9 Best Foundations and Concealers, According to Bobbi Brown

“Skin should look like skin,” Bobbi says. According to her, the point of foundation is to even out your skin, not to be a mask or to change the color of your skin. It should create a natural-looking finish that doesn't look like you’re wearing it at all. Think of foundation as wearing the right undergarments—you wouldn’t want people to see them underneath your outfit.

Foundations come in a few formulas and textures: liquid, cream, powder, and stick (aka solid). There are different finishes (dewy, natural, satin, semi-matte, or matte) and levels of coverage (light, medium, and full coverage) which denote the concentration of pigment in the formula. Choose which one works best for your skin type—dry skin might benefit from a cream or liquid, and oily skin could benefit from powder. For mature skin, choose a hydrating, buildable foundation formula rather than a thick, heavy formula. (Matte finish foundations tend to make mature skin look dehydrated and mask-like.)

1. 1. Liquid. Possibly the most popular type of foundation, liquid foundation comes in different levels of coverage and is best applied with a makeup sponge or with fingers.
2. 2. Powder. Powder foundation comes in two styles: Pressed powder is a good option for full coverage foundation, and typically applied with a large, fluffy powder brush.
3. 3. Loose. Loose powder foundation (aka mineral foundation) is ideal for oily skin and builds well from light to medium coverage.
4. 4. Cream. Cream foundation can be nice for dry skin. Use with a stippling brush.
5. 5. Tinted. Combining pigment, hydration, and SPF, tinted moisturizer does it all, while providing the least coverage.

Selecting your foundation will depend on your skin type. But skin can be fickle because your skin can behave differently depending on what season you’re in, the weather, hormones, and other factors. Luckily, there are things like moisturizer and powder to help your foundation out on those iffy days.

Make sure your foundation is compatible with your skincare products (oil and water don’t mix, so combining a water-based moisturizer and oil-based foundation, for example, can cause pilling). One way to know for sure is to bring your moisturizer to a makeup store, and mix it with foundations on the back of your hand.

Draw out warmth and even out your complexion with these picks.

1. 1. Boy De Chanel by Chanel. A makeup line exclusively for men, this lightweight formula is ideal for evening out complexion and skin tones while moisturizing.
2. 2. Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer by Nars. A hydrating formula in a multitude of shades to match skin undertones.
3. 3. Skin Foundation Stick by Bobbi Brown. For a natural glow, this on-the-go foundation stick swipes on smooth, never cakey.
4. 4. Retouching Powder by Bobbi Brown. A loose powder with a sheer finish, best used in high-shine areas, like the forehead.

The perfect picks for everything from covering acne scars and blemishes to providing sun protection.

1. 1. Concealer SPF 25 by CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ. Lightweight and shine free, this SPF-infused concealer doubles as an under eye cream to cover dark circles.
2. 2. Creamy Concealer Kit by Bobbi Brown. A dual cream and pressed powder combination kit that neutralizes uneven skin tone.
3. 3. Corrector by Bobbi Brown. A highly blendable formula, good for spot correction across the face, chin, and eyes.
4. 4. Concealer Pencil by Nudestix. A precision pencil with matte quality formula, for longwearing corrective color, regardless of heat or humidity.
5. 5. Incrediblur Concealer by Beauty Pie. Brightens and blends easily across large areas for full coverage.

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