HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT FOUNDATION FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

Foundation is the starting point of any make-up look: its purpose isn’t just to cover, but to even out the complexion without feeling heavy, ensuring your skin feels comfortable all day long.

If you feel a little lost among dozens of options, don't worry: choosing the right foundation isn't complicated; it’s simply a matter of learning to listen to your skin. Whether yours is dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or mature, there is always a perfect texture capable of enhancing your natural beauty without creating that "mask" effect we all want to avoid.

In this article, we’ll explore how to navigate different formulas, from liquid to compact textures, and we’ll understand when to choose a luminous finish over a mattifying one. We will analyse the needs of every skin type and discover how the right products can be transformed into a genuine daily beauty boost.

Liquid foundation for dry and sensitive skins why lightweight, hydrating formulas are the best

If your skin tends to feel tight or often appears dull and reactive, your choice of foundation should focus entirely on comfort and hydration. For these skin types, the main goal is to avoid that unflattering effect where the product settles into dehydrated areas, highlighting dry patches, redness, or fine lines. When dealing with sensitive or dry skin, the golden rule is gentleness: the fewer layers you apply, the better it is for the balance of your skin barrier.

Powder or overly matte textures are often your number one enemy, as they tend to absorb what little moisture is present and can be irritating, leaving the face looking visibly tired and strained. Instead, it is essential to choose fluid formulas that move with your face, providing a natural radiance that makes the skin look instantly healthier and more plump. This approach is also ideal for mature skin, where the priority is maintaining elasticity without weighing down features or emphasising wrinkles.

To meet these needs, Kalentin has focused on silky, fluid textures that blend into the complexion like a second skin. If you are looking for sheer coverage combined with deep hydration, our professional liquid foundations with a natural finish are the ideal choice: their formula is designed to even out the skin with extreme gentleness, minimising stress on the face. These products allow the skin to breathe, ensuring a fresh and rested look all day long without compromising on staying power.

Mineral liquid foundation

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Remember, to get the most out of these formulas, it is always advisable to prep the base with a good moisturiser or a specific serum before application. This ensures an even more seamless, long-lasting, and comfortable finish.

Compact foundations for oily or combination skin: control and weightless finish

Those with oily or combination skin are all too familiar with the daily struggle of the "T-zone" (forehead, nose, and chin), which tends to become shiny just a few hours after applying make-up. In this case, the most common mistake is layering too much product in an attempt to cover imperfections, which often results in clogged pores and a heavy, "cakey" look.

The primary need for this skin type is balance: you need a formula capable of absorbing excess sebum without completely dulling the skin's natural vitality. If you suffer from acne or localised redness, it is essential to use targeted products that offer a velvety, matte finish. For precise and professional camouflage, we recommend trying the Mineral Coverstick pencil. It allows you to hide small blemishes with extreme precision without adding bulk to the skin, making it ideal for more problematic complexions.

Mineral Coverstick Pencil

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Compact Foundation

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When it comes to foundation, the most suitable Kalentin solution is undoubtedly the compact version. Our compact foundation has a drier texture compared to liquids, specifically designed to keep shine at bay and withstand warmer days or the summer heat. If you have combination skin, the make-up artist's secret is "multi-texturing": apply a liquid foundation to the cheeks, which are usually drier, and use the compact foundation only on the T-zone to set and mattify where needed.

Choosing the right texture isn't about more coverage; it’s about giving your skin what it needs to stay fresh and even all day long, minimising the need for constant touch-ups.

Foundation for mature skin: lightness and radiance

As time passes, the skin's needs change, and mature skin requires a specific kind of attention: the goal is no longer just to cover, but to brighten and visually plump the face. The most common mistake at this stage is choosing formulas that are too heavy or offer excessive coverage in the hope of hiding wrinkles; unfortunately, this often has the opposite effect, as the pigment tends to settle into fine lines, making them more noticeable.

To enhance a mature face, it is essential to focus on thin, fluid textures that glide over the skin without creating build-up. The keyword is "lightness": a finish that is too matte risks dulling the complexion, while a hydrating and luminous formula immediately provides a more relaxed and rested appearance. It is important for the product to be rich in active ingredients capable of maintaining skin elasticity all day long, acting almost as an extension of your skincare routine.

In this case as well, it is recommended to opt for liquid and hydrating foundations to achieve a natural "lifting" effect, where the skin appears fresh and radiant. The secret to a professional result is applying a small amount of product at a time, ensuring perfect uniformity that celebrates the authentic beauty of every age.

How to make your foundation last all day

Once you have identified the perfect formula for your skin type, the next challenge is ensuring your complexion remains flawless from morning to night. The secret lies not only in the product you choose but in how you prepare your face and set your work.

The essential first step is cleansing and moisturising. Starting with a hydrated base isn’t just important for your skin’s health; it is a necessary condition for the foundation to adhere perfectly and stay in place throughout the day. Well-hydrated skin allows pigments to spread smoothly and evenly, preventing the product from drying out or separating in the drier areas of the face.

After applying your foundation, the crucial step to "seal" your base is using powder. If you want extreme staying power, you have almost certainly heard of baking: this technique involves applying a generous layer of loose powder (especially under the eyes and on the T-zone), letting it "cook" for a few minutes before dusting off the excess.

Finally, remember that longevity also depends on your "touch": the less you touch your face during the day, the longer your base will remain intact. A good application technique and a light yet precise setting are your only true allies for a look that can withstand long days away from home.

Foundation brushes: discover the Kalentin make-up accessory range

To achieve a truly professional, even, and streak-free result, using a specific foundation brush is essential.

If you have chosen a liquid formula, the ideal tool is a brush that helps blend the product without absorbing too much of it. Among our professional makeup brushes, the Tip & Blend Brush was designed exactly for this purpose: its bristles allow you to apply liquid textures evenly, reaching every contour of the face and ensuring a natural, buildable effect. Its shape is perfect for "working" the product into the skin, preventing it from settling into pores or fine lines.

Tip & Blend Brush

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Kabuki Brush

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For those who prefer compact formulas or need to apply powder to set their base, the must-have tool is the Kabuki brush. Thanks to its dense, rounded shape, the Kabuki allows you to pick up just the right amount of powder or compact foundation and distribute it using circular buffing motions. This polishes the skin and creates a very smooth, "soft focus" effect.

FAQ: Kalentin answers

Which foundation doesn't emphasise wrinkles?

The ideal choice is a lightweight, hydrating liquid foundation. Formulas that are too thick or matte tend to settle into fine lines, whereas a luminous liquid product moves with your face without highlighting imperfections.

How can I find the right foundation for my skin type?

First, identify your skin's primary need: choose a nourishing liquid formula if you have dry or mature skin. Alternatively, opt for a compact or mattifying texture if your skin tends to become shiny throughout the day.

How do I find the right foundation shade for my skin tone?

Identify your undertone by looking at the veins on your wrist: if they appear blue, you have a cool undertone (choose a pink-based foundation); if they look green, it’s warm (choose a golden-based shade). Always test the colour between your jawline and neck in natural light to ensure it blends seamlessly with your complexion.

Foundation: an ally for your skin

Choosing a foundation today means selecting a product that goes beyond simply evening out your complexion; it acts as a genuine ally for your skin health. The idea that make-up is only for "coverage" is now outdated: modern formulas are designed to be an extension of your skincare, offering protection and nourishment for as long as you wear them.

The true added value of a high-quality base is the comfort it provides. When the formula is right, your skin doesn’t feel suffocated, but protected. The active ingredients within work to maintain hydration levels and prevent skin stress caused by external factors. It is this balance between aesthetics and wellbeing that achieves a radiant, natural result, without ever sacrificing the feeling of fresh skin that is free to breathe.

Ultimately, finding the ideal product simply requires a little attention to your face's specific needs. Once you identify the correct combination of skin type and texture, foundation stops being just a cosmetic and becomes the final touch of a conscious, professional beauty routine.