With the multitude of options blooming in the cosmetics market, it often happens that we no longer really know what to choose in terms of complexion products. Mousse, stick, cream, foundation, serum...? To see more clearly and get your hands on the one you need, you must take into account some important criteria. Here are precisely 5!
Sticks, mousses, creams, serums... How does one choose their complexion makeup?
Summary
Published on March 30, 2021, updated on February 22, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 5 min of reading
1. By taking a look at the ingredient list.
One of the major and determining criteria in selecting your complexion formula is the ingredients it contains. If it is enriched with vegetable oil (jojoba, sweet almond, black cumin, avocado...), with aloe vera, or with active ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, bakuchiol or even plant-based squalane..., it can be trustworthy and incorporated into your beauty routine.
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2. By avoiding those that are harmful.
If you know what your complexion formula should contain, you should also be aware of the ingredients to avoid. Even today, many products are equipped with toxic raw materials derived from petrochemicals, such as silicones, which act as texture agents and end up clogging the skin's pores. Or like the nanoparticles that cause immune and endocrine disorders. Or even like mineral oils, which are derivatives of petrochemicals and, beyond providing no benefits to the skin, end up clogging the pores and creating imperfections.
3. Taking into account one's skin type.
Each skin type has specific needs but also restrictions that must be taken into account to avoid creating skin imbalances. This observation is valid in cosmetics, and even more so when it comes to makeup and, above all, complexion formulas:
The right formula for dry skin : Dry skin requires nourishing active ingredients to meet its needs and to prevent further drying. The right formula? The tinted serum, which, when enriched with aloe vera, olive squalane, and vitamin C, proves to be the most comprehensive formula for dry skin that needs to regain its radiance.
The right formula for oily skin with blemishes : Because they secrete excess sebum, oily skins do not necessarily need a very rich complexion product. That's why stick foundations (generally drier) and liquid formulas loaded with mattifying ingredients are the most suitable.
The right formula for normal to combination skin: While normal to combination skin types may not appear to have very specific needs, they can quickly be thrown off balance by formulas that are too rich or too dry. That's why mousse foundations or tinted serums are the most suitable. Enriched with active ingredients known for preserving the hydrolipidic barrier, they are therefore gentler and better tolerated.
The right formula for sensitive skin : Hard to please, sensitive skin requires gentleness and hydration to avoid weakening their hydrolipidic barrier. That's why choosing a complexion serum with natural ingredients is a good idea in order to perfect the skin without drying it out and causing reactions.
4. By defining the level of coverage to be achieved.
Coverage is a criterion of utmost importance when choosing a complexion product. While some products, such as tinted serums , can be adjusted according to preference, others, like foundations, mousses, or sticks, are rather dense and can perfectly suit those wishing to conceal some dark circles or blemishes. As for liquid or creamy formulas, they should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis because depending on the ingredients they contain, they can either act as a sheer veil on the skin or be particularly concealing.
