Foundation 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Face Makeup

First things first: Foundation is a must-have for achieving a flawless-looking complexion. Just like you wouldn’t start building a house without laying down the foundation first, you don’t want to skip face makeup when building a makeup look. While not knowing the ins and outs of foundation may not lead to quite as disastrous consequences as incorrectly constructing your home, it’s still preferable to get it right. And lucky for you, L’Oréal foundation makes the process oh so easy!

For beginners, it’s important to find the face make-up that works for them. With various formulas, application instructions, and so on, it can be confusing to know where to start when picking out your foundation. If you know what kind of result you’re looking for (perhaps anti-aging benefits, SPF protection, or an illuminating glow), it will be much easier for you to choose the right formula. With that in mind, below, we dive into the best L’Oréal Paris foundations and even share a few tips to help turn you into a makeup master. Beginner be gone!

OUR BEST FOUNDATION FOR GETTING A GLOW

For those who are partial to getting their glow on or for anyone dealing with dry skin, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation will likely be a good fit. The long-lasting, hydrating formula is formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 15, has an air-light texture, provides medium coverage, and, of course, has a radiant finish. To use, shake well and use a makeup blender to dot the formula onto skin in a rolling motion.

OUR BEST FOUNDATION FOR A MATTE FINISH

Anyone who loves the look of matte skin, especially those with skin that tends to be more on the oily side, should reach for a matte foundation such as the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. The long-lasting, oil-free formula has an air-light texture, medium coverage, and offers a demi-matte finish that never looks dull or flat. To use, smooth onto skin in a dabbing motion for flawless face make-up.

OUR BEST FOUNDATION FOR MATURE SKIN

Remember, certain foundation formulas can also offer anti-aging benefits, and the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50 does just that. Formulated with vitamin B3 and a hydrating serum, this lightweight offering provides skin with even, breathable coverage without settling into lines, making it easy to see why this L’Oréal foundation is one of our favorite foundations for mature skin. To use, apply a small amount to your face and blend evenly onto skin.

OUR BEST FOUNDATION FOR FULL COVERAGE

Light, airy coverage may not be quite right for every complexion or every beauty look. Sometimes, you need something a bit more heavy-hitting. For full coverage with a weightless feel (the dream!), try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation. The long-lasting formula can be used to cover everything from breakouts to tattoos. Talk about a multi-tasker! To use, apply anywhere—face, neck, arms, and legs—to cover imperfections and even skin tone.

OUR BEST FOUNDATION FOR A NATURAL-LOOKING FINISH

For your everyday makeup look, you’ll likely want to choose a formula with a natural-looking finish, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight. This innovative formula is lightweight, easily spreadable, breathable, and sweat-resistant, meaning it will keep your skin feeling fresh for hours—no touch-ups necessary.

OUR BEST FOUNDATION FOR A PERFECT SKIN TONE MATCH

Finding face makeup that matches your skin exactly can be quite the challenge. Set the stage and identify both your skin tone and undertone. (More on that in our article, How to Find Your Foundation Color Match.) Once you know, you can easily locate your color in the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Super Blendable Makeup range. With 45 shades that precisely match skin tones and texture, there’s something for everyone. To use, dot the foundation onto your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead, then blend it out toward your hairline and neck.

OUR BEST FOUNDATION FOR CONTOURING

You may not have considered this, but one of the best and easiest ways to contour is actually with foundation. A buildable foundation stick is perfect for sculpting your features. Try it for yourself with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Foundation Shaping Sticks, which allows you to define and enhance different facial features with a few quick swipes. Just remember to use a beauty blender to diffuse any harsh lines, that way no one will know your super sharp cheekbones are actually an illusion.

Editor’s note: Did you know you can also contour your lashes, eyebrows, lips, and body? It’s true; contouring is catching on and seeping into all areas of your beauty routine!

OUR BEST TIPS FOR FOUNDATION APPLICATION

Once you’ve chosen the L’Oréal Paris foundation that best suits you and your skin, you’ll want to make sure you learn how to apply your foundation perfectly. Here are a few tips that should serve you well:

1. PREP SKIN WITH PRIMER

Before reaching for your foundation, apply a base. Priming tacks on only an extra minute or two to your beauty routine, but can make all the difference in how your face make-up looks and lasts. Try a primer that minimizes the appearance of lines and pores, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets™ Professional Magic Perfecting Base, to give your skin an even, smooth texture.

2. APPLY WITH A MAKEUP BLENDER

Fingers may work in a pinch, but for a more hygienic and perfectly blended application, switch to a makeup blending sponge, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender. The blender can help provide more even and easy application. Simply apply a small amount of product onto the blender, then bounce over your face until you’ve achieved your desired level of coverage.

3. SET WITH A POWDER OR SPRAY

To complete your face makeup look, it’s essential to set your foundation. Whether you prefer a powder or a setting spray, a quick coat can extend the life of your foundation. If you’re partial to powder, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Powder.

Next up: Now that you’re well-versed in the world of foundation, it’s time to focus on more beauty basics. Read all about mascara in our article, Mascara 101: Your Guide to the Different Formulas.