Natural foundations can be considered an extension of your green beauty routine. Using the latest in mineral technology, they enhance what your skin already has so you can work on the other parts of your life crucial for healthy skin e.g. what you’re eating and doing. The main use of a foundation is to even out skin tone and enhance the look of your skin’s natural glow, but it can also have other benefits if chosen well. Pick the right foundation base for your skin type and you will have your friends thinking you have given up alcohol and upped your green juice intake from one a week to one a day!
This said, we understand if you’re feeling a little bamboozled by the many textures of foundation bases on offer. You’re not alone. From tinted oils, to matte finish water bases, to quick-to-apply cream formulations, here’s a guide to help ace your foundation base!
Natural Foundation Base
Liquid foundations can be split into three types and all should be shaken before use to disperse the minerals through the solution so that you don’t get a fingerful of pure minerals, oil or water.
Oil Free & Water Base
These are ideal for oily skin as they are literally minerals in aqueous solution. They may not actually be strictly oil-free as most natural versions are a mix of water, glycerin, a touch of plant oil and minerals. Shake very well and dot on fingers, then apply directly onto the skin – work quickly with these as they set matte very quickly! Try the Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation.
Cream & Serum Base
These are often based on a similar formulation to your moisturiser or serum and glide on easily. Great for normal, dry or even combination skin dependent on how oily it is. Rms Beauty’s Cream Foundation is formulated with organic cold centrifuged coconut oil and offers lightweight but buildable coverage, as well as hydration and that glow. Try Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation that’s equal parts skincare and colour correction. Inika Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid is another great choice for long-lasting coverage whilst still caring for skin health.
Oil & Balm Base
Some natural brands have suspended minerals into a blend of skin-friendly oils. Vapour Soft Focus Foundation is one of these. The trick with this foundation base is to always shake well before use and keep blending until you get a satin finish. If you still see or feel oil on the skin, you likely haven’t blended long enough. Other oil based foundations will be in a balmy / cream texture like Rms Beauty Un Cover Up and Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation (available with a refillable component too!).
Natural Foundation Finish
Matte
This will have a higher percentage of silica for controlling shine. Good for oily skin. Smooth and dry to the touch.
Satin
Also referred to as a semi-matte finish, these foundations will leave a nice glow on the skin without being too shiny. Ideal for combination and normal skin types. Dry skin types might find it too matte on the skin. Will feel semi-dry and slightly creamy to the touch.
Dewy
A glowing finish that can be achieved with oils and slightly more iridescent minerals. Best for dry skin. May feel slightly oily or dewy to the touch initially, but this settles into the skin after a few minutes.
Natural Foundation Application Tips
Check if you need to exfoliate. Applying foundation to skin that is flaking or a rough texture is like trying to repaint over flaky paint. If your skin is dry, layer on a cream; if oily, use a gel or light lotion to avoid too much slippage (remember your product probably isn’t using silicones to make it stay put); for combination skin, apply your lotion as you need e.g. more in dry areas and less in the T-zone and nose. If you have time, let your moisturiser settle into the skin for 5–10 minutes before applying foundation.
Natural cosmetics are made from plant butters and waxes and they work best when warmed up and often when applied by fingers rather than a brush. Without silicones (which also help colours glide on easily) you’ll find your foundation or tinted moisturiser goes on better when worked into the skin with your warm fingers.
Remember, a light touch gives more than a heavy hand. Natural make-up can be quite concentrated, so working in layers always gives a more natural look and better longevity than applying larger amounts at once.
Shop All Natural Foundations | Read More: Get the Guide to Natural Primers
