How to choose foundation

Finding the right foundation means more than just choosing the perfect shade - it’s about understanding your skin’s needs, selecting the right texture and coverage, and creating a naturally radiant finish. Whether you want full coverage, a fresh glow, or an extra boost of hydration and protection, Clarins foundations combine the beauty of make-up with the benefits of skincare. Read on to find out everything you need to know about choosing the right foundation for you.

What foundation works for my skin type?

One of the secrets to flawless make-up is choosing a foundation that is formulated for your type of skin. Clarins builds skincare into its foundations to enhance every complexion, from oily or dry to sensitive or mature - or a combination of these common skin types. You should also account for variables such as seasonal changes, occasional blemish coverage and desired look. Having a few different foundations in your beauty repertoire is always a smart move.

Foundation for oily to combination skin

Oily skin that produces excess sebum can be prone to outbreaks, so the ideal foundation should have a lightweight, mattifying texture that helps control shine without feeling heavy. Matte foundations are most effective when applied to oily or combination skin that has been properly prepped. Start with a salicylic acid cleanser, then tone to clear pores, and finish with a non-greasy moisturiser.

Apply a lightweight fluid foundation like Skin Illusion Full Coverage, which provides flawless, long-lasting coverage with a fresh, breathable feel if you want a perfected, comfortable finish.

Many wonder if powder foundation is better for oily skin. While powder foundations can help control shine, they are best used as a setting step rather than alone. After applying your fluid foundation, set your make-up lightly with Ever Matte Loose Powder to improve hold and minimise excess shine, especially in oil-prone areas like the forehead, nose and chin. If you have combination skin, you can adapt this routine by applying more moisturiser to the drier areas of your face and using less setting powder there, to maintain a balanced, comfortable finish.

Foundation for dry skin

When choosing a foundation for dry skin, proper preparation and the right texture are essential to achieving a smooth, luminous finish. Start by cleansing and massaging in moisturiser, then reach for a primer specifically formulated for dry skin, like Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, to help prolong your foundation's hold. Avoid matte foundations that can accentuate lines and cause caking. Opt instead for a dewy foundation, like Skin Illusion SPF15, that provides essential hydration without adding unwanted shine. For a lighter, more natural result, our new Double Serum Foundation offering buildable, hydrating coverage and age-defying care for youthful-looking skin.

Foundation for sensitive skin

The ideal foundation for sensitive skin is one that respects and protects the skin’s delicate balance. Look for lightweight, breathable textures that allow the skin to breathe while gently evening out the complexion. Opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas to minimise the risk of reactions. All Clarins foundations are hypoallergenic, but when trying a new foundation, consider patch-testing it on a small area first to ensure it suits your skin’s unique needs. Choose textures that enhance the skin’s luminosity without overwhelming its natural sensitivity.



Can a foundation offer both skincare and make-up benefits?

Foundations today can do more than simply even out the complexion. They combine beauty-enhancing pigments with skincare expertise to deliver hydration, comfort and protection.

Thanks to Clarins Laboratories' extensive research and the power of plant-enriched formulas, Clarins foundations not only enhance your complexion but also support your skin’s long-term beauty.

Clarins foundations are designed for Double Performance, instantly perfecting your complexion while delivering long-term skincare benefits, including hydration, comfort, and protection. Each formula offers various levels of coverage and finishes to even out the complexion and blur blemishes, and includes the Clarins Anti-Pollution Complex to shield your skin from daily aggressions and preserve its radiance.

You may also have heard about serum foundations that combine the nourishing skincare of a serum with the face-enhancing results of foundation makeup. Clarins' new Double Serum Foundation provides this caring coverage by boosting the skincare benefits with nine of the same ingredients in our groundbreaking Double Serum anti-ageing serum. It provides medium to full buildable coverage with a luminous satin finish while protecting your youthful radiance.



How to correctly apply liquid foundation

Option 1: Using your fingers for buildable coverage

With clean hands, take a small amount of the foundation and warm it between your fingers. Place some of the product in the centre of the face with your fingertips and then spread it outward in small circular motions. The coverage can range from medium to full depending on how much product you use and how thoroughly you blend it. Ensure you blend well into the hairline, neck, nose, chin, and eyebrows. Finish by lightly tapping the entire face. This method is great for a natural look, or can be built up for greater coverage, depending on your preference.



Option 2: Using a brush or a blender for varied coverage

A popular technique among professional make-up artists, applying foundation with a brush or blending sponge offers precision and versatility. For higher coverage, use a flat Foundation Brush, which will allow you to easily layer and blend your foundation without overloading the skin. Our Gua Sha Inspired Foundation Brush is designed for upward strokes, for a lifting and facial massage feel. Place a small amount of foundation on your hand, then dab a little onto the brush or blender. Apply in small upward strokes and then spread over the entire face. Blend the remaining traces for a flawless finish.

Consider setting your foundation with our lightweight Ever Matte Loose Powder, or warm your complexion with a bronzing powder. Finish with Clarins' Fix' Make-Up spray to ensure your foundation lasts longer and stays fresh. These steps will keep you looking flawless and radiant throughout the day.



What's the difference between a foundation and a skin perfector?

Skin perfectors and foundations are both designed to enhance the appearance of your skin, but they offer different results depending on your needs. While foundation is traditionally used to even out skin tone and provide varying levels of coverage, from light to full, skin perfectors offer a lighter, more sheer alternative. Perfectors work to smooth, brighten, and subtly enhance the complexion without masking its natural beauty.

Ideal for those looking for a barely-there finish, a skin perfector helps to create a fresh, radiant look by blurring minor blemishes and evening out the skin tone with a lighter texture than traditional foundations. They are perfect for everyday wear or for those who prefer a more minimal approach to makeup.



How do I choose the right foundation shade?

Knowing how to choose the right foundation shade is essential to achieving a seamless, natural-looking finish. The perfect match should blend effortlessly into your skin, enhancing your complexion without creating visible lines or contrasts. To find it, it’s important to consider both your overall skin tone (light, medium, dark) and your undertone (golden, neutral, or pink).

One of the best ways to test a foundation shade is by applying a small amount along your jawline (the area where your face and neck meet) and seeing how it blends in natural daylight. A true match should disappear into your skin without leaving a noticeable trace.

To help you pick the perfect foundation for your skin and needs, use Clarins' Foundation Finder. Our tool will provide you with tailored recommendations according to your skin tone, specific beauty concerns, preferred finish and coverage.





Final tips to feel confident

In the end, foundation is highly personal. The foundation product that your friend or neighbor uses may not be the best fit for you and your unique skin type. Fortunately, Clarins is here to take the guesswork out of finding the right foundation. Our tools and expert advice can steer you toward the perfect match. A match that feels like your skin, only better.

Any questions?

Why is understanding my skin's undertone important when selecting foundation?

Knowing your skin’s undertone is essential if you’d like to ensure your foundation looks subtle. If you disregard it, your foundation might make your skin appear too orange, yellow, or pale, especially in natural lighting.

What are the differences between sheer and full-coverage foundations?

Sheer foundations are usually lightweight and formulated to provide a thin layer of coverage and even out your complexion. Full-coverage foundations, on the other hand, tend to be thicker as they’re intended to completely cover your skin and imperfections, such as blemishes, freckles, and sun spots.

How does my skin type influence the choice of foundation?

Your skin type will help determine which type of foundation formula meets your skin’s unique needs. If you have oily skin, for example, you’d likely benefit from a powder or liquid-to-powder formula that can absorb excess oil and leave you with a matte finish. For dry skin, a hydrating liquid or stick foundation is a better option.