Not sure which foundation finish is right for you? Here’s the difference between matte, dewy and satin
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Here’s what each foundation finish actually means and how to choose the right one for you.
Choosing a new foundation can be difficult. There are shades to consider, different levels of coverage and then the question of finish, which can completely change how your makeup looks.
If you’ve ever bought a foundation expecting a natural-looking base only to find it looks too matte, too shiny or simply feels too heavy, you’re definitely not alone. The good news is that understanding the difference between matte, dewy and satin finishes can make choosing your next foundation much easier.
One foundation I’ve been hearing a lot about recently is e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation, which has been designed around that middle-ground satin finish and comes in 36 shades. I haven’t tried it myself, but it has more than 2,000 positive reviews, so it caught my attention when looking at options for an everyday base.
What does foundation finish actually mean?
Foundation finish refers to the way your base looks on your skin once it has been applied. It’s separate from coverage. A foundation can be light, medium or full coverage while still having a matte, dewy or satin finish.
If you prefer your makeup to have a smooth, shine-free appearance, a matte foundation could be the one to look for. Dewy formulas are designed to leave the skin look. A satin finish is essentially the middle ground between matte and dewy. Rather than completely removing shine or giving the skin a highly luminous appearance.
Which finish is best?
A satin finish is an interesting option if you’ve tried matte foundations and found them too flat, but dewy feels too shiny. e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation is specifically designed around this finish, making it one to consider if you’re looking for something between the two extremes. It’s available in 36 shades, which is also worth looking at when you’re trying to find a foundation that feels right for your complexion.
It’s basically the foundation version of Goldilocks: not too matte, not too glowy and definitely not so heavy you can’t wait to take it off. That’s the thinking behind e.l.f.’s Project Goldilocks, which is all about finding that “just right” feeling when it comes to your base. I haven't tried the formula myself yet, however, it is definitely a product I intend to test soon.
Natalie Dixon is our Lifestyle reporter, if you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here
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