Foundation was initially used as a way to cover up the skin to hide fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes, but today foundations play a more beneficial role than just that. Foundations today come with many add-on benefits. Some foundations act on your skin by protecting it from pollution, some come with added sunscreen, while certain foundations have anti-aging benefits. You can select a foundation with additional benefits based on your needs.

1. Foundation with sunscreen
Too much exposure to sunlight can result in hyperpigmentation which causes dark and brown spots, saggy skin due to loss of skin collagen and elastin, and fine lines and wrinkles, all of which can make you look older. The foundations with sunscreen have the sun protection factor (SPF) ratio mentioned on the package. There are foundations that have SPF 15 to up to SPF 30. The foundations with SPF are also available as a moisturizing foundation for dry skin and as oil-free foundations for oily skin.

2. Oil-free foundations
Oil-free foundations are a godsend especially for those with oily skin. It is good for all to use during the summer months when the humidity is high. For those with acne-prone skin, oil-free foundations are beneficial all year-round. The oil-free foundations leave the skin clean with a matte look while absorbing oil and reducing the shine. The effect can last throughout the day. Some of the oil-free foundations also contain ingredients that improve the skin and leave it radiant, even after the foundation has been washed off.

3. Moisturizing foundations
Foundations come with ingredients that hydrate the skin and leave it looking youthful and fresh even after it is washed off. Some of these moisturizing foundations contain ingredients like avocado, mandarin, and olive oils that hydrate the skin. Today, they are so advanced that, in spite of moisturizing ingredients, they don’t make you feel all caked up; they are super-light and wearable. Most of them are long-lasting, providing cover and hydration for up to 12 to 18 hours. You can just put it on, cover the blemishes on your skin and wear it all day long. Such moisturizing foundations are perfect for the cold winter months. Rosehip, lavender oil, lychee, certain mushrooms, and bamboo grass are some of the other add-on ingredients in moisturizing foundations that can be great for the skin.

4. Anti-aging foundation
With age, your skin changes and using the wrong type of foundation can make your skin look older. Anti-aging foundations serve as a foundation but also contain products that slow down the aging process and make you look younger. They contain ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, and collagen boosters which are powerful anti-aging ingredients. Collagen boosters are proven to improve the skin’s youthful appearance and glow. Peptides, when applied topically on the skin, help to produce new collagen in the skin; this leads to more supple skin. Some of the foundations are enriched with vitamin E as well, a powerful anti-aging vitamin.

To determine which foundation will suit you best, you can have a skin test done to determine your skin type and then choose the one with the help of a beauty or makeup consultant. Do ensure to test the product for any skin allergies before use.