The only guide you'll ever need for choosing the right foundation.

Remember when we all just wore one type of mousse foundation? And it came in a super limited shade range?? And we didn't blend it into our necks??? WHAT A TIME.

These days we are inundated with a whole slew of different formulas to suit all skin types — from powered to serum and everything in between — along with ever-growing shade ranges. 

But, while there's more choice than ever, it's also more confusing than ever. Finding the right foundation for your skin can be really... tricky.

The good news? That's why you have little old us.

Because in a recent episode of You Beauty Spotlight, co-host Kelly McCarren took on the mammoth task of breaking down how to choose the right foundation for your skin.

Watch: Got time for a concealer hack? Cause it could just change your entire makeup game. Post continues below.

Because when you find the right one that matches your skin tone, stays on your face, and works for your skin type - ooft! It's a very good time indeed.

Now we'd be here all day if we were to run through all the categories, so we're just going to run through some of the most popular, including some of Kelly's favourite recommendations.

Let's get into it.

How to choose the right foundation.

Now, when you're actually buying foundation, there are a few things Kelly said you need to keep in mind. 

Firstly, if a product is expensive and available at Mecca, Sephora, Myer or somewhere with a physical store that offers samples, go in and get colour matched. 

"Don't just guess, because it will potentially be super disappointing," said Kelly. "Wait until you get into that physical store, because then you're really going to know if you like the finish and the texture, too."

You can also use an online tool for a best guess - for example, Mecca has a shade match tool, where you provide your current foundation and shade to work out your closest match.

Kelly also recommends trying to pick up formulas when they're on sale, and prepping your skin if you're going in-store to colour match or try different formulas.

Listen: Want to get your ears around the episode? Catch it below.

"Any base product is going to look absolutely rubbish on skin that's already got heaps of product on it or not at all. You want to make sure that you know what it's going to look like once your skin is prepped, because you'll probably hate it straight away."

"Also, test at least three shades and see which blends out best with your skin tone," she said.

"Apply them next to each other on your jawline, and whichever one is least visible is the best match. So if you can't see one, well, you know that you got the right shade. It should melt into your skin and be completely invisible. For the best result, test the foundation all over your face."

If you regularly fake tan, Kelly said "please don't buy a darker shade to match — as it will not look as good as buying the right shade. That is what bronzer is for."

You also need to think about what your skin needs — not what you want or looks good on other people. 

"Sometimes I will see queens using gloriously full coverage matte foundation and their skin looks like flawless velvet," said Kelly. "And I think, 'Oh! Maybe I should try that.' And I always end up looking like a prune because I have very dry and dehydrated skin and should never use something with the word 'matte' on the bottle." 

The same goes for those with oily skin types — try to err away from products with the word 'glowy' slapped on the front of them. 

Now we've got that out of the way, here are some of the different types of makeup foundation that are currently available. 

1. Liquid foundation.

Image: Mecca; Sephora; Chemist Warehouse; Estee Lauder; Canva.

First up we have liquid foundation — which is one of the most popular types, if not the most popular. It's what many people have in their kit because it offers buildable coverage. 

Liquid foundation comes in all different types of finishes, depending on what kind of finish you're hoping to achieve - whether it's matte, dewy or satin.

"What I love about liquid foundation is the buildable element," said Kelly. You can do something really sheer and light, or you start adding more product for fuller coverage."

The best part? It's suitable for most skin types because there are the formulas that are designed for dry skin, oily, skin sensitive skin.

"The Estee Lauder Double Wear ($74) is probably one of the most famous liquid foundations," said Kelly. "I would say I also really love the sheer version or the light version. 

"There's also NARS Sheer Glow Foundation ($75) — that was my wedding foundation. It is universally very popular." 

"Recently, I have also discovered the CoverGirl Simply Ageless Liquid Foundation, and I didn't think I would like this because it looks kind of mousse-y in the bottle but because it's mixed with Olay cream, it's actually really beautiful and hydrating, and I love the finish."

Also on Kelly's list is the spendy Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation, $111.

2. Cream foundation.

Image: Mecca; Canva

A thicker consistency compared to liquid foundation, cream foundation provides medium to full coverage, and it's really great for normal skin types and normal to oily skin types. 

"If you're more dry, I probably wouldn't use a cream just because they can be so thick and are harder to move," said Kelly. "And then it's going to go into all of your creases." 

If you've got oily or combination skin and looking for some good options, RMS Beauty "Un" Cover-Up Cream Foundation, $93, is a great (albeit, spendy) option. 

3. Powder foundation. 

Image: Chemist Warehouse; MAC Cosmetics; Canva.

Next we have powder foundation — which is a formula that can provide light to medium coverage. It's best for oily to combination skin because it helps absorb that excess oil and gives a more matte finish. 

"Oily gals and guys absolutely froth over a good powder foundation, because it is so good at mattifying your skin and making it look really, really airbrushed," said kelly.

"But if you're dry-skinned gal like me, it will simply settle into everything and make you look like that 'aged' filter on TikTok."

If you're looking for recommendations and want to try a powder foundation, Kelly recommends MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation, $64, and The Rimmel London Lasting Finish Compact, $25.95.

4. Stick foundation.

Image: Mecca; Chemist Warehouse; Canva.

"Stick foundations come in a solid stick form, and it's literally kind of like a big crayon," explained Kelly. 

They provide medium to full coverage, and they're so easy to apply — you literally just draw it onto your face, blend and go.

"Even though they're generally a little bit matte for my dry skin, I do love the ease and coverage that a stick offers. So sometimes, I might draw a bit on where I need more coverage — so maybe my chin and in the centre of my face, and then I'll use a glowy product over the top to have the sheer out edges."

Kelly recommends Revlon Colour Stay Foundation Stick ($26.95) and the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Liquid Foundation Stick ($79). 

5. Mineral foundation.

Image: Bare Minerals; Lust Minerals; Nude By Nature; Canva.

"Mineral foundation is for our natural girlies," said Kelly. "It is often free from potentially irritating ingredients. It is gentle on the skin and provides light to medium coverage suitable for various skin types."

Great for people with allergies, really sensitive skin or those who deal with niggling skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, mineral foundations are usually quite light and breathable on the skin.

If you're looking for some options, Kelly recommends brands like Bare Minerals, Lust Minerals or Nude By Nature.

6. Tinted moisturiser.

Image: Harrods; Mecca; Canva.

Tinted moisturisers are next on the list, offering a sheer coverage with added hydration.

It's like a moisturiser but it's got a hint of colour for a natural, dewy look, and they are perfect for people who are prefer like a really lightweight or natural finish. 

"You can get tinted SPF products these days, like some of them are actually sunscreens but they've got that bit of coverage in them, which I absolutely love," said Kelly. 

"However, you need to make sure that you're using the correct amount. If you're using it as your base and SPF, you'll need half a teaspoon for your face."

"I also think that skin tints can sit in the tinted moisturiser category. Ciate London Dewy Skin Glass Glow Skin Tint ($52) has been a fave of mine for quite some time. I absolutely love it. 

"The Huda Beauty Glow GloWish Multi Dew Skin Tint ($57), is another one of my top picks — this one launched last year."

7. BB cream and CC cream.

Image: Chemist Warehouse; Sephora; Canva.

A BB cream (which stands for stands for 'blemish balm') is a multi-purpose product that combines skin care benefits. A CC cream also offers similar skincare benefits, but is more colour correcting (get it? 'CC'). 

"The most famous BB cream on the market would have to be the Garnier BB Cream ($16.95)," said Kelly. "I'm pretty sure that was the original. It's still fantastic." 

When I was doing some research into this, I bought another tube of it — and I haven't used it for years — and it is a phenomenal product.

"We've also got our OG old faithful, the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream, $73. This is very thick and a full coverage CC cream. It's heaven for us girls that love a little bit of coverage!"

8. Cushion foundation. 

Image: Gucci Beauty; Canva

Remember a couple of years ago when cushion foundations were all the rage? They're similar to liquid foundation, are obviously housed in a compact with a little cushion applicator. They're a great option for buildable coverage and usually give you a lightweight, natural finish.

"I never fancied them that much because they ate up so much product — like I feel like they lasted a week, and then it was empty," shared Kelly. "But it is quite good because these days you can replace the cartridge. So I guess it's better for the environment."

"When I was looking into this, I found a Gucci Beauty Cushion Foundation ($110) — and, sorry but it looks so beautiful.

9. Serum foundation. 

Image: Farfetch; Sephora; Canva

Lastly, we have one of the newest categories in foundation — serums foundation. And it's Kelly's most favourite pick. 

"Your skin just looks like the best ever version," she shared. "It looks like you've applied the 'Paris' filter or the TikTok 'beauty filter' or something to your skin." 

Combining the properties of skincare, it's basically a really juicy delicious serum with foundation coverage that provides lightweight coverage. 

"It's so nourishing and you can build it up. I also then just slap on concealer over the top so I'm still getting really good coverage. I am absolutely obsessed with the Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops ($109) — it's great for those with dry skin."

"If they're way too light for you, I really like the Kat Von D Beauty Good Apple Full Coverage Serum Foundation ($60) — it's got the really beneficial ingredients in it. However, I'd say it feels more like a really full coverage liquid foundation and is better for the oilier gals."

Let's hear it from you! What's foundations are you currently loving? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Canva