Staff Picks: foundations
Do you know why foundations make up for a multibillion dollar industry? It’s because of the concept of “hiyangan” or in the crudest translation - compatibility of the product to the user. Even a certain makeup brand has latched on this concept and called one of its foundations True Match. It really is a match made in heaven if you've found a foundation that you swear by! But in case you haven’t yet, here are our foundation picks for you to assess, try, and choose from.
Liz: My favorite foundation is the Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Spot Control Foundation. I'm already on my third pan of this stuff! It offers the perfect flawless coverage, staying power, and perfect shade match. (I am O60 if you're curious). Some foundations I need to use a base to get that "pak na pak" finish; with this it's just one layer and I'm done!
Image from themistymom.com
Nikki: For normal days when I just have to go to work or do some errands, I use the Maybelline White Superfresh powder foundation - not only is it very affordable, but it also makes my skin matte and prevents my super oily face from turning to a greasy mess at the end of the day. However, for days when I need to level up my face game, I use Happy Skin's Don't Get Mad Get Even hydrating foundation topped with Maybelline Dream Satin powder foundation. This combo gives my skin a smoother and more dewy finish although I tend to end up a little oilier than I would want. Of course, it's nothing a little blotting can't handle.
Stacie: I like the Happy Skin Don't Get Mad Get Even Hydrating Liquid Foundation in Natural Beige because it's hydrating, exactly my shade, has medium coverage, and is long lasting. The Innisfree Smart Foundation Dust Block is another favorite because of its light coverage and its dust blocking effects.
Image from Allure
Den: It might be more skincare than makeup but I like just using Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream whenever possible. It's quick and easy to apply with my fingers, and brightens my complexion. When I need to look more polished, I buff Happy Skin Don't Get Mad, Get Even Hydrating Liquid Foundation in Soft Beige with a dense brush. The coverage is enough to cover minor blemishes but with a dewy finish. I also have a pot of Suesh HD Foundation for special occasions--it's incredibly cheap and provides such intense coverage that you really need to apply contour after!
Image from BYS
Kimberly: I've been using the BYS Creme Foundation in Sand Beige for quite a while now. Before discovering it, I tried to veer away from cream formulas because while they usually offer the best coverage, creams are also the most likely to look cakey. Happy to report that this one never gave me cake face! The coverage can be medium to full, depending on how much you build it up, and it gives a very natural skin-like finish. When I have to blot the oil from my T-zone while wearing this, I've noticed that I'm able to remove oil without pulling away my foundation with it. I'd highly recommend this for normal to oily skin types. If you have any dry patches though, I'm afraid this isn't for you as it clings to dry areas in a funny way. Otherwise, the formula is A+!
Kisty: I use the K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer as my foundation. This is the only product that hasn’t made me break out, so I’m sticking with this!
Kathleen: I don't use foundation on the regular, so I have not tried a lot to have a really dependable say on the matter. But I did like Happy Skin Don't Get Mad, Get Even, even if the shade I got is two tones too dark. The coverage is buildable and not flat. I also really like Pixy Ultimate Makeup Cake as a light, soft powder foundation. It may even be used as a setting powder. I have a good match in the shade Peach Beige.
Katsy: My top 3 foundation picks would have to be: Happy Skin's Don't Get Mad Get Even Foundation for light, daily wear as it feels like tinted moisturizer to me; Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation for a bit more coverage yet still on the sheer side which I love; and Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow for medium coverage that's perfect for those days when my skin is acting up. I still need to find a heavy duty foundation though for those extra special occasions.
Image from Sephora
Marielle: I'm currently obsessed with Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation. The light-to-medium coverage is ideal for daily use as it mimics skin nicely, in addition to Sand being an exact color match for my skintone. People don't even believe that I have foundation on.
How about you guys, what are your go-to face bases? We'd love to know!
