Literally *Every* Type of Makeup Formula Decoded (and Which One’s Best for Your Skin Type)
Main Image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
Here at Live That Glow, we know you love your makeup. I mean, what else are Sunday afternoons for if not experimenting with all your different makeup palettes?
But when it comes to the different formulas available, it can get a little baffling. What’s the difference between them all? Which one is right for your specific skin type? And what finish are they going to give your skin?
Well, look no further for the answers because we’ve got them all here, in one handy article. So, if you’re looking to up your formula game and work your features to their full potential, keep scrolling to find out which makeup formula is the right one for you.
Cream
Foundation sticks, eyeshadows, highlighters, blushers and bronzers can be found in cream formulas. A cream is pretty much liquid makeup in solid form but leaves a slightly heavier coverage than liquid.
It is a good choice for those wanting a smooth, dewy finish and can be applied with both a brush, sponge or fingers, depending on the user’s preference.
Those with a dry, normal or combination skin type usually opt for a cream formula as it can be super hydrating and adds a glow to the skin.
Liquid
What it says on the tin, a liquid is a runny foundation or any kind of runny base. You can also get liquid blushers, bronzers (usually packaged up as ‘drops’) and lip colours (sometimes known as a ‘lip lacquer’ or ‘gloss’). The finish of a liquid can be both glowy (brightening, radiance-enhancing and dewy) or matte (oil-free).
Liquid formulas typically have better longevity as they can sometimes act like a stain, particularly on the lips. They also give the skin good coverage but when it comes to foundation, there is universally a wide choice between sheer, medium and full.
Because of its versatility, all skin types suit a liquid formula. You just need to choose the right finish for you. So, if you have oily skin you’ll probably go for the oil-free, matte option whilst dry skin types will opt for a more radiance-boosting one.
Image – Mariarom/Adobe
Powder
Powders can come in baked, pressed or loose form, depending on the user’s preference. You can buy powder foundations, setting powders, eyeshadows, highlighters, blushers and bronzers.
A powder base is typically best for those with oily skin to counteract shine and keep the skin matte, however all skin types can use powder. Sensitive skin types tend to like using powders as they are lightweight and shouldn’t clog pores or cause irritation.
Powder eyeshadows give a sheer finish but can be applied wet for more pigment intensity. Powder face finishers like blushers, bronzers and highlighters equally give a lighter coverage than, say, a cream or liquid, and with a powder it is easier to control the amount you apply.
Balm
Much like a lip balm, makeup balms are packed full of hydrating ingredients aimed to keep your finish supple, moisturised and glowy. A foundation balm for example is super hydrating and will give less coverage than a liquid or cream.
A pigmented blusher or bronzer balm is best applied with fingers so that you can control where the pigment goes (a brush tends to get quite sticky with a balm) and a lip balm can either be applied with your finger, or directly from the applicator.
You’ve probably guessed by now that a balm formula – particularly one that’s applied on the skin – is best used on dry and normal skin types as it can get quite shiny. Oily skin types like mine could use a little dabbed onto the apples of the cheeks for a pretty sheen, but that’s as far as I would go.
Gel
Out of everything, you’re probably most familiar with the concept of a gel eyeliner. This has a high wax content and tends to be waterproof, so can last much longer than a standard liquid or pencil liner.
You can also get gel blushers and bronzers as well as gel foundations. These products tend to be dewy but not greasy and don’t slide off easily, meaning they work well for oily skin types. A gel formula typically feels quite refreshing on the skin and has been known to soothe and treat breakouts too.
You can apply a gel formula with a tightly packed bristle brush or your fingers, depending on what you enjoy the most. Just know that a brush might dilute the pigment slightly more than your fingers. Use a pressing motion to apply a gel blusher or bronzer, rather than rubbing it on and only use a little, as a gel can spread widely.
The takeaway
These are the most common makeup formulas which hopefully make a bit more sense to you now.
The one you choose depends on where you’re putting it and what skin type you have. For example, choose oil-free formulas for oily skin, like a matte liquid foundation, and formulas packed with hydrating ingredients for dry skin like balms and creams.
If you want a sheer finish on your eyes, go for a powder eyeshadow but if you like your eyes to make a statement, a cream shadow will be bolder. A gel liner should last longer than any other liner and a liquid lip colour should leave a nice stain on your lips, meaning you won’t need to top it up much.
Choose the right brushes for your formulas too – tightly packed bristle brushes are best for liquid, cream and gel formulas, a loose, fluffy brush is best for powder whilst fingers are best for applying balm.
Get Glowing!
