Finding a foundation that will give you the flawless finish you need can be a challenge. The MC beauty team shares their favourite foundations for ethnic skin tones, along with a few tips that will help you when you’re foundation shopping.
The Matte Fix
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 in NW47 30ml, R330
What does it do? This liquid foundation has a natural matte finish with medium coverage.
Why we love it: We love this foundation for its buildable coverage. It applies smoothly and evenly and blends really well. The result is a flawless finish that minimizes the appearance of pores and imperfections. The colour range is diverse, catering to a variety of dark skin tones.
Beauty editor’s tip: When choosing a foundation it is important to know what undertone your skin has. You can figure this out by looking at your wrists and determining whether your have a more yellow, red or pink undertone and choosing your foundation accordingly.
The Flawless Finish
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Makeup in Cocoa, R320
What does it do? It’s a crème foundation infused with micronized diamond powder with a radiant finish.
Why we love it: It gives you medium to full coverage, while the addition of the micronized diamond powder manipulates and scatters light to diminish the appearance of fine lines, pores, blemishes and dark spots. The moisturising formula is comfortable and long-wearing. The size of the compact makes it perfect for travel.
Beauty editor’s tip: When testing foundations, use your jawline to determine which colour will suit you best. It’s always a good idea to test three shades next to each other to find the one that vanishes into your skin tone. Remember, when going to test foundations, you shouldn’t have any make-up on.
The Natural Powder
L’Oréal Infallible 24H Powder Foundation in Nutmeg, R185
What does it do? It is a semi-matte powder foundation.
Why do we love it: The matte finish still gives the skin a radiant glow. It lasts forever, which is great, especially if you need to take your foundation from day to night. This powder is great on its own, providing medium coverage, and it can be used as a powder over your foundation.
Beauty editor’s tip: Many foundations have an SPF in the product already but it’s not enough to keep your face protected so always supplement it with a sunscreen underneath your foundation.
The All-Rounder
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 in Walnut 30ml, R485
What does it do? Weightless coverage that looks like skin, not make-up in a liquid foundation form.
Why we love it: The light to medium coverage is great if you don’t like wearing a lot of foundation. It evens the skin tone and hides imperfections but also has a really great hydrating formula, leaving your skin soft to the touch. It works really well for most skin types, which makes it really versatile.
The Smooth Operator
Black Up Cream to Powder Foundation in NFC 12, R525
What does it do? A cream foundation that turns into a powder on the face.
Why we love it: The texture feels amazing when you apply it. It then turns into a matte powder with a silky feel and a matte finish. It offers a light to medium coverage and is easy to build on.
Beauty editor’s tip: Try applying liquid and cream foundations with your fingers as the heat from your hands make the product more malleable, sticking to your face better.