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6.8 million UK women recorded that they used foundation and tinted moisturizer at least once a day in 2020.
6.8 million is almost 20% of the UK female population. That is a lot.
Most of us (and this used to be me as well) buy foundation makeup on the basis of the following:
- How it looks on you
- The level of coverage
- Price
All of the above points are important when buying foundation makeup. Essentially, you want a foundation to improve the way you look.
But there is so much more to consider before buying foundation makeup. Many foundations are expensive, so you’ll want to ask yourself a few honest and important questions before you buy.
But before we get into the nitty gritty of foundation makeup, there are a few historical fun facts to lighten the mood. You could use these fun facts during a trivia quiz, or something.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission should you make a purchase using these links.
Who invented foundation makeup?
Foundation (perhaps not always as we know it) has been used for thousands of years. From the Egyptians to the Tudors, white lead foundation was the trend. White lead made you look pale, which is what was fashionable at the time. White lead also gave you poisoning, not unlike what some foundations do to this day.
Though not with lead.
It was Max Factor which first produced a commercially available foundation called Pan-Cake. Originally created for use on film sets, the foundation quickly became popular. Although, I am not sure I'd want to wear something called Pan-Cake.
The base for Pan-Cake was talc, which is toxic due to its contamination with asbestos.
I can safely say that our makeup has not moved on much since the ancient times.
Question 3 | Why use foundation makeup?
This is a great question to ask and I am not sure people are asking it enough. Are you buying foundation makeup to cover blemishes? Or just because you always have and that’s what people do?
Lets address these questions.
If you are buying foundation because you have blemishes, think about this. Are your blemishes that bad that you need such thick coverage? You will probably say yes. And I think I can guess why. It is an expectation in today’s world, that you have perfect skin. And you will use whatever tools available to achieve that.
Your skin is probably not even that bad. I know you will disagree, again.
Remember that some blemishes are ok. Most people have them.
You might not realise, but foundation can block pores.
This could lead to more blemishes. This is not what you want. This is really important if you have oily skin. The oil gets mixed with the foundation and blocks your pores causing inflammation and acne.
And there is more.
If you wear foundation, you simply have to remove it at night. If you are one of those people who is often too tired to remove makeup at night, don’t wear foundation.
You have to be careful with applying foundation daily if you have oily or acne prone skin. Foundation can make these skin conditions worse.
Instead, consider taking the time and effort to work on your skin. Keeping your skin healthy from inside and out will help clear skin blemishes naturally.
For example, you can focus on drinking lots of water of keep skin hydrated and plump, like a nice balloon. Nourish your skin from within by eating foods full of vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy skin. Some of the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin include:
Sulfur and biotin contained in milk and eggs.
Vitamin A in carrots
Vitamin E – milk, eggs and cod liver oil
All of the B vitamins – many of the B vitamins are contained in liver and brewers yeast
Vitamin C contained in many citrus fruits
Then focus on nourishing your skin from the outside. You can do this by following a simple but effective skincare routine. Consistently.
Let's move on to the next question.
Question 2 |Will this foundation makeup suit my skin type?
Today, there are many varieties of foundation makeup to suit every skin type. Including:
- Liquid Foundation- very common type. Good for people with dry skin.
- Cream Foundation – glides on easily and has a pleasant creamy consistency
- Stick Foundation – foundation in a stick (obvious). Easy to apply without fingertips, though you may need to blend.
- Powder Foundation- lightweight and good at absorbing oil. Ideal for oily skin. Powder foundation comes in a compact or loose powder
- Cushion Foundation. What is cushion foundation you may ask. It is a compact which is already soaked in liquid foundation. Easy to apply and provides (what it thinks is) the right amount of foundation. Personally, I would not rely on what a compact is telling me I need.
- Liquid and cream foundations can also be oil free and water based. These can be used by those with oily skin.
Just like your moisturiser, pick a foundation that is suitable for your skin. If you have oily or acne prone skin, choose foundation that is oil free, water based or a powder. A powder lightly covers and protects against dust and dirt. Powder foundation also absorbs excess oil and allows your skin to breathe.
If you have dry skin, you might opt for an oil-based foundation.
Although it is tempting to buy heavy wear, thick foundation, I don’t recommend it.
I left the worst till last.
Question 1 |What are the ingredients in foundation?
The most common ingredients in foundation makeup are:
Colorants
Fillers
Base, which can be water, oil, or wax
Emollients, or moisturisers
Let’s look at the foundation ingredients list in more detail.
- Cyclohexasiloxane is an emollient improve the texture and spreadability of a product and for skin hydration. Does not leave your system, but accumulates over the years. By the time you are in your 40’s you would have quite a lot of this chemical if you use foundation daily. Suspected to be an environmental toxin. This does not scream safe to me.
- Tin Oxide reduces the transparency of makeup such as foundation. Tin Oxide has a high absorption rate. In other words, Tin Oxide is absorbed by your skin easily and effectively. Tin oxide then stays in your body and builds up over the years.
- Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide is a colourant in makeup such as foundation. It is suspected to be an environmental toxin. Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful.
- Methylparaben is a paraben that prevents growth of mould and bacteria in cosmetics. Research shows that parabens are connected to breast cancer and affect hormone function.
- Ethylparaben as above with Methylparaben.
- Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone-based ingredient. Its acts as an emollient and a water repellent. It is associated with hormone changes. It is also an environmental toxin.
- Tetrasodium EDTA helps avoid the cosmetics deteriorating/going off. It is classed as toxic.
- PFAs or forever chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption and cancer. PFAs and extremely widespread, though some makeup brands use these toxic chemicals. Despite this, there is no labelling to indicate the use of PFAs. The Guardian states that “The study’s authors tested cosmetics made by dozens of brands, including L’Oréal, Ulta, Mac, Cover Girl, Clinique, Maybelline, Smashbox, Nars, Estée Lauder and more. However, the study didn’t reveal which brands use the toxic chemicals because the authors said they did not want to “pick on” the companies involved.”
Why am I telling you about ingredients in foundation makeup?
Because the ingredients I mentioned above are harmful to health. Once you know what these ingredients are, you can avoid them.
It is disappointing in respect of PFAs. If there is no label how can you avoid PFAs in foundation makeup?
Look out for foundation makeup without the above chemicals.
I would suggest looking for foundation makeup that consists of plant-based ingredients. If there is something that you are not sure about, check before buying.
To help you identify plant-based foundation and skin tint, I have listed some foundation and skin tint products below. Click on each "Shop now" link and you will find the ingredients list.
Foundation makeup alternatives
If you want to give up foundation makeup entirely there are lighter alternatives such as BB creams and skin tints. Just like foundation, BB creams too can contain harmful chemicals. Avoid these chemicals and look for plant based ingredients. I have provided a suggestion above.
I rarely ever wear foundation makeup. I don't like how my skin feels heavy and stuffy. If that makes sense. I sometimes wear a skin tint if I feel fancy.
Conclusion: Do not settle for second rate foundation makeup
Don't settle for second rate foundation makeup and any other makeup in general.
Think about this.
You are spending (a lot of) money expecting a certain level of quality. Personally, I do not consider products with the above mentioned chemicals are of a high quality. Don't buy cosmetics that that have the potential to be harmful to your health. You deserve better.
I really hope that this article has helped you be more informed about your foundation makeup and cosmetics in general. A lot of the chemicals listed are also present in other cosmetics.
Will you change your buying behaviour now your know more about foundation makeup?
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Why trust The Clear Sky?
I am an educator and l am passionate about providing people with information about the beauty industry so they can be empowered to make an informed choice when spending their money. I take time to research beauty products. I recommend beauty products that are non toxic, have natural ingredients and often plastic free.
With over a decade of personal experience using natural ingredients for skin, hair and body I also provide many beauty tips which are simple, innovative and sustainable.
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