Foundation can even out skin tone and perfect your complexion. But the wrong one can look caked on, cause breakouts or emphasize flaws. With so many products available, selecting a foundation can be difficult. The right product for you depends on your skin type, the look you want and the coverage desired. With a little knowledge you can select a product that gives you the flawless-looking complexion you want.

Cream or Stick Foundation
Cream or stick foundations work well for dry or mature skin. Often formulated to moisturize and help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, cream and stick foundations provide medium to full coverage. They're thick in consistency. Apply them with a cosmetic sponge, a foundation brush or fingertips.

Liquid Makeup
Liquid foundations come in a wide array of formulations for nearly any skin type. They perform well for normal, oily or combination skin. Thinner in texture than creams, they offer sheer to full coverage. Liquid foundations can be applied with a foundation brush, sponge or fingertips.

Mineral Foundation
Popular for their lightweight wear and natural ingredients, mineral foundations boast both comfort and adjustable coverage. They work well for all skin types. Usually applied with a fluffy brush similar to a loose powder brush, mineral foundations offer the consistency of a light powder that sits comfortably on the skin. Coverage is buildable; simply add more layers.

Powder Foundation
Not to be confused with pressed powders, powder foundations offer a light texture and comfortable wear. Great for combination or oily skin, they provide light to medium coverage. Some powder foundations may be applied using a damp sponge to add more coverage. To apply dry powder foundation, use a brush or puff.

Finishes - Matte to Shimmer
It’s also important to consider the finish of your foundation. There are several to choose from. Designed to look like skin, natural finish products work effectively for many skin types. Oilier complexions benefit from using a matte foundation to reduce shine. A satin finish produces a dewy complexion. It's often best for women with dry skin. Some foundations contain illuminators or shimmer. They are great for adding sheen to the skin. A little experimentation at the cosmetics counter can help you determine which finish works best for you.

How to Select the Right Color
Foundation should match your natural skin tone. For best results, test the product on the jawline. If it blends easily with your skin, it’s a match. In some cases you may need to combine two colors to get the best match. Colors vary across cosmetics brands. Test multiple products to find the best match.

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a foundation. While it may seem complicated at first, these alternatives mean that you can achieve the beautiful, flawless complexion you’re looking for.