How to choose a makeup base

All women have heard at least once about such a wonderful cosmetic product that allows you to make the color and texture of your face uniform. To get perfectly smooth skin you need a makeup base. What is it and how to use this miracle product? Now we'll figure it out.

Makeup base, also known as base, is a product that eliminates visible skin defects. Thanks to this effect, the surface of the face becomes prepared for the subsequent application of decorative cosmetics. It should be noted that some brands call the base a primer. You can often see the inscription Makeup Prime on a tube of foundation.

Tasks of makeup foundation

Manufacturers of cosmetic bases set the following tasks for their products:

1. improve your complexion as much as possible;
2. make the skin tone and its relief uniform;
3. increase the durability of decorative cosmetics;
4. hide visual defects: reduce enlarged pores, remove shine, disguise redness, scars and acne spots.

Now we have learned what functions a makeup base performs, what it is and whether it should take its rightful place in our cosmetic bag.

Types of makeup bases

The basic tool is multifunctional. Its presence on the skin of the face significantly improves the overall appearance of makeup. The foundation also allows you to gently blend blush, bronzer and eye shadow.

Depending on the consistency, the following types of bases are distinguished:

What base consistency should I choose?

Liquid foundation gives the lightest coverage. It makes the skin incredibly smooth and matte. The product is ideal for women with minor defects.

A hard base gives the most dense coverage. It can be used by those with problem skin to hide acne spots and scars.

The creamy base is richly pigmented and powdery. The cosmetic product makes it possible to disguise age spots, blue circles under the eyes and rosacea.

Next comes the gel base for makeup. What it is? This product is recommended for use for oily and combination skin with enlarged pores. Foundations applied on top of such a base apply smoothly and evenly.

Separately, it is necessary to highlight this type of makeup base as an emulsion. It contains an abundance of tiny pearlescent particles. The shimmering product perfectly reflects light, making the skin glow from the inside and look fresh.

Advantages and disadvantages of makeup foundations

Young, clear skin

Doesn't emphasize wrinkles

Must be applied quickly as it dries instantly

Dry, mature skin, and skin with uneven texture

Provides uniform coverage (medium to dense); perfectly moisturizes the skin; hides wrinkles

Hard to use on oily skin types; requires careful shading

Contains no alcohol; products have a wide range of shades

Does not hide imperfections in problematic skin with inflammation; dries quickly

Normal, combination and oily skin

Has the properties of powder; You can create a light and dense coating

If shaded poorly, it creates a “mask” effect on the face.

Oily and combination skin

Provides matte, even coverage

Not suitable for dry skin

Mattifying cream pencil

Dry and normal skin

Suitable for hiding imperfections in certain areas; disguises spots; easy to use

Too oily consistency for combination T-zone

Mattifying foundation for makeup and its types

A foundation with a mattifying effect allows you to give your skin a more well-groomed, healthy look. The product is selected according to the woman’s color type, based on the presence of skin imperfections, as well as depending on the expected effect. Mattifying makeup base comes in the following types:

1. liquid;
2. Foundation;
3. compact.

Liquid foundation is suitable for those with healthy skin. This cosmetic base has good durability. It will last throughout the day, keeping your makeup fresh and beautiful. It is convenient to apply and spread over the skin. The product contains components that can absorb excess sebum.

Mattifying cream base for makeup has the properties of a moisturizer and concealer. The formula of the nourishing cosmetic product contains natural oils. These natural components take especially good care of dry skin, nourishing it and protecting it from the aggressive effects of external factors. When applied correctly, foundation perfectly hides skin imperfections. After applying it, the skin becomes velvety and sleek in appearance.

The compact foundation is great for normal skin types and those prone to dryness. It has good durability. Most often, the product can be found in the form of a corrector pencil. This foundation will hide minor imperfections, including wrinkles, freckles and blood vessels.

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Pore Eraser

Baby Skin cosmetic product from the American brand Maybelline New York is one of the bases that is very popular among women. The makeup base is made using the latest Insta-Blur technology. It is ideal for skin with enlarged pores. After applying the product, the skin becomes smooth and its color is uniform. Baby Skin is a makeup base, reviews of which say that it perfectly masks pores, delicately smoothing them out. As a result of use, the face looks well-groomed and rested.

The foundation is easy to apply. Even beginners can use it and achieve professional results. The product is very economical. Just one drop is enough to even out the skin of the entire face. Many women tend to think that this is the best makeup base.

Silicone base

Separately, I would like to dwell on such a product as a silicone makeup base. Manufacturers position this product as multifunctional. You can use it on its own or mixed with foundation.

The gel elastic texture product is used very economically. The high cost of a small tube is well worth it. Just a drop of base, when applied correctly, will cover the entire face and perfectly hide unevenness.

Dimethicone and cyclomethicone can often be seen in the silicone base. These substances prevent skin dehydration and give it a delicate glow. Meanwhile, experts recommend that those with problem skin be very careful with silicones. Some of the products are often comedogenic. By clogging pores, they can cause new inflammations to appear. Now you know if you need a silicone makeup base, what it is.

Rules for choosing a makeup base

1. The cosmetic product must be suitable for your skin type. Women with dry to normal skin will benefit from a foundation with a creamy consistency. Those with sensitive and problematic skin should opt for fluids and emulsions. Oily skin will look great with a powder-based base that normalizes sebum production and mattifies for a long time. Also suitable for this skin type is a smoothing base for makeup.
2. If after reading the reviews you still doubt whether the base is right for you, then don’t rush to buy its full-size version. The best option is to purchase a sample or try the product at a cosmetic store. You should see how the base looks and how the skin reacts to it.

Corrective Basics

Each foundation is designed to relieve the skin of a specific problem and prepare it for the subsequent application of decorative cosmetics. One of the main advantages of the product is a significant improvement and evenness of facial tone. Let's consider the features of choosing corrective foundations.

A white foundation does a great job of hiding minor imperfections and evening out skin tone. A pink base will give your face a porcelain glow. Products with a green tint will remove redness and hide rosacea and minor inflammation as much as possible. To disguise blue circles under the eyes, you need to choose a yellow base.

Painful yellowness of the skin will be eliminated by purple and lilac cosmetic products. Also, a blue makeup base, reviews of which are mostly positive, effectively copes with this task. It also gives the skin a healthy inner glow.

How to apply makeup foundation correctly?

Before using a makeup base, experts recommend moisturizing the skin with a regular cream. Once the product has been completely absorbed, you can begin applying the foundation. To do this, use a cosmetic sponge or brush. If there are no tools, then the product can be spread with your fingertips. Apply the base in a thin, even layer along the massage lines of the face. After a few minutes, the foundation will “sit” on your face. Then you can continue with makeup.

If your skin is oily, then you should not apply foundation over the foundation. It is enough to use powder. During the day, you can blot your face with special mattifying wipes to get rid of oily shine.

Tips from cosmetologists

1. Although the primer base for makeup is a magical product, it can give the skin a healthy and even color only with proper care. Cosmetologists recommend regularly cleansing, toning and moisturizing your facial skin.
2. During the cold season, experts advise choosing bases that have a dense, rich texture. They will not only make your skin smooth, but will also perfectly protect it from external factors.
3. Cosmetologists also advise purchasing products with SPF protection. They minimize the effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin, protect against unwanted pigmentation and other signs of premature aging.

Thus, the right makeup base will play an important role in creating beautiful and long-lasting makeup. Conventional foundations cannot even out the color and texture of the skin so well or disguise small flaws. With a cosmetic base, makeup looks natural and your face becomes well-groomed.

Makeup foundation is still not as popular as foundation or powder. However, it is necessary to moisturize and mattify the skin, to even out the texture and give the correct shade, as well as for the durability of the foundation and its uniform application. This product has virtually no cons.

The main problem is choice. Ideally, you should test the product before purchasing: apply the tester along with the foundation to your face and walk around with it for an hour or two. When choosing a colored foundation, try to evaluate how it looks on the skin in natural light. Now with its help you can achieve a lot.

Brighten your complexion

Guerlain Meteorites Light-Diffusing Perfecting Primer, RUB 4,399.

To create a beautiful shimmering skin tone, a radiant makeup base is perfect. If you have a cool skin tone, you need to give preference to pinkish and pearlescent shades of the base, and if you have a warm skin tone, then a base of apricot and peach colors is suitable. This type of primer will make your skin look like porcelain.

Advice: Apply foundation around cheekbones, eyes and forehead.

Conceal redness and acne marks

Smashbox Photo Finish More than Primer Blemish Control, RUB 2,116

This base is often called corrective. The green base masks pimples, red spots and painful circles under the eyes, the silicone in the composition helps to disguise enlarged pores and even small scars.

Advice: Apply primer directly to redness.

Create the effect of rested skin

CC cream Flormar CC CREAM CC01 purple, 699 rub.

A base in a purple or pink shade can greatly improve your complexion, especially if your skin usually has a yellowish undertone. This product can also hide healing bruises, for example, after plastic surgery.

Advice: Apply primer in a straight line from the forehead across the nose to the chin, add short strokes under the eyes and blend.

Conceal dark circles under the eyes

Clinique Superprimer Face Primer, RUB 2,599

A yellow or orange foundation works as a very strong concealer. Often, such products contain reflective particles to better disguise dark circles under the eyes. The skin around the eyes is visually evened out, fine wrinkles are filled in, and the foundation applies better. If you are dark-skinned, try using red.

Advice: The foundation is applied with light patting movements under the eyes.

Smooth the skin

e.l.f. Studio Hydrating, 780 rub.

Many primers successfully combat flaking, soften and protect dry and sensitive skin. The composition of such cosmetics usually includes hyaluronic acid, glycerin, natural oils, vitamins A and E, mineral salts, green tea or silk extract can be added. In most cases, moisturizing base is water-based. This foundation is suitable for covering fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes.

Advice: Apply to dry areas of skin and around the eyes.

Remove enlarged pores

Catrice Prime and Fine Smoothing Refiner, 529 rub.

Silicone makeup base smoothes out all skin irregularities and fills enlarged pores, creating the effect of a doll's face. Silicone based bases are multifunctional. They can be used separately, added to foundation or lipstick.

Advice: Apply all over the face or locally to problem areas.

Make the skin matte

NYX Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer (AVP), 1,100 rub.

A primer with a mattifying effect is now one of the most popular - makeup without glitter is in fashion. These foundations are oil-free, perfectly prepare the skin for applying makeup, smooth the surface of the skin, and even out the color.

Advice: To avoid a mask effect, the base should be applied only to the forehead, nose and chin.

Extend the life of makeup

M.A.C. Prep+Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base, RUB 1,390

Eyeshadow primers help keep eyeshadow from creasing, crumbling, or smearing—your makeup will stay bright all day. The shadow base creates a mattifying effect, making it perfect for those with oily skin.

Advice: Apply an even layer to eyelids before using eyeshadow.

Give your eyelashes fullness

Clinique Lash Building Primer, 1,950 rub.

A base for mascara allows you not only to increase their volume and length, but also ensures an even application of the finishing coat. There are transparent and white bases. In most cases, useful components are added to this product that improve the condition of the eyelashes.

Advice: The base is applied in a thin layer to the eyelashes, allowed to dry completely, and then mascara is applied.

Create volume on lips

Lip base from Sensai SPF 15, RUB 1,714.

The lip makeup base evens out the skin, disguises fine wrinkles and ensures even application of lipstick. The base contains nutrients that moisturize and soften the skin. This product is also capable of visually enlarging lips and improving the durability of makeup.

Advice: Apply to the entire surface of clean lips.

Girls often use fluids or any available moisturizing products as a basis for applying foundation. They make the skin silky and ensure uniform application of cosmetics. A makeup base is needed to obtain perfect skin with an even, radiant color, as well as to extend the life of your makeup.

What is a makeup base and why is it needed?

A makeup base is a special cosmetic product that helps prepare the skin for further application of makeup. According to many makeup artists, this product is not a must-have in your makeup bag, but will be very useful for special occasions. It is not recommended to use the base every day due to its ability to clog pores. It is thanks to its dense consistency that it eliminates small wrinkles and irregularities on the epidermis, which make it difficult to distribute foundation.

Why do you need a makeup base:

1. For long-lasting make-up. Due to the mineral particles that are often included in such products, this product absorbs skin secretions and moisture. Due to this, shadows, powder and foundation stay on the face much longer than usual;
2. For perfectly smooth skin. Many people have noticed that even after applying a thick foundation, some imperfections remain noticeable. In order for the epidermis to be smooth and brightened, “like in the picture,” you need to use a special base;
3. To create the effect of inner glow. Mineral particles, in addition to absorbing properties, also have the ability to reflect light. Thanks to this property, the makeup base creates the effect of a soft natural glow of the epidermis.

Types of makeup bases

Depending on the functions they perform, makeup bases are classified according to their properties.

Among all products there are types:

Leveling base

Almost no professional make-up is complete without smoothing the epidermis. There is an opinion that such a procedure can be replaced with moisturizing cream, but this is not so. The skin of the eyes, cheeks, lips and even décolleté requires deep nourishment and filling of folds. Only this approach will ensure high-quality foundation application.

This option is also worth choosing if you urgently need to moisturize your face before applying the main layer of makeup, and also eliminate peeling. Often, products are enriched with vitamin or moisturizing complexes and have a light fluid or mousse structure.

Givenchy Actimine (Givenchy) – a good base for any makeup, characterized by the ability to neutralize yellow tints. Ideal for use with foundation that has a yellow or other unnaturally warm tint. Contains milk extracts, kiwi and other fruit extracts. A little cheaper, but very similar, Givenchy Mister smooth base lissante.

Givenchy Actimine

L’Oreal Lumi Magique Base Concentre (Loreal Magic) – an inexpensive makeup base that performs several properties at once. It mattifies and hides skin imperfections, normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and prepares the epidermis for applying foundation or pressed cosmetic products. From a series of products, we also recommend trying L’Oreal Paris Infaillible Primer Base (L'Oreal Infaillible).

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Base Concentre

Just Make Up Base SPF 18 An excellent summer leveling base. Provides SPF 18, enriched with vitamins and mineral particles. Additionally, it has a soft moisturizing complex: smoothes the skin, but does not create a “wet” shine effect.

Just Make Up Base SPF 18

Concealing base

This is a pigmented or colored base. It differs from similar products by the presence of a certain shade in the structure. This allows you to more effectively hide some imperfections. For example, green VOV Pure Make-up Base is often used to correct problem skin.

Another feature of such products is their high density. To narrow pores and hide certain unevenness, the product should have a fairly thick consistency. Therefore, such products are often not suitable for daily use.

Collistar Face Primer Evening Brightening (Colistrar) – an elite base containing microdispersed mineral powder, stearic acid, mica. Tops the ranking of the most recommended databases of last year. It has reflective properties and does not contain silicones.

Collistar Face Primer Evening Brightening

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser (Maybelline) – a chic corrective base for everyday makeup. Unlike many analogues, it can be used daily and belongs to the middle segment. Contains cherry extract and safe silicones.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel (Chanel) An almost completely natural moisturizing foundation for any age group of women. The main feature of this product is its versatility: when applied locally, the base becomes a highlighter, foundation or tint veil. Contains kelp extract, licorice extracts, witch hazel, rose water, mineral particles.

Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel

Silicone base

Contains silicones as the main components. With their help, it provides a soft and uniform coating, a kind of beige veil. Ideal for creating evening makeup, as it is often water-repellent. Helps add radiance to the skin, prolong durability and improve evenness of foundation application.

Artdeco Make Up Base with Anti-aging Effect (Artdeco) – a dense enough base to replace the main foundation. On the face it creates the effect of a thin veil, evenly distributed over the folds and depressions. It has a slight lifting effect, contains safe silicones, and does not clog pores.

Artdeco Make Up Base with Anti-aging Effect

Manly Pro Elixir HD (Menly) Suitable for dry and dehydrated skin. It can be used as an everyday moisturizer, but applied in a thin layer, without excess. It is a budget analogue of the more famous Givenchy product. Contains extracts from plants, as well as silicone compounds.

Manly Pro Elixir HD

Eclat Minute – pearlescent silicone base with polymers that add shine. As a result of application, the effect of illuminating the epidermis is formed. Very durable, but soft, due to which it does not clog pores. Suitable for use as a highlighter.

Eclat Minute

Base for oily skin

The main difference between a base for oily skin and any other is its consistency. It should be as light as possible so as not to clog pores, but at the same time dense enough to eliminate shine. Enriched with mineral components, extracts from various plants and oils.

Often non-comedogenic, which means it can be used every day. Also contains a minimal amount of silicones and additional moisturizing complexes. The most famous products are:

Korean Holika Holika Naked Face Tone-Up Base (Holika Holika) – ideal for problematic skin. This makeup base is enriched with minerals, plant extracts and reflective particles.

Holika Holika Naked Face Tone-Up Base

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer oil-free (Smashbox) – a shining base for any makeup. It has strong absorbent properties, eliminates oily shine and inflammation. Enriched with vitamins A, C, E, plant extracts, fruit extracts.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer oil-free

Max Factor Face Finiti All Day Primer (Max Factor) – professional basis. Known for its non-comedogenicity, due to which it can be used on problematic and sensitive skin. Contains moisturizing components and vitamin complexes.

Max Factor Face Finiti All Day Primer

How to apply makeup base on your face

To properly apply your makeup base, it is important to prepare your face. The skin is cleansed of dead cells by scrubbing, after which it is moisturized with day cream. Depending on the type of foundation chosen, it is recommended to select a cream with UF factors. We recommend NIVEA pre-makeup (Nivea).

Video: makeup base - choosing a primer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-umIMs2FHLw

Instructions on how to use Nyx Photo-loving primer (Nyx):

1. To create a dense layer, you need to apply the base using tapping movements using your fingertips. This technique is suitable for those with problematic or very dry epidermis. If you need a thin layer (to improve the distribution of foundation), then it is better to use a sponge;
2. The product should be applied along massage lines. The base does not rub, but is driven into the skin. The fact is that any top or primer becomes invisible with intensive rubbing. Therefore, it is better to simply gently distribute the product over the skin by tapping;
3. When the base is absorbed, you can apply foundation.

Which makeup base is better - review

Eva Mosaic Perfect Matt Primer (Eva Mosaic) consists of mineral particles and silicone compounds. Gives the skin a matte glow, normalizes pore function, and prolongs the durability of makeup.

Eva Mosaic Perfect Matt Primer

Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer (Dior) Offers not only the creation of a dense and uniform base for makeup, but also gentle moisturizing. This base has a very delicate mousse structure and does not form a film on the face when applied. Contains foam oil and alpinia extract.

Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer

Oriflame The ONE IlluSkin Face Primer (Oriflame) – an excellent tool for visually narrowing pores and smoothing the skin. Contains silicone components and a moisturizing complex, prolongs the durability of the foundation, suitable for use on the eyes. This is a complete analogue of Avon (Avon) Lux, but costs slightly less.

Oriflame The ONE IlluSkin Face Primer

Reviews claim that the base Guerlain Meteorites Perles (Guerlain Meteorites) – the best option for makeup base. It is needed to even out skin color and make the surface of the epidermis velvety. The special feature of the product is that it contains real pearls. The closest, but more affordable analogue is the Mary Kay Foundation Primer (Mary Kay, Mary Kay).

Guerlain Meteorites Perles

Makeup forever HD High Definition Primer (Make Up Forever) – an excellent foundation if you need to quickly even out skin color, eliminate minor imperfections, remove shine and add radiance. It is often used by famous bloggers, including Krygina. Due to the unique proprietary complex, it also effectively moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

Makeup forever HD High Definition Primer

Eveline Cosmetics Art Scenic Silicone Make-Up Base Smoothing And Matting (Eveline, Evelyn) - an affordable Polish makeup base, which in terms of quality is practically no different from some brands in the premium segment. Suitable for normal and combination skin. Due to silicone oil, it is quickly and evenly distributed over the surface of the epidermis without being absorbed inside.

Eveline Cosmetics Art Scenic Silicone Make-Up Base Smoothing And Matting

Milk or light cream Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (Embryolis) – a liquid primer that is suitable for oily and combination skin. After application, it leaves a pleasant effect of hydration and nutrition, reduces skin secretions, helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands and prolongs the durability of cosmetics.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

Ultra-light fluid base Poetea from the Tiara brand helps even out even the driest skin, smoothing out scales and filling pores with a weightless mousse. Contains proprietary moisturizing complex and vitamins.

Poetea

Clarins Eclat minute base illuminatrice de teint (Clarence, Clarence) – gives the skin a pleasant natural glow, helps to effectively hide imperfections and ensure even distribution of foundation. Due to reflective particles, it emphasizes the main advantages and hides disadvantages.

Clarins Eclat minute base illuminatrice de teint

Lancome la base pro (Lancome) has a smoothing effect and a very light structure. Refers to premium cosmetics. Suitable for everyday use; due to its fluid form, it does not clog pores. Its almost complete, but more affordable analogue is Lumene Beauty Base (Lumene).

Lancome la base pro

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base – amazing silk base. Contains silk powder, so upon application the skin is almost perfectly evened out. Can be used as an independent cosmetic product (instead of foundation). Its action is similar to transparent Gosh.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

Versatile smoothing product Revlon PhotoReady Primer Suitable even for very delicate and sensitive skin. Like Belita, the Revlon brand uses exclusively natural, safe ingredients for its products. This foundation will moisturize and nourish the skin, as well as even out its surface.

Revlon PhotoReady Primer

Lush Shine – a unique base of its kind. Used mainly for problem and oily skin, it contains extracts from medicinal plants, various extracts and oils. Helps not only hide imperfections, but also relieve inflammation.

Lush Shine

According to reviews, the best base for problem and combination skin is a makeup base Sephora Mattifying (Sephora). It effectively hides imperfections, has strong absorbent properties, and eliminates shine. Este Launder is slightly more expensive in price, but more affordable than Shiseido. At the same time, the effect is at the same level.

Sephora Mattifying