What do you like about cream foundation? What don't you like?

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Cream Foundation

I like how they’re often hydrating and more forgiving of skin dryness/texture, though I find I prefer liquid foundation, which can often have similar benefits but I find a little easier to work with overall.

— Christine

13 Comments

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Ana Maria Avatar

First, I would like to clarify that for me a cream foundation is the type of foundation that either comes in a compact or jar, either is a stick foundation.

I prefer liquid foundations, for both the texture and the more hygienic pump based packaging.
I just hate how unhygienic most cream foundations are; the idea of having foundation exposed to air on a large surface or needing to scoop it from a jar gives me the creeps. But I’m also a little bit of a germaphobe when it comes to makeup, everything has to come with a pump, I don’t even use doefoot applicator concealers. 😅
And also, I’m quite clumsy, I’ll probably drop a jar foundation and make a big spill; or drop a compact or stick foundation and get fluffies all over and won’t manage to completely clean it.
I know some foundation marketed as cream come in tubes, but I still associate them in my mind with being liquid foundations… just liquid foundations with a more creamy texture.

I have tried some cream foundations in the past, I remember most of them being too thick and emollient for my liking. I could just feel them on my skin, and it’s an uncomfortable sensation for me.
Also, while being more emollient, they still managed to emphasize my dry patches.

I remember that I actually liked the Make Up Forever stick foundation when it first launched, but I tried it several years later and it was awful, even if my skin become slightly more dry in the meantime.

Lesley Avatar

Cream foundation does not work for me but it seems so effortless that I can’t help trying it from time to time. My skin is not especially dry, even in winter, so I don’t need the hydrating benefits. I have large pores and both fine and deep lines and most creams sink right in. Occasionally I find one that works with a LOT of careful buffing and blending with a dense brush like the Artis but the result is no better than what I can get with a liquid and a lot less fuss.

Jo Avatar

Oh, what I don’t like as much is that although it seems easier, it takes a bit of work to blend it, and it doesn’t set the way liquid does, so it’s not completely transfer proof. It has not ever been my go to type of foundation, but I’m exploring it more now that my skin has become drier as I’ve gotten older.

brendacr1 Avatar

I don’t believe I’ve every used a cream foundation. I find liquid foundation to suit my needs, lighter application and it’s more sanitary if I don’t have to stick my finger in it. Although I’m really interested in Amorepacific’s cushion foundation, I tried a sample and now I would like to try the full size product, I think I would use a beauty blender to apply it to avoid using my fingers to access the product though.

DVa Avatar

I have several stick foundations, which I consider cream (never used one in a pot or jar) and I love them for travel.
I really like to use them for contouring, they are perfect for that because they can be drawn on with good precision where you want.
I currently use (maybe once per week) the new HUDA #fauxfilter and I find it works best if I use extra moisturizer under (a oil preferably) to help it spread easier. It’s a pretty good product and is easier in many ways to use than liquid, however it does not replace my liquid foundations and never will.
I also have/had some stick foundations from ABA, Hourglass and Colourpop, all work/apply about the same IMO.

Wednesday Avatar

Not a fan. I find they lift far too easily, enhance the size of visible pores, and despite having dry skin, wind up looking greasy in a matter of hours with pin sized dots of foundation remaining only in my pores. Maybe I am particularly bad at application… shrug. I far prefer liquid foundation and powder foundations. I get better longevity and better adherence.

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