Face foundations are used to cover skin
blemishes, and acne, as well as to even out and give colour to your
face. There are four basic types of foundations. They are all different
combinations of oil, water, emulsifiers, talc, kaolin, titanium
dioxide and pigment. Their ability to cover skin is related to the
amount of titanium dioxide, talc, zinc oxide, chalk and koalin they
contain. Chemical sunscreen may be added to the sun-protective effect
of titanium dioxide.
Oil-based foundation - these
are water-oil emulsions which contain pigment in the oil. The water
evaporates after the foundation is applied to the skin, leaving
the pigment and oil on the face. This feels moisturizing and is
useful for those who have dry skin. The color has good staying power
and the foundation is easy to apply as there is time to play with
the application before it sets, which takes a few minutes.
Water-based foundation - these
are also oil-in-water emulsions with only a little oil. The pigment
is emulsified and the oil component reduces the drift or spread
of color. They are good for people who have slightly dry to normal
skin.
Oil-free foundations - these
have no animal, vegetable or mineral oil. They contain oily substances
such as silicone based substances (dimethicone). The pigment is
dissolved in water and other solvents. These are produced for those
with oily skin.
Water-free foundations - These
are waterproof. Oil, alcohol and synthetic esthers are combined
and then mixed with waxes to form a cream. These foundations may
be opaque enough to be used to cover scars.
The color is produced by combining titanium dioxide with iron oxides,
and sometimes ultramarine blue.
• Liquid - sheer to moderate coverage
(sheer means semi-transparent)
• Mousse - sheer
• Water based- moderate coverage
• Soufflé - moderate
• Water-free - full (opaque and therefore gives full coverage)
• Stick - full (opaque)
• Shake lotion - sheer
• Matte - flat with no shine
• Semi-matte - minimal shine
• Moist semi-matte - dewy shine
• Shiny |
