Welcome to the The Basics of Clean Beauty.

You have been so sweet over the last few months for answering all of my questions on Instagram stories and I cannot thank you enough. It has led me to develop a customized approach to the blog, which means more information tailored specifically to your needs. With that in mind, I am excited to introduce you to “The Clean Makeup Series – The Clean Foundation Edition.”

Each week, I will feature a new category of clean makeup (foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, etc…), and share all of the details from brands, to coverage, colors and more, so that you can make the perfect choices as you create your own clean beauty collection.

Now, let’s get started!

THE CLEAN MAKEUP SERIES – THE CLEAN FOUNDATION EDITION

The Subject:  Clean Foundation

The Forms: Liquid, Powder

The Purpose: Foundation serves as a base to even out skin tone, cover redness and imperfections.

The Location: Foundation is generally applied all over the face, starting at the cheeks and working out toward the hair line.

The Application: If you are choosing to wear foundation, it will be the first makeup that you apply (after a primer). There are a few different options for application…

• Blender (absorbs product – be sure to dampen blender first)
• Fingers (can change colors due to oil)
• Brush (one of my favorite ways)

The Coverage Types: Light, Medium, Full

• Light Coverage – This type of coverage is best for people who are looking for a very thin layer of product that will just barely cover any imperfections.
• Medium Coverage – A foundation that provides medium coverage will mute most imperfections, but will still be somewhat transparent.
• Full Coverage – Full coverage foundation is not for the faint of heart. This type of coverage will essentially make your face a blank canvas, hide almost all imperfections and have no transparency. Products that fall in this category will require you to create further definition and depth through the use of additional makeup products (i.e. bronzer, highlighter).

Important to Note – The amount of coverage that a product provides is different from the weight of the foundation. So, a light coverage foundation and a lightweight product are not necessarily the same thing. The “weight” refers to how heavy the product feels on your skin not the transparency. A full coverage product can be lightweight and so can any other coverage. It boils down to the formula.

Okay, now it’s time for some pretty universal foundation tips!

The Tip(s):

1. Selection – Finding the perfect foundation color can be difficult. You will want to learn your skin tone. I have an olive tone and it is hard to find brands that have shades specific to olive skin so I try to find neutral or cool tones. 
2. Application – It is important to bring the foundation down your neck to ensure an even tone. (You want to avoid having your face be a different color from your neck) 
3. Application – Avoid applying directly under eyes (where dark circles or bags occur). Instead, you will want to put concealer in that area.
4. Pro Tip – Foundation has a partner in crime known as concealer. Makeup Legend Bobbi Brown says that if you wear foundation than you must wear concealer. (However, the reverse is not true. Concealer can be worn without foundation.)
5. Key Term to Know – Buildable. The word buildable means that the foundation will initially apply as one coverage type, but more foundation can be added to create additional coverage.

Which clean foundation is right for you?

Whether you wear light or full coverage foundation… there is a clean makeup product that suits your needs.

Let me introduce you to them.

Light Coverage Foundations:

• Beautycounter – Skin Twin Foundation ($45)

This new release from Beautycounter is all the rage right now and if you are looking for something light weight with a light to light/medium buildablity (I’m pretty sure that I made that word up, but I like it) this will be a great fit. The formula includes hyaluronic acid which provides a little skincare bonus. (Hyaluronic Acid is known to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and create a plumping effect)

• Ilia Beauty – Super Skin Tint Serum *Bonus product* ($46)

While it might be a mouthful to say (and technically not a foundation),  the Ilia Beauty Super Skin Tint Serum is just too good not to share in this series. The product is perfect for anyone looking to throw something on their skin and not think about it again for the rest of the day. It gives you an immediate glow and a dewy face without putting in much effort. And, don’t forget the SPF 40 –  this should be a staple in every clean beauty collection. It is a no brainer.

(P.S. When you order the serum… splurge and get my favorite powder while you are at it – Ilia Beauty – Soft Focus Finishing Powder. I use it to set all of my foundation and concealer and take a little shine off my face. It works well with any brand foundation or concealer. But, the duo of Ilia products? Pure Magic. )

Ere Perez – Oat Milk Foundation ($35-$40)

I just discovered this creamy, dreamy light weight and light coverage foundation. It is a wonderful product that smooths out your skin tone and still leaves it looking and feeling fresh. I use the color maple and it almost matched my skin perfectly. Do I recommend this foundation? Absolutely. It has a soft dewy finish, but nothing too crazy or shiny.

Medium Coverage Foundations:

• W3ll People – Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer (SPF 30) ($30)

This product may be called a moisturizer, but it provides more coverage than most “tinted moisturizers.” So, I added it to this exclusive list of foundation products. It has buildable coverage and leans into the medium coverage category.

• 14e Cosmetics – Aloe Nourish Foundation ($40 ish)

Haven’t heard of 14e Cosmetics yet? Don’t worry, this is the perfect time for an introduction. Founder and makeup artist, Emma Fortini created makeup for the purist. The Aloe based foundation is 100% natural and provides great coverage.  It took me a minute to adapt to the texture of the foundation, but it was worth it. Her entire line is simple, straight forward and I would definitely recommend it. Shoot her a DM on Instagram and she will even help you pick out which shade is right for you.

• Ilia Beauty – True Skin Foundation ($54)

The Ilia Beauty True Skin Foundation is a great example of a medium coverage foundation. It feels light weight on your skin and provides a great base for the rest of your makeup. I would recommend this product to anyone who is just starting to use foundation, transitioning into something with more coverage and/or is looking for a very natural daily wear foundation.  Also, if you are finding it hard to get just the right shade of foundation Ilia has a wide variety of colors making it easier to color match.

• Vapour Beauty – Velvet Glow Foundation ($50 ish)

Matte finish alert!  If you are looking for an everyday buildable medium matte foundation, this is your product. The unique formula manages to pull off a shine free, yet natural base for your daily look. 

Full Coverage Foundations:

• Clove + Hallow – Liquid Skin Tint ($26)

Clove + Hallow foundation is one of the most affordable products in cleaner beauty. This foundation is definitely full coverage and provides more of a soft matte finish.

• RMS Beauty – “Un” Foundation ($50 ish)

Okay, the RMS “Un” Foundation is really different. The rich, creamy foundation looks, feels and applies like a dreamy mousse. It gives the skin a perfected soft, healthy, dewy glow and just a dab or three will do you. I would recommend this product for someone who really enjoys full coverage and is looking for serious impact.

• Kjaer Weis – Cream Foundation ($50-$70)

This is an extremely versatile product. Founder Kristen Kjaer Weis recommends combining the formula with their face oil to create almost any kind of coverage desired from sheer/light to full. I have been known to use it as a foundation and a concealer.

• Vapour Beauty – Soft Focus Foundation ($50 ish)

If you are looking for an everyday buildable medium to full coverage foundation with a satin finish (soft, glowy, but not too dewy), this is your product. It happens to be my go-to for daily wear (but keep in mind that I like coverage). Ya’ll know that I love this foundation. It errs on the side of medium, but the glow is undeniable.

Note: There are a few products that I have tried and I didn’t list, so if you didn’t see something that you were specifically curious about – send me a message. I will see if I can help. Also, I knowingly left powder foundation off this list, however, I HAVE tried a wide variety of powder foundations. I just don’t know a lot of people who are using them these days. So, if you happen to be a powder foundation person, please feel free to reach out and ask me anything.

So, how was that for the very first edition of the Clean Makeup Series?

I hope that you loved it! I really enjoyed putting all of this information together for you. Finally, I put all of those purchases and that practice to work! (I’m grinning so big right now.) Speaking with you brings me so much joy. If there is any way that I can help, or any additional information that you are looking for in these series, just let me know. I am here for you.

See y’all on insta until next week my friends!

P.S. Can you guess the next makeup product that will be showcased?

P.P.S. I love it when you leave comments below. It would make my day if you said Hi!