Choosing the right shade of foundation for your face can be hard, especially when you’re new to makeup products. Pick the wrong match and your skin can look too orange, too pale, or too patchy after makeup. 

The good news is you’re not alone; many people also struggle with picking the right product. This foundation for beginners guide breaks down how to pick a shade and which formula works best. By teaching you proper application, you’ll get to experience a more confident you.

Snap Guide

• What it does: Creates a smooth, even base so the rest of your makeup looks polished.
• Shade matching tip: Test on your jawline in natural light, not your wrist.
• Formula choice: Liquid is the most forgiving for beginners; powders can emphasize dryness.
• Tools to use: A damp sponge for seamless blending, or clean fingers for cream formulas.

What Foundation Actually Does

A foundation is like the first coat of paint on a bare wall: it prepares the surface for more layers through smoothing and evening it out. The same principle applies to your skin, as it serves as the base for your makeup ensemble. It’s not meant to mask your face but instead create a balanced base to highlight your natural features

The catch with foundations is that wrong choices or application result in runny, heavy, or settling into fine lines. That’s why beginners need a clear and easy guide for these products.

How to Choose the Right Foundation Shade

Foundation bottles can look perfect under store lights, but some turn orange after spending some time on the skin. This is oxidation in action, and it’s one of the biggest frustrations for beginners.

Here’s the smarter way to find your foundation color match while accounting for oxidation:

• Know your undertone. Warm undertones sit between yellow and golden, cool undertones look pink or blue, and neutral falls somewhere in between. To know your undertone, you can check your veins: green suggests warm, blue suggests cool, and a mix usually means neutral.
• Swatch at the jawline. Not your hand. The jaw gives the truest read between your face and neck.
• Step outside. Natural daylight is the ultimate truth teller. If the shade disappears into your skin outdoors, you’ve found your match.

For starters, try brands like Fenty Beauty and Maybelline, which offer wide shade ranges for the perfect fit.

Foundation Types Explained

Which formula should you start with? It will depend on the level of comfort you need, style, and where you’re going.

• Liquid foundation: Blendable, buildable, and versatile. Works for most skin types.
• Powder foundation: Great for oily skin or touch-ups, but can look dry on textured skin.
• Stick foundation: Easy for on-the-go, but can feel heavy if overapplied.
• Tinted moisturizer/BB cream: Light coverage, perfect for “no-makeup makeup” days.

Pro tip: Beginners often get the best results with liquid foundations with light-to-medium coverage. They’re forgiving and let you experiment without looking overdone.

Tools To Make Application Easier

Brushes, sponges, and fingers are the most common tools for applying foundation. However, it’s worth noting that all three have specific uses.

• Brushes: Delivers a polished finish and is great for buffing liquid formulas.
• Sponges: Dampen first for a seamless, skin-like effect. Ideal for blending.
• Fingers: The OG tool. Body heat helps melt the foundation into the skin, especially creams.

If you’re just starting out, a good-quality sponge and a basic foundation brush will cover most of your needs.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Foundation for Beginners

Ready to put it all together? Follow this routine and you’ll never wonder what to do again.

1. Prepare your skin. Cleanse, moisturize, and, if possible, use some primer. Doing so will smooth out the skin for better foundation application.

2. Dot foundation lightly. Start in the center of the face (cheeks, forehead, chin) and blend outward. This avoids heavy buildup at the edges.

3. Build slowly. Want more coverage? Add another thin layer instead of piling on.

4. Blend down the neck. Many people mess their foundation up by stopping at the jawline. You have to blend it to prevent the dreaded “mask” effect.

5. Set if needed. Oily skin? Lightly dust with translucent powder. Dry skin? Skip or just set the T-zone.

Practice these steps whenever you can and you’ll slay with your foundation in no time!

Common Foundation Mistakes and Quick Fixes

Even pros slip up with makeup, especially when using foundation. Don’t panic if you run into common mistakes listed below. Instead, just follow these fixes:

• Cakey finish: Too much product. Fix by misting a setting spray and pressing with a sponge.
• Wrong shade: Mix with a lighter or darker foundation or sheer it out with moisturizer until you replace it.
• Patchiness: Usually from dry skin. Exfoliate gently and moisturize before reapplying.

These few tweaks can correct these common mistakes and give you the fresh and natural look you’ve wanted all along.

Your Foundation Journey Starts Here

Applying foundation doesn’t have to be intimidating. The right shade, formula, process will give you a base that lasts all day without stress.

Are you ready to build out your full starter kit? Explore the rest of our makeup guides and tell us what you think!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need primer before foundation?
Not always. If you have oily skin or need an all-day makeup, a primer can help create a smooth base. For normal or dry skin, a good moisturizer is often enough.

Should foundation go on before or after concealer?
Most beginners find it easier to apply foundation first, then use concealer only where extra coverage is needed. That way, you avoid layering too much product.

Can I apply foundation with my fingers?
Yes! Clean fingers warm up the product and help it blend seamlessly. A damp sponge or brush gives a more polished look, but your hands are still a beginner-friendly tool.

How much foundation should I use?
A few dots across the cheeks, forehead, and chin are plenty. Starting light prevents a cakey finish.

1.Facial Steaming

Facial steaming doesn’t just open up your pores; it also prevents blockage, which can cause pimples. Facial steaming also helps you to shed the dead skin on your face, kills any bacteria on or underneath the skin, and it also removes makeup that might have been left behind even after using a facial wash. I would advise a facial steam at least once per week; you don’t want to do this too often, as it might dry out the natural oils in your skin.

Face Steamers of 2025.

2. Tea Tree Oil

This natural oil doesn’t exactly eliminate the pimples, but it can remove the spots or scarring that acne can leave behind. You’ll need to mix the oil with water and apply it to the spots daily to see results.

3. Honey

A half cup of honey mixed with some oatmeal makes for a great acne mask because honey contains antibiotics. You’ll need to let it sit on your face for about 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. The honey will also leave you with glowing skin.

4. Witch Hazel

This natural remedy can dry out the pimples that might pop up on your skin. Witch Hazel is in most pharmacies and beauty supply stores. Just soak some of the liquid onto a piece of cotton and use it to gently wipe your face twice per day, or as needed. If you use over-the-counter products, you can also read the ingredients and find toners, moisturizers, etc that contain witch hazel.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon is great in more than one way, first, it can help to dry out pimples quicker. Second, if you apply it directly to acne marks it can eventually cause them to fade.

Did you find this post on Skincare remedies useful? Let us know below

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The Latest Beauty Tools and Gadgets from Sephora

T3 Cura Hair Dryer

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Great for all hair textures this digitally-controlled blow dryer is air enhanced with negative ions to dry hair quickly. It also helps to fight frizz making it a perfect beauty tool for the humid summer months.

Foreo Luna play

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This waterproof facial cleanser is made from silicone and is great for all skin types. It is phthalate-free, hypoallergenic and guarantees up to 100 uses.

Herbivore Facial Roller

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Created to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness. This beauty ritual dates way back to the 7th Century and also helps with detoxification.

Pocket Atomizer

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Great for tossing in your purse during travel. You can fill it up with your favorite perfume and bring it with you wherever you go. This atomizer holds 1.69 oz of fragrance, giving you about 65 sprays.

SKIN INC.Optimizer Voyage Tri-Ligh

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Disclaimer, this one will cost you a ‘pretty penny,’ $265 to be exact. However, despite the heft price tag, this award-winning, at- home spa device combines colored LED Chromotherapy and low-frequency stimulation to help tackle multiple skin issues. It helps with blemishes, uneven skintone, dull skin and addresses other signs of ageing.

Infrared Flat Iron

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This beauty tool uses infrared technology to increase shine, strengthen hair and fight frizz. It goes up to 450 Fahrenheit and has titanium plates.

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10 Sunscreens for the Summer Heat

1. Tarte Tarteguard 30 Vegan Sunscreen

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Since this one is SPF 30 it is best paired with a moisturizer that also contains sunscreen to ensure maximum protection. This vegan, non-chemical sunscreen is perfect for those with sensitive skin.  It is lightweight, non-sticky and is also infused with anti-oxidants.

2. Mad Hippie Facial -SPF 30

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Another great option for those of you with dry skin and most importantly, sensitive skin, since this one is chemical free. This broad spectrum spf30 sunscreen from mad hippie, contains carrot seed which helps with hydration, red raspberry seed, avocado and antioxidant vitamin C and E.

3. NARS Smooth & Protect Primer – SPF 50

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It’s very rare to find a primer with SPF 50 so we have to give Nars Kuddos for this one! This smoothing primer prepares skin for makeup by minimizing fine lines, wrinkles and pores, while protecting your skin from dangerous UV rays.

4. Banana Boat Dry Balance -SPF 50

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The great thing about this sunscreen is that so far its the only one that protects the face and body from the sun. This SPF 50+ sunscreen has a soft matte finish and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes; perfect for the beach. It also comes with a spray on nozzle for easy application, and it goes on clear.

5. La Roche-Pose -SPF 50

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One of the pricier options on the list, but totally worth it. This activewear lotion sunscreen contains spf 60 which is quite rare. It contains antioxidants and vitamin C, and can be used on your face and body.

6. Green Screen -SPF 30

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This Green Screen environmental protector from Farmacy contains echinacea and is activated by cichoric acid. It is great for all skin types and can even be applied under makeup or over moisturizer.

7. Neutrogena Hydro Boost-SPF 50

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This water gel lotion from Neutrogena is a non-greasy, oil-free formula that hydrates for up to 8 hours. It works on its own or under makeup and is perfect for daily use.

8. Pixi Skintreats Sun mist – SPF 50

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This broad spectrum SPF 30 sun mist by Petra goes on sheer and can be used on the face and body. It is infused with chamomille and bamboo extracts and

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 1. Extended Play Gigablack Mascara-$19

This smudge proof, long-wearing mascara promises up to 16 hours and is washable with warm water. It also has a slim-type brush designed to reach even the tiniest lashes.

2.Retro Matte Lipstick ( Ruby Woo) -$18.50

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Listed as one of their bestsellers and rightfully so, you can get the popular Ruby Woo lipstick for only $18 on the Mac cosmetics website. This beautiful red color looks absolutely stunning on many skin tones and is a long wearing formula with intense color payoff.

3.Prep and Prime eye base- $23

Primers are designed to extend the life of your eye shadow, but this one goes a bit further promising 24 hr wear. It also promises to save your shadow from creasing and fading and is even infused with vitamin c.

4.Brush Cleanser-$16

Designed to clean, disinfect and condition your brushes so that they last longer. Get it here

5.Synthetic Duo Fibre Fan Brush- $24

Often used for bronzers and blushes, this fan brush is made from synthetic fibers designed to work well with mineralized products.

6.Oh Sweetie Lipcolor

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This scented lip colour has a mousse-like texture and comes in 15 fun hues, perfect for the summer.

7. Lustre Lipstick ( See Sheer)- $18.50

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This lightweight lipstick is perfect for the summer because it gives off a lustrous finish and has medium, buildable coverage. The color See Sheer is one of Mac Cosmetics best sellers and is currently a steal on their website for only $18.50.

8. Eye-shadow ( Omega)- $17

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Right now you can get this highly pigmented eye shadow in the color Omega for only 17 bucks on Mac’s website. It can be used with a wet or dry brush; it applies evenly and blends well.

9. Eye Kohl Eyeliner-$18

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These liners promise rich color and a silky smooth, matte/pearl finish, and are available in different shades.

10. Full Lash Curler -$22

This eyelash curler offers a simple squeeze and release motion to shape your lashes into a upward curl. It should be used before applying mascara and is priced at 22 bucks.

There you have it guys, 10 products from Mac cosmetics all for under 25 bucks. Remember to check out their site for these deals if you want to get them at these prices. Oh and share your feedback with u below. We love hearing from you.

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Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte

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This one is available in 40 different shades so whether your skin tone is dark or light you’ll be able to find a match. It is an oil-free formula made with climate-adaptive technology that’s resistant to sweat and humidity, so no matter how hot it gets this summer you should be fine. Oh and the best part is that it won’t clog your pores. Thanks Riri!

L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte

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I personally swear by the L’Oreal Infallible pro matte, and as someone with oily skin I can attest to the fact that it does work. My favorite thing about this matte foundation is how light it is on the skin. You really don’t feel as if you’re wearing anything at all — and that’s pretty rare for a drugstore brand. You won’t regretting having this one in your makeup bag this summer, I promise!

YSL All Hours Foundation

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Though it’s not a very cheap option— $60 on Sephora to be exact—many of your favorite makeup gurus swear by this one. So if you can afford to splurge go ahead and stock up for the summer. This full coverage foundation is oil-free and promises 24hr wear, but the best feature is that it contains spf 20, perfect for  summer!

Clinique Stay- matte

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This oil-free matte foundation offers sheer to moderate coverage. It retails for under $30 and comes in 29 shades.

Tarte Amazonian Clay

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One great feature that makes this full coverage foundation perfect for summer is that it contains SPF 15. It offers 12 hour wear and promises to reduce the appearance of pores, discolorations, and imperfections. However you won’t get all this at a cheap price so prepare to spend at least $40.

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte

This is a really great option for women of color, and since its a drugstore brand it won’t break the bank. This hydrating matte foundation from Maybelline has a unique gel formula and provides medium to full coverage. However the best thing might very well be the price $6.

NYX Stay Matte but not Flat

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This is another perfectly priced option from NYX at just 8 bucks. It is a lightweight foundation that offers buildable coverage and gives a natural matte finish.

Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation

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This is not a drugstore brand so prepare to spend at least 50 bucks if you want this one. I’ve seen some great reviews on this full coverage foundation that promises 24hr wear, and is transfer resistant.

Which one, or two of these matte foundations will be your go to choices for summer? Let us know in the comment section below!

Check out more makeup and skincare tips below

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Best Drugstore Foundation | Battle of The Most Affordable Foundies On The Market

Do you want to know the best drugstore foundation in the market? Then you’re in luck as you’ve come to the right place! For many years, I’ve been surrounded by tons of makeup from different brands and styles, and true enough, I fell in love with some of them. But do you know what else I realized? Some of the best kinds of makeup don’t have to create a hole in your pocket. A great example is a  foundation. Check out 8 of the what I consider the most awesome among the bunch.

8 Foundations You Can Buy For Less Than $20

There’s no doubt there are a gazillion (okay, I’m exaggerating but you get the drift) choices for the best drugstore foundation out there, so to narrow the list, I’ve come up with a few factors: price, brand, and effectiveness. The price should never be more than $20, the brand should be really good, and, of course, it must be the kind of foundation you’d hope to buy and own.

With these in mind, here are my recommendations:

1. Covergirl Clean Matte Liquid Foundation Makeup ($7.66)

This is perfect for people who have oily skin, which means you should avoid any makeup that’s cream based or greasy. It’s easy to apply, it doesn’t feel clammy on the skin, and it doesn’t clog the pores. If you have sensitive skin, this is a great option too since it doesn’t contain any strong fragrance that can cause irritation. Here’s a nice before-and-after photo on the product:

2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte And Poreless Foundation ($7.99)

This is probably one of the best drugstore foundation brands I’ve come across with and something I use quite often. There are times when my hormones go out of whack, which means I can be prone to acne breakouts (yikes). Worse, I have big pores! This one helps minimize them through their micro powders. Thus, you get to control your acne-prone skin and you achieve a more seamless, blemish-free finish.

3. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup ($11.49)

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A lot of my friends swear by Neutrogena because of its excellent formulations for its makeup and skin care products. I love the fact this one comes with SPF20 and titanium dioxide, which is basically the most important ingredient in a sunscreen. In other words, you can choose to apply this on your face and neck for protection against sun exposure and skip the makeup! It also gives a nice glow on your skin.

4. Almay Clear Complexion Blemish Healing Liquid Makeup ($14.49)

I grew up with my mom telling me not to put any makeup on my face during an acne breakout – and I believed her. Today that’s not a problem. You can already use the best drugstore foundation for that called Almay Clear Complexion Blemish Healing makeup. It comes with aloe vera and chamomile extracts known for their soothing and anti-bacterial properties. They therefore not only create a smooth face but also encourage healing from scarring.

5. Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup ($14.99)

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This foundation has a mousse-like texture so it doesn’t feel very heavy and powdery.

But this isn’t the only good thing about this foundation. It lasts for hours, is fantastic during summer because of its high tolerance to heat and humidity, and creates a full coverage, so yeah, buh-bye, blemishes!

6. ELF Acne Fighting Foundation ($6)

Currently battling the zits? Here’s a clever disguise: ELF Acne Fighting Foundation! Just check out the ingredients. These are some of the most common ones used in DIY beauty products because they’re gentle and effective. In fact, tea tree oil is used in treating athlete’s foot. That’s how powerful it is! And for such a price, it’s not bad at all. What’s more, you can pair this with an incredible ELF blush palette.

7. L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup ($7.97)

If you’re looking for the best drugstore foundation for all skin types, this one is it. If you don’t have much problem with your skin such as blemishes, its light coverage does wonder. It also has 24 (!) shades, so there’s definitely one for every skin tone and color.

8. Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation ($7.99)

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Planning to wear your makeup for 25 hours? Then this is your best drugstore foundation! You can basically sleep with it and not worry about smudges, transfers, cakiness, or other common problems you normally encounter with foundation. Isn’t this perfect for your “I woke up like this” selfie?

I know it’s hard to believe Rimmel’s this good, so I’m sharing with you this personal review from itsjudytime:

What do you think of my best drugstore foundation brands? I have to say Maybelline Fit Me is my favorite them, but I think I’m also having a makeup crush, if that’s even possible :), with Rimmel. Either way, find the foundation that suits your skin, and you’ll be paying the right price.

Have you tried any of the best drugstore foundation brands? How is it? Spill the beans in the comments section below. If you need more deets on beauty on a budget, check this out.

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