Your essential powder and liquid foundation picks

The regular use of foundation in one’s make-up routine has certainly caught on in recent years. The question now is: Do you go powder or liquid?

While the former has always been a favourite among women on the go, the latter has also been gaining traction, thanks to easy application methods and an ability to easily handle sebum and sweat.

So which one suits your skin type best? Don’t fret because the variety of both powder and liquid foundations available on the market will leave you spoilt for choice.

POWDER FOUNDATION

1. CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE RADIANT POWDER FOUNDATION. Available in 12 shades, this powder covers blemishes while giving your skin a soft glow. S$130 (refill) S$45 (case) S$10 (sponge), Cle de Peau Beaute counters.

2. SHISEIDO MAKEUP SHEER AND PERFECT COMPACT. Those who prefer a sheer finish will love its light-as-a-feather feel. It also manages to conceal discolouration like a full-coverage foundation does. S$55 (refill) and S$23 (case), Shiseido counters.

3. CHANEL PERFECT LUMIERE EXTREME SPF25 PA+++. It’s specially adapted for a hot and humid climate, so oily skin types will love how this powder controls shine and offers a long-lasting matte finish without compromising on radiance. S$91, Chanel boutiques and counters from April 3.

4. URBAN DECAY NAKED SKIN ULTRA DEFINITION POWDER FOUNDATION. Its creamy formula diffuses light to blur out imperfections (we’re looking at you, wrinkles and fine lines!). S$53, Sephora.

5. THE BODY SHOP MOISTURE WHITE BRIGHT COMPACT FOUNDATION. It comes with fine mica pearls, which diffuse light, to brighten complexion without leaving it looking flat. S$39.90, The Body Shop stores.

6. ASTALIFT LIGHTING PERFECTION POWDER FOUNDATION. It contains Sakura Aura powder, which diffuses and reflects light for a natural and radiant finish. It also manages to cover imperfections such as enlarged pores, pigmentation and blemishes. S$59 (refill) and S$18 (case), Astalift boutiques.

LIQUID FOUNDATION

1. DIOR DIORSKIN NUDE AIR HEALTHY GLOW ULTRA-FLUID SERUM FOUNDATION SPF25 PA++. This lightweight foundation contains cranberry oil, which has the necessary antioxidants to give you that glow. Its streamlined dropper ensures you use only the right amount for a velvety finish. S$88, Dior boutiques and counters from April 1.

2. YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTE LE TEINT ENCRE DE PEAU FUSION INK FOUNDATION. This liquid miracle had 12,000 people on the wait list when it was launched in Britain last year. And rightfully so — its unbelievably lightweight formula sits comfortably on skin, hydrating and mattifying it all day long. S$89, YSL Beaute boutiques and counters.

3. NARS ALL DAY LUMINOUS WEIGHTLESS FOUNDATION. This foundation promises to stay on for 16 hours. It won’t cake up and feels weightless on skin. S$75, NARS counters.

4. SHU UEMURA THE LIGHTBULB FLUID FOUNDATION. Its cocktail of oils, pearls and pigments ensures the skin has a consistently natural glow under different lighting conditions. S$75 (sponge included), shu uemura boutiques and counters.

5. SEPHORA TEINT INFUSION ETHEREAL NATURAL FINISH FOUNDATION. Its lightweight formula will make you feel like you are wearing nothing at all, which is what most women would like from of their foundation. S$32, Sephora.

6. ELIZABETH ARDEN FLAWLESS FINISH PERFECTLY SATIN 24HR. One of hotshot Singaporean make-up artist Larry Yeo’s favourites. He likes how it delivers a natural finish without needing powder to seal the look. S$69, Elizabeth Arden counters.

7. SISLEY PHYTO TEINT EXPERT ALL-DAY LONG FLAWLESS SKINCARE FOUNDATION. We love how this foundation is chock-full of active skincare ingredients that protect our skin. Frangipani blossom and cucumber extract soften and comfort, while ginkgo biloba leaf extract and Vitamin E protect and strengthen skin. S$160, Sisley counters.