To many skin care professionals, makeup application represents a form of artistic expression. Working with various colors and textures to compliment and enhance a person’s overall appearance can be a rewarding experience for both the client and the professional. When applying makeup, each step is important to achieving a flawless appearance. Choosing the right foundation for your client is the initial step toward creating an even base. Used to eliminate wrinkles, fine lines or camouflage blemishes, makeup foundation sets the stage for the entire makeup application. It is important that skin care professionals choose the correct foundation based on the client’s skin type using a professional-grade product that will benefit the skin’s condition.
Makeup was originally used during the time of the first Egyptian dynasty around 3000 B.C. as a means to separate the powerful and elite from lower class Egyptians. The men and women of Egypt used very hazardous ingredients, such as mercury and lead, to create pastes that could be applied to the face and used as foundation.1 As makeup began to gain popularity over the years, men and women later adopted the dead white look despite numerous health hazards from the ingredients that were being used. White lead and mercury were used to lighten the face and, when mixed with vinegar, would peel the skin and remove freckles, eliminating any illfavored blemishes.2
Today, clinical research continues to progress and foundations are now formulated to include ingredients that are safer and provide optimal coverage for the client’s skin. As new products continue to emerge, professional makeup foundations are now able to provide additional benefits that treat the overall condition of the skin. Whether liquid-, powder- or cream-based, makeup foundations are essential to masking imperfections and creating a smooth canvas.
"Foundation plays a key role to any makeup regime. You can camouflage the slightest imperfections or cover up a dark spot. It can provide great coverage and many products will also have an extra layer of protection against UVA and UVB sun rays."
Liliana Pennington, global educator/makeup artist east coast for YOUNGBLOOD Mineral Cosmetics
"In place of using mineral oils, parabens, phthalates, gluten or talc, silicone is a popular choice. Silicone can be used in cosmetic foundations in place of an oil base. Oil takes makeup off, so when you perspire or it’s hot, oil will cause the makeup to run. With a silicone base, if you do perspire you can pat it dry and the makeup doesn’t move."
Maurice Stein, founder and owner of Cinema Secrets
"Foundations are designed to cover imperfections on the surface of the face. They offer varying levels of coverage depending on the client’s needs. A tinted moisturizer is just that, a moisturizer with a hint of color allowing the skin to show through and create a natural finish. A liquid foundation is a step up in terms of pigments, creating a smoother surface without heaviness. Cream foundations are designed for moderate to full coverage. For high-definition, foundations are designed using micronized pigments along with a silicone base. The airbrush method can create natural to full coverage and results are achieved in half the time. Foundation brushes will deliver moderate coverage; using a sponge with a stippling motion will create full coverage."
Dominic Cruz, director of education for Kryolan Professional Make-Up
"First, remember the qualities – skin type, coverage and finish. Next, remember the formulas – liquid, cream and powder. Liquid is traditionally thought of as more moist or hydrating, liquid formulas can exist in matte finish with acne treatment ingredients or a luminous/moist finish with emollients and humectants. Liquids can be applied with fingers or tools like sponges and brushes. The coverage can be sheer to opaque. It’s important to avoid ingredients like mineral oil which can clog pores. Cream formulas usually giving more coverage, cream foundations often have hydrating ingredients. BB Creams, mousses and tinted moisturizers can also be considered cream foundations. The finish can be dewy and moist or more matte depending on brand. Whereas, the most contemporary formula to immerge are powder foundations, which can range from sheer to opaque and luminous to matte. Mineral powders can deliver a multitude of skin care benefits from vitamins and antioxidants to sun protection."
Shawn Towne, educator for jane iredale THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP®
"Mineral foundation provides coverage with a light as air feel and blends with ease for sheer, natural-looking coverage while replenishing and neutralizing free-radicals. The lighter texture allows skin to breathe and repel humidity with light-reflecting properties that warms to match natural skin tones.... Mineral foundation should be applied with a kabuki brush to provide sheer coverage with a flawless finish or a dome brush for added buildable coverage. Then, finish by blending with a flocked sponge or for a dewy look, spritz with a mineral mist hydrating spray."
Barbara Panagos, president of Mineral Mine and Brush Up with Barbara
"In 2013 we are so blessed to wear healthy makeup foundations... that nurture and firm the surface of our skin as it evens skin tone with a beautiful finish. We can thank modern science that makeup foundations have evolved since the days in ancient Rome, approximately 840 BC, when some women used a variety of substances, including deadly lead-based concoctions, to whiten the skin."
Brenda A. Christian, founder and CEO of Brenda Christian Cosmetics, Inc.
"Using a mineral foundation every day is skin care for the skin – not just for cosmetic purposes. The minerals in the foundation provide antibacterial benefits keeping skin clear and healthy. It is also anti-inflammatory, which is helpful for clients with acne, rosacea and sensitive skin. Furthermore, it provides natural sun protection to prevent hyperpigmentation."
Annie Mayo, makeup artist and founder of Advanced Mineral Makeup
Resources
1 D’Alliard, Michelle. “Milady’s Standard Makeup 1st Edition.” N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
2 Mapes, Diane. “Suffering for beauty has its ancient roots.” NBC News; http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22546056/#.UnkkMdJDu3I>
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