One of the most important steps of your makeup routine is applying foundation. And once you find that one foundation that works like a dream on your skin, there’s no going back. Since there are many different kinds of formulations to choose from, you might wonder “which is better liquid or powder foundation?”
Well, both these foundation types come with their own set of pros and cons. The best foundation formula largely depends on your skin type. It also depends on the amount of coverage you prefer. And in the end, it’s all about your personal preferences.
Let’s take a look at the insights on both the liquid and powder foundations and how you can choose between the two.
Foundation Basics
No wonder foundation is such an important part of so many beauty routines — it masks imperfections, corrects skin tone, and creates a smooth, even canvas. It's hard to choose the right foundation when there is a wide range of options, especially liquid and powder.
Oily skin types might prefer powder formulas for their hold and matte finish, while people who have dry skin would benefit from liquid formulas that are more hydrating. Read on to learn more about which is better liquid or powder foundation, and the pros and cons of each.
Liquid Foundation: What is it?
Liquid foundations are amongst the most widely used types since they offer a higher coverage than powder foundations and are much easier to both apply and blend. They also come in a wide variety of levels of coverage so you can choose the one that suits your needs. They come in sheer, medium, full, and HD coverage levels.
The Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation is a serum-in-a-foundation that gives a dewy, medium-high coverage finish that lasts up to 24 hours. It is infused with the goodness of Hyaluronic Acid and the power of Niacinamide, which makes your skin feel nourished and hydrated on the inside while making it look flawless and radiant on the outside. This foundation is so hydrating and nourishing that it is suitable for all skin types.
If you prefer a full coverage foundation, you can try out the Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Foundation. It gives you medium to high coverage but it is buildable in nature for your convenience and as per the occasion. With SPF 20 and long-wear formula, this foundation will keep your skin looking natural and flawless throughout the day.
Liquid foundations are suitable for people with dry, oily, and combination skin types. In addition to giving your skin a smooth, even appearance, liquid foundations cover up scars and blemishes due to their high coverage.
What Are the Benefits of Using Liquid Foundation?
There are three types of liquid foundations: silicone-based, oil-based, and water-based. Liquid foundations, for example, BB creams, might also contain sunscreen.
With just one layer of foundation, you can conceal blemishes with buildable light to full coverage.
Unlike powder foundations, liquid foundations are also suitable for all skin types.
You can blend liquid foundation easily with your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a foundation brush.
Liquid foundations that have moisturisers in them provide ample hydration to your skin.
A liquid foundation will match your skin tone better than a powder one, especially if you have a unique skin tone.
Liquid foundations can also give you different finishes, from dewy to satin, and velvet to matte.
What Are the Cons of Using Liquid Foundation?
If your skin is shiny or oily, a liquid foundation can look wet and shiny.
Your makeup can look cakey and artificial if you wear the wrong liquid formulation.
After hours of wear, oil and moisture can build up in your wrinkles and fine lines, highlighting rather than hiding them.
A liquid foundation with a high coverage may clog pores and cause blemishes.
How Should Liquid Foundation Be Used?
Cleanse your skin with Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash to wash away make-up, dirt and other impurities.
Apply a hydrating moisturizer like Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser evenly over your face and neck.
Then, apply a primer. You'll love the flawless finish of Lakmé Absolute Blur Perfect Primer because it reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Use a liquid foundation like the Lakme Absolute Skin Dew Serum Foundation or the Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Foundation and spread it on your face and neck with a brush, sponge, or your fingers.
Powder Foundation: What is it?
A powder foundation mattifies your skin and provides a light to medium amount of coverage. With these foundations, your skin looks airbrushed because of its finely milled texture. You can layer powder foundation over liquid or cream foundation to set it. Compared with liquid foundations, powder foundations also generally have less coverage than liquid foundations.
The Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation is a primer, foundation and face powder all in one. The built-in primer gives you the benefit of a long-lasting foundation that conceals fine lines, and blemishes and blends effortlessly into your skin. Its powder texture gives your skin a comfortable and smooth matte finish. It is also suitable for all skin tones to best fit your complexion.
What Are the Benefits of Using Powder Foundation?
Powder foundation offers a sheer to medium coverage to give you a more natural look.
It works well with young skin, particularly oily skin since it absorbs oil from the face like a dream.
Compared to liquid foundations, a mineral powder foundation may not contain as many additives and preservatives.
The powder foundation stays put even when the wear is hot and you perspire.
You can reapply the powder foundation easily when you feel the need to since it is similar to a face powder.
What Are the Cons of Using Powder Foundation?
Powder foundations can settle into your wrinkles and fine lines, or around dry skin.
If you wish to achieve medium to high coverage in a powder foundation you need to apply multiple light layers, which can get tedious.
If you have combination skin, powder foundation can have unevenly distributed pigmentation on your face since your skin is dry overall but the T-zone is oily.
It can get messy if you are trying to apply it with a brush since the powder may be all over the place.
The application, especially for beginners, can get tricky since it is difficult to blend.
How Should Powder Foundation Be Used?
Cleanse your face and apply a moisturiser.
Follow it up with a primer.
Apply the Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte Powder Foundation on your face and neck. You can use a beauty blender for more coverage or a fluffy brush for a more natural, softer look.
Let’s sum up the pros and cons of both these types of foundations so you can decide which one is better for your needs.
Liquid Foundation:
- Has light to full coverage
- Comes in dewy, matte, satin, and velvet finishes
- Easy to blend with fingers, brush or sponge
- Applies mess-free
Powder Foundation:
- Has light to medium coverage
- Comes in mostly matte finish
- Application is tricky
- Some powders can be messy
Now that you know about them both, which is better liquid or powder foundation, you can make your pick. Well, I recommend you try out both formulas to see which one works the best for you. Both the liquid and the powder foundation come with pros and cons and you can work with either of them depending on your preferences, skin type, and the look you want to achieve.
FAQs about Liquid VS Powder Foundation
What is the coverage that a liquid foundation gives?
A liquid foundation would typically give you medium to full coverage. However, most of these liquid foundations come with buildable coverage.
Which foundation shall I choose for oily skin? Liquid or powder?
Powder foundations work best for people with oily skin since they help to keep the shine and oil at bay.
Written by Kinnari Ashar on Sep 27, 2022