face makeup and beyond can skyrocket your confidence and allow you to explore new levels of creative expression. Here are some of the things we love about foundations, BB/CC/DD creams, blushes, bronzers, and more:

• It can even out your skin tone and help hide blemishes.
• You can have fun contouring and highlighting to bring out features you like and downplay the ones you don’t.
• You can make yourself look healthier and more awake with the right cheek color, bronzer, concealer, and/or a color corrector.
• Some face makeup contains SPF for extra protection.
• Some face makeup contains hydrating ingredients and skin treatments, so you can actually make your skin better by wearing it.

Disadvantages of Face Makeup

As with anything, face makeup isn’t only positive. Here are some of the downsides to it:

• Finding the right face products can take a lot of trial and error, leading to disappointment and frustration.
• Trial and error can cost a lot of money, especially if you’re not shopping in a store with a good return policy or the ability to give you samples to try before you buy.
• Face makeup can show you skin issues you didn’t know you had before you applied it, like flakes.
• If your skin is sensitive, you risk a reaction each time you try a new product.
• Some products will look fine in the morning but turn orange or disappear throughout the day.
• Applying the layers of face makeup and perfecting your application methods can take time, and it’s not always as exciting as playing with color on your eyes, lips, and cheeks.

Safety Tips for Face Makeup

There aren’t many rules when it comes to makeup, but there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid outcomes like infections or sun damage.

Don’t Share Products with Anyone

You should keep your face makeup to yourself unless you’re simply pouring from a bottle or squeezing product from a tube. If something requires you to dip and re-dip brushes and/or fingertips into, don’t share those. You risk exposure to bacteria if you do, which can lead to breakouts and infection.

Throw Products Away When They Expire

Bacteria growth is a threat when you keep products past their expiration dates, too. Be sure to toss anything that looks or smells funny. Discard liquid and cream products after 12-18 months and powder products after about two years. Be sure to store your makeup in a cool place. That may mean you need to keep it out of the humid bathroom.

Don’t Get It in Your Eyes

Don’t apply your face products so close to your eyes that they actually get into your eyes. If it does happen, rinse immediately.

Don’t Rely on the Sunscreen to Keep Your Skin Safe

Some face products will boast of a certain SPF number that sounds like it’s everything you need. The extra protection is great, and it’s better than nothing. However, if you’ll be in the sun, you should layer sunscreen under your makeup anyway. You most likely won’t be applying so much of a foundation or BB/CC/DD cream that you’ll get adequate coverage from the sunscreen in the product.

My Top Recommendations

There are so many categories under the face makeup category. Hopefully, my recommendations can set you off in the right direction and help you learn how to find the best face makeup for you.

Primers

Ah, the starting point for your face makeup application.

Rare Beauty Illuminating Primer

 

This primer adds a glow to your skin whether you wear it on its own or under your foundation. It’s hydrating and a good friend to dry-to-normal skin.

Pros

• Hydrating
• Silicone-free
• Gives a radiant finish

Cons

• Not the best for oily skin or for those who prefer a matte finish
• Some people find it more “glittery” than “glowy”

Rare Beauty Pore Diffusing Primer

This primer is for all skin types but especially those who worry about enlarged pores and oil.

Pros

• Designed to soothe skin
• Blurs fine lines and hides pores

Cons

• Some reviewers find it too sticky
• Some people with oily skin don’t think it does much for oil control

Smashbox Photo Finish

An oldie, but goodie, this one is silky and there’s a whole line of options under the Photo Finish umbrella, so there’s something for everyone, even those who need a little all-over color correction.

Pros

• Oil control
• Nourishing and hydrating options for dry skin
• Color correction options for redness or dull skin

Cons

• Silicone-based ingredients in most options can irritate some skin types

Tarte Double Duty Base Tape Hydrating Primer

This primer is hydrating and nourishing, so it’ll be better for dry skin.

Pros

• Hydrates well
• Vegan
• Lightweight

Cons

• Probably won’t work for all skin types due to all of the moisturizing ingredients, like jojoba and grapeseed extract

Foundations

Once you’ve discovered the type of primer your skin prefers, it’s time to get the right foundation. Here are some of my top picks:

Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear 24H Long Wear Foundation

 

This is one of the rare long-lasting foundations that works well on dry skin without causing flakiness or itching.

Pros

• Long-lasting but still good for dry skin
• Pretty good color range (50 options)
• Doesn’t tend to oxidize
• Feels natural, not heavy, on the skin

Cons

• Expensive
• If your skin is especially dry and sensitive, this may not be your best choice for everyday wear and could instead be saved for special occasions, times when photos will be taken, or when you want to look especially flawless
• Could use more shades for darker skin tones

IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Illumination

Love the idea of a powder foundation that’s quick to apply? Try this one.

Pros

• Makes skin look radiant
• Convenient and easy to apply
• Full coverage but still feels light and doesn’t look cakey

Cons

• Not the widest color range
• It Will require a brush to apply (try the Everyday Minerals Long-Handled Kabuki)

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

This foundation is new to the scene, and there are so many reasons to love it (especially on top of the Rare Beauty primer with the Rare Beauty foundation brush).

Pros

• The amazing color range for such a new company
• Lives up to the “weightless” in its name, even though its medium coverage
• Gives a radiant, diffused, almost airbrushed finish

Cons

• May work best on the oily, combo, or normal skin types
• Some reviewers say that it breaks apart on their skin or comes off as they’re working with it

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

This one has been around for quite some time and has a history of being the go-to long-lasting foundation for women of all ages.

Pros

• Really does stay put all-day
• Can work for all skin types (better for combo-to-oily, though)
• At least 56 shades

Cons

• It Will look and feel too matte and dry for some skin types
• Some very fair people may still not find their match in this line

Everyday Minerals

If supporting smaller companies and mineral makeup are two of your favorite things, you’ll want to try samples from this brand ASAP.

Pros

• Separate formulas for dry and oily skin
• Choose between a matte or dewy finish
• Sample packages are available
• Thorough explanations of the products on the site, so you’ll get a pretty good idea of what you should try within a few minutes

Cons

• You have to order online
• Mineral makeup can feel like more of a hassle to apply than liquids, creams, and pressed powders

BB/CC/DD Creams

These creams are the workhorses of face makeup, really. They accomplish so much in one layer.

It Cosmetics CC Cream

This product comes in regular and illuminating formulas.

Pros

• medium-to-full coverage
• Good for most skin types
• SPF

Cons

• The illuminating formula is too shimmery for some
• The lightest shade may still be too dark for very fair skin
• Very few shades available in mini size 

DERMAdoctor DD cream

This product is one of the few DD creams on the market at the moment right now. It’s a cream that does everything.

Pros

• SPF 30
• One shade that self-adjusts, so there’s no stress in choosing the right one
• Can be used as a primer or worn on its own

Cons

• Most “one shade fits all” products don’t have good track records, so this product may inspire some skepticism
• May not be ideal for combination-to-oily skin tones due to the moisturizing properties

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm SPF 40

This option comes in a natural or radiant finish. As tends to be the case with BB creams, the shade selection is limited (to only three shades, in this case).

Pros

• SPF 40
• Hydrating
• Blurs imperfections

Cons

• Some reviewers report a grayish cast or strong pink undertones in the lighter shades

Concealers

If you’re choosing a concealer for your face, match your foundation as closely in finish and shade as you can. Anything lighter or with a brightening effect will draw attention to what you’re trying to hide. For under eyes, you can match your foundation or go just a bit lighter. Brightening effects and even a bit of color correction depending on the color of your circles may also be helpful. Here are some of my favorite concealers:

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

This concealer gives a natural finish and works well for dry skin.

Pros

• Doesn’t crease or look dry under the eyes
• Wide range of shades
• Comes in a mini size so you can try it out before you buy a full tube

Cons

• Maybe too hydrating for some skin types
• May crease if you use it under eyeshadow in place of a primer

Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer

This concealer does it all, flawlessly,

Pros

• You can use it anywhere on your face, and the applicator is even shaped to help you do so
• Wide shade range

Cons

• Minis are only available in very limited shades

e.l.f. 16HR Camo Concealer

This is one of the best drugstore options out there.

Pros

• Lasts a long time
• Doesn’t look dry or crease
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Some reviewers say it oxidizes on their skin

Blush

Add some color to your cheeks with a highly pigmented, blendable blush.

NARS

NARS has some of the best blushes on the market and they last forever.

Pros

• Highly pigmented
• Interesting collection of shades for dramatic or neutral looks
• Sleek packaging

Cons

• Expensive

Milani

Milani blushes are some of the most impressive drugstore options.

Pros

• Highly pigmented
• Cream and baked blush options
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not an especially wide range of colors

Bronzers and Contour Products

Add warmth and/or contour your face with these versatile matte bronzers.

Benefit Hoola

Overall, these lean slightly warm, but they could still be contour shades on several skin tones.

Pros

• Comes in four shades
• Matte, so versatile
• Comes with a brush

Cons

• It May not work as a contour shade for all skin types

Highlighting Products

Highlighting products can help bring out your beautiful bone structure and add a healthy glow to your skin. Try these:

Juvia’s Place The Nubian Loose Highlighter

This is a loose powder highlighter that gives a stunning glow to the high points of the face when applied with a kabuki brush.

Pros

• It’s intense, in a good way (you won’t need to use much, so it’ll probably last for years!)
• Gorgeous glow
• Not too glittery

Cons

• Only available at Ulta
• Could be messy to use since it’s a loose powder

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder

This is a drugstore option that comes in a few different shades.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Four shades to choose from
• Highly pigmented

Cons

Some reviewers say it’s more glittery than pearly

FAQs

Still, have questions about the best face makeup? These Q&As might help.

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Face Makeup

I won’t sugar-coat it: finding the best face makeup can be a chore (even if it’s kind of fun to try new things). To shorten the time it takes, you’ll need to discover your undertones, learn to care for and prep your skin for foundation, and determine not only your skin type but the effect you want. Once you have some guidelines in place, you’ll be able to home in on the best face makeup for you.