There’s something intriguing about the hunt for the perfect combination of base products for flawless (or almost flawless) skin, even if my favorite foundations and concealers aren’t getting much action these days because of #masklife. I still (and will always) enjoy the challenge of applying my base products.
On that note, it’s time for this newest edition of This or That! Today is all about foundation and concealer…
How to play
Pick one or the other for each of the questions below, and copy/paste your answers in the comments. Can’t wait to see your picks! Mine are listed below. ?
Copy and paste
- Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
- Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color?
- Cream or liquid concealer?
- Sheer or pigmented concealer?
- Stick foundation or powder foundation?
- Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation?
- Matte or dewy finish?
- Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush?
- Drugstore or department store foundation?
Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
I’m having a real makeup Sophie’s choice with this one, because, on one hand, I love the flexibility of a foundation (you can easily sheer it out by adding a few drops of MAC Strobe Cream), but, on the other hand, the ease of a tinted moisturizer can’t be beat.
GAHHH. I guess for this moment in time, I’d go with the tinted moisturizer, since it’s easier and would be the one I’d be most likely to grab first.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but shows a little bit of texture, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so it appears pore-less) but is a smidgen off in color?
Foundation that matches my skin perfectly, please. Again…easier to handle. I don’t want to deal with color correcting! Just the thought of it is wearing me down. LOL!
Cream or liquid concealer?
Liquid.
Sheer or pigmented concealer?
Sheer for the under-eye area, pigmented for my cheeks.
Stick foundation or powder foundation?
Stick foundation, 100%.
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation?
Sheer, please.
Matte or dewy finish?
Dewy.
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush?
Brush.
Drugstore or department store foundation?
Either is fine, but I’m going to go with department store foundations because, generally, I like how weightless they feel on my face.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen ?
Foundation or tinted moisturizer? Tinted Moisturizer for me. I think..
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? Tuff! I think I’ll take the perfect color.
Cream or liquid concealer? Liquid works better on my older skin right?
Sheer or pigmented concealer? Sheer
Stick foundation or powder foundation? Powder is fun!
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? Medium
Matte or dewy finish? Dewy?
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush? Sponge is all I’ve ever tried.
Drugstore or department store foundation? Drugstore should suffice.
No point these days – I wear a mask all day, every day and we are not allowed to wear any makeup – as our N95 masks are re-processed. Registered nurse here. I do wear mascara & eye liner, that’s it.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer? In now-times, tinted moisturizer. Otherwise, foundation.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? Probably a matching one. I can always use a good
primer to help with pores and lines.
Cream or liquid concealer? Whichever formula is less dry and less drying.
Sheer or pigmented concealer? Pigmented
Stick foundation or powder foundation? Stick. Powder is too drying.
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? Medium
Matte or dewy finish? In between…satin I guess?
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush? Fingers usually. Brush otherwise.
Drugstore or department store foundation? There are tons of great drugstore foundations but I need to be able to swatch , so I guess department store? I use Nars Sheer Glow.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer? Foundation – this is very recent, too…I’ve decided I don’t like how sticky the tinted moisturizers can be and I like how buildable foundations are.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? Perfect color match please! I’ve had the shade that’s off by one or too cool/too warm and it ain’t cute on me.
Cream or liquid concealer? Liquid
Sheer or pigmented concealer? Pigmented, I only use it to cover spots, really.
Stick foundation or powder foundation? Stick – so convenient!
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? Medium, please!
Matte or dewy finish? Matte…I can add a touch of highlight if I need.
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush? Brush, I’ve never felt comfortable using a sponge.
Drugstore or department store foundation? Department store…I have my perfect matches in dept store brands, and “good enoughs” in drug store.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer? This is a tough one. A mix like a CC cream
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? I can deal with a smidge off
Cream or liquid concealer? Liquid
Sheer or pigmented concealer? Pigmented for dark spots, redness
Stick foundation or powder foundation? Stick
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? Sheer
Matte or dewy finish? Dewey looks more natural on me
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush? Sponge
Drugstore or department store foundation? Have to admit I prefer dept store for my skin, though I’m sure there great drug store options to try.
Happy Hump Day, my friend! I hope your weekend is going well. 🙂
Foundation or tinted moisturizer? Tinted moisturizer.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? I think I’ll have to go with the pore-less, off color.
Cream or liquid concealer? Liquid
Sheer or pigmented concealer? Sheer
Stick foundation or powder foundation? Stick
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? Sheer
Matte or dewy finish? Dewy
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush? Sponge
Drugstore or department store foundation? Whatever works!
Um, I hope your WEEK is going well. You can see where my mind is. HAHA!
Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
Foundation please! So easy to sheer out and longer lasting.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color?
Perfectly matching, I can deal with normal pores and lines.
Cream or liquid concealer?
Liquid!
Sheer or pigmented concealer?
Pigmented, let’s cover these dark circles.
Stick foundation or powder foundation?
Stick
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation?
Medium
Matte or dewy finish?
Matte because by the end of the day it’s dewy anyway
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush?
Ummmm KJH style with the brush or a sponge if not.
Drugstore or department store foundation?
Department store. I don’t love drugstore makeup, the colors are never what I think they are and the undertones are always off.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer? Considering I haven’t yet found a tinted moisturizer I love and how moisturizing some foundations can be, I prefer foundation.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? Please, please, please, I would love a foundation that matches me perfectly.
Cream or liquid concealer? Either/neither. I rarely bother with concealer.
Sheer or pigmented concealer? See above. But I guess sheer.
Stick foundation or powder foundation? Stick. Unless I could find a powder that doesn’t look dry and doesn’t emphasize lines.
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? Sheer to light medium.
Matte or dewy finish? Satin matte to slightly dewy.
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush? Fingers or brush. I hate sponges.
Drugstore or department store foundation? Department store. I have a hard enough time finding a color match in the department store, it’s darn near impossible in the drugstore. Not to mention I can usually get a sample in the department store to see if the formula works too.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer? FOUNDATION
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? Give me the perfect coverage; I’ll make the color work
Cream or liquid concealer? Liquid
Sheer or pigmented concealer? Pigmented
Stick foundation or powder foundation? Powder
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? Medium to full
Matte or dewy finish? Matte always! I don’t care how old I get. I will get my sparkle another way!
This was fun – Thanks!!!!
Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
Tinted moisturizer! I prefer sheer coverage since I’m freckly.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms ofreckle.
Perfect matching!
Cream or liquid concealer?
I use both, but cream I suppose.
Sheer or pigmented concealer?
Pigmented! I mostly use conceaker for blemishes, not undereyes (I’ve accepted my dark circles for the most part and realized I prefer the way I look without much undereye coverage)
Stick foundation or powder foundation?
Stick! My skin hates powders.
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation?
Sheer!
Matte or dewy finish?
Dewy!
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush?
Brush!
Drugstore or department store foundation?
Department store! Easier to get a good match.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
Foundation, if I wear one lol
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color?
Perfectly match my skin tone please!!
Cream or liquid concealer?
Liquid
Sheer or pigmented concealer?
Pigmented or why bother for me!
Stick foundation or powder foundation?
Stick, I have dry skin so powder foundations never look good on me
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation?
Medium
Matte or dewy finish?
Dewy
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush?
Sponge works best for me
Drugstore or department store foundation?
Depends on my mood lol. One of my all time favorites is the healthy skin foundation by Physicians Formula
Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
Foundation because is easier to get different amounts of coverage.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color?
I prefer dealing with texture than a not exact match.
Cream or liquid concealer?
Liquid
Sheer or pigmented concealer?
If I have to choose, pigmented.
Stick foundation or powder foundation?
Ironically, I have only sticks now but I prefer the ease of powder.
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation?
Medium.
Matte or dewy finish?
Matte
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush?
Brush first, polish with a sponge.
Drugstore or department store foundation?
Department store, because I can try it before. Well, now with the pandemic I don’t think it’ll be possible.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
Foundation
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color?
Probably a foundation that matches my skin tone. I don’t think I’ll find a perfect foundation that will smooth my skin out.
Cream or liquid concealer?
Liquid
Sheer or pigmented concealer?
Definitely pigmented. I have dark circles under my eyes.
Stick foundation or powder foundation?
Love powder foundation!
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation?
Medium to full coverage foundation.
Matte or dewy finish?
Nowadays I like both, even dewy even though I’m more on the oily skin side.
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush?
If I wear a liquid foundation, I usually use a brush.
Drugstore or department store foundation?
Both are good.
I’m not being paid for any opinions below.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
Foundation, definitely.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but shows a little bit of texture, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so it appears pore-less) but is a smidgen off in color?
Perfectly matches my skin tone! Luckily, I’ve found it in Fenty Pro Filt’r 110.
Cream or liquid concealer?
The 2 I tend to use-Fenty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch 110 and Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin 10 Fair-both have doe-foot applicators, so I guess they’re liquids?
Sheer or pigmented concealer?
Pigmented-the ones listed above are, respectively, perfect and great matches to my skin tone.
Stick foundation or powder foundation?
Powder foundation-I’ve used it once, but never used stick.
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation?
Medium, full, or a medium-to-full coverage blendable foundation.
Matte or dewy finish?
Matte or soft matte.
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush?
I actually blend my foundation with the CoverGirl Makeup Masters powder puffs that come in 3-packs, so I guess that’s closest to a sponge.
Drugstore or department store foundation?
My 4 closest matches (my beloved Fenty, Urban Decay All Nighter 2.5, NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Mont Blanc, and Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Light EF 02) are from Sephora, with the 5th best-L’Oreal True Match C3 Creamy Natural-being drugstore. I guess that would sway me toward department store foundations overall.
My all-time favorite concealer/foundation combo is the Fenty Instant Retouch concealer and Soft Matte foundation, both in 110. In case I run out of either of those before the new supply I ordered comes in, I also have Maybelline SuperStay Fair as a backup concealer and UD All Nighter 2.5 and L’Oreal Creamy Natural as backup foundations. I’ve never bought Mont Blanc or EF 02, but sample swatches from Sephora determined that they’re also matches to my skin tone.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
Foundation for more coverage
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? Perfect match please!
Cream or liquid concealer? Liquid
Sheer or pigmented concealer? Pigmented (but perfect match ;))
Stick foundation or powder foundation? Powder over stick
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? Medium
Matte or dewy finish? Matte
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush? Sponge
Drugstore or department store foundation? Department (it doesn’t matter to me but Clinique happens to be my perfect match)
These are such fun!
Foundation or tinted moisturizer? ~~Foundation because a good one is so very versatile. I’ve never really understood the allure of a tinted moisturizer especially since any foundation can be transformed into one if that’s what is wanted.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? ~~I don’t mind if a foundation is “juuuust a smidgen off” because the shade can always be adjusted a bit by the use of finishing powder or blush.
Cream or liquid concealer? ~~I haven’t worn a concealer in years, but if I needed one, I’d probably gravitate towards a liquid in a click pen or one with a wand.
Sheer or pigmented concealer? ~~Sheer.
Stick foundation or powder foundation? ~~A good, emollient stick foundation works well on my dry skin.
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? ~~Sheer, but build able To medium. As we get older, less is more.
Matte or dewy finish? ~~Dewy, but I’m intrigued by the radiant matte that CdP has recently launched.
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush? ~~I like a brush lightly misted with my Tatcha Dewy Mist.
Drugstore or department store foundation? ~~My all time favorite foundation is by Clé de Peau so I have to say department store. Believe me, I’d love to find something at a drugstore price that worked as well for me, but that hasn’t been the case.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer? – I need a foundation. I’ve got too much redness to cover.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color? – I’d take the perfect match and just use primers to take care of the pores/lines.
Cream or liquid concealer? – I like liquid better.
Sheer or pigmented concealer? – I need pigment to help cover these dark circles.
Stick foundation or powder foundation? – stick, 100%.
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation? – Medium to full, please.
Matte or dewy finish? – Matte. I like the look of dewy but on my combo skin, I look an oily mess at the end of the day.
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush? – I always use a sponge and like it 10000 times better than a brush.
Drugstore or department store foundation? – I have a mix collection but my go to lately has been drugstore, Revlon Candid. It give me the coverage I need and it looks good on my skin.
Foundation or tinted moisturizer?
Tinted moisturizer… since I only really use BB creams anymore.
Would you rather have a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone but isn’t all that great at smoothing pores and fine lies, OR a foundation that perfectly smoothes out the texture (so your skin’s as pore-less as a baby’s!) but is juuuust a smidgen off in terms of color?
Because I’ve never been able to find a perfect color, I’d go for that in a heartbeat!
Cream or liquid concealer?
Cream
Sheer or pigmented concealer?
Sheer… my fave, current HG and repeat purchase is glossier stretch concealer
Stick foundation or powder foundation?
Powder, since stick is not forgiving on my dry skin
Sheer-, medium- or full-coverage foundation?
Sheer for sure!
Matte or dewy finish?
Dewy
Would you rather blend your base with a sponge or a brush?
Brush
Drugstore or department store foundation?
Department store