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Foundation 101: The Ultimate Guide

Discover perfectly matched, long-wear Lancôme foundation makeup. From serum-infused tints to matte formulas, learn how to wear different types of foundation depending on the look you’re after. In this comprehensive guide, we show how to match foundation to your skin and how to apply foundation for all-day luminosity. Dip into glowing complexions and skin-boosting formulas ahead.

What is foundation makeup and where does it fit into your makeup routine?

Lancôme foundation combines pigments with luxurious and supportive formulas to enhance and correct complexions. Types of foundation makeup include powder, liquid, stick or serum blends – and each work to support different skin types and preferences. Used after primer and at the beginning of makeup routines, foundation creates the base for other products like bronzer, blush and eyeshadow to blend with. Our range of foundation makeup helps to hydrate, firm and even skin texture and tone, for naturally flawless results.

Types of foundation

Explore the four different types of foundation to choose from when building your perfect makeup look.

How to pick the right foundation for you

Picking the right foundation is a common challenge, especially when buying into a new range or trying a new product. As such, it's essential to understand the correct way to select what's right for you. Here's how to pick the right foundation for you.

Swatch 2-3 shades

If you have cool undertones, opt for pink-hued foundation shades. If you have warm undertones your skin will match foundations with yellow tones. A neutral undertone suit types of foundation with peachy hues.

Take your foundation for a test drive

A big part of how to find your foundation shade is testing it under different lights. You should always apply makeup under natural light for a realistic view of how it will look. See how your foundation appears inside and outside before making a choice.

Get your shade match seasonally

Skin changes tone throughout each season, and so should your foundation shade. Seasonal shifts to weather can also factor into how to choose the right foundation – mattifying formulas for example may benefit you in summer, with ultra-hydrating products able to combat the dryer weather in winter.

Considerations when choosing your foundation

Texture, support and coverage. See which factors to consider when choosing your foundation makeup.

based on your skin type

View foundation makeup for your skin type.

Oily skin

The types of foundation that suit excess oil-flow are mattifying, transfer-resistant, and allow skin to breathe. For 24 hour full coverage, Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation achieves a flawless, shine-free finish. For those who prefer powder foundations, Teint Idole Ultra Compact Powder Foundation provides a supple, fondant texture in a sleek portable design. Read on to see other tips and tricks for oily skin foundation.

Dry skin

For continuously hydrated complexions, opt for foundation makeup with an oil or serum base. Nourishing ingredients will help the product to ‘melt’ into the skin for a flawless finish. Absolue Fluid Foundation is a serum-in-oil formula with 45% active skincare ingredients, to enhance and even skin for an all-day glow.

Based on your desired finishes

Whether your desired finish is shine-free or dewy, see how to pick the right foundation for your makeup look.

Matte finish

Matte, finish, long-wear foundation works by absorbing excess oil to create a uniform, flawless texture. Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick achieves a natural matte look and ultra-comfortable wear. The ‘second skin’ feel minimises the appearance of pores whilst blending perfectly into skin.

Dewy finish

For light to medium coverage, dewy finish foundation makeup works to reflect light on the skin’s surface. For this effect, opt for water-based formulas that enhance skin from within. Teint Miracle Foundation includes pearlescent pigments that boost skin luminosity by 25%.

Satin-matte finish

For oily skin types that want to achieve the glow effect without shine, a satin-matte finish is the perfect choice. Teint Idole Ultra Compact Powder Foundation applies like fluid and sets as powder, to promote skin’s radiance from within.

Based on your desired coverage

From day to night and all times in between, different occasions may call for different types of foundation coverage.

Light coverage foundation

For the most skin-like finish, reach for a light coverage foundation like the Lancôme Teint Miracle Foundation. Look for hydrating formulas with a luminous finish for a perfected makeup look even when using a light coverage foundation. Remember, the foundation makeup application method you use can make a world of difference to coverage, allowing you to achieve a light coverage appearance even with a fuller coverage product.

Medium coverage foundation

Ideal for office days and outings with friends, a medium coverage foundation lends a smooth, even complexion. Following application, you can adjust coverage to your needs using a concealer in targeted areas. Medium coverage types of foundation can be flattering for many skin textures, giving the best of both worlds – coverage in a lightweight, breathable formula.

Full coverage foundation

Surprisingly, full coverage foundations offer the most flexibility. If you’re considering how to pick the right foundation coverage to suit a variety of needs – we recommend opting for a full coverage foundation. For example, the Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation can be built up to full coverage for a long wearing, flawless finish, or applied with a light hand over a hydrated base for less coverage.

Consider Your Skin Tone

Available in 45 shades tailored to warm, neutral and cool skin undertones, there’s a Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation shade for everyone.

How to apply your foundation

It’s time to bring your foundation makeup look to life. With your preferred foundation formula and application tools at hand, here’s how to apply foundation for an impeccable finish every time.

Content Hub Products

Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
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DISCONTINUED

Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

Longwear Foundation

Color:
025 BEIGE LIN
Select a colour for Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
The product variation is out of stock, 06 Beige Canelle, 1 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 04 BEIGE NATURE, 2 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 10 Beige Praline, 3 of 15
Selected The product variation is out of stock, 025 BEIGE LIN, 4 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 047 BEIGE TAUPE, 5 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 07 SABLE, 6 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 08 CARAMEL, 7 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 10.1 Acajou, 8 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 10.3 PECAN, 9 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 13 SIENNE, 10 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 13.1 Cacao, 11 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 13.2 Brun, 12 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 14 BROWNIE, 13 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 15 MOKA, 14 of 15
The product variation is out of stock, 17 EBÈNE, 15 of 15
Old price New price A$75.00
Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation
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Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation

Color:
335W
Select a colour for Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation
105W, 1 of 28
115C, 2 of 28
120N, 3 of 28
220C, 4 of 28
230W, 5 of 28
240W, 6 of 28
245C, 7 of 28
305N, 8 of 28
310N, 9 of 28
320C, 10 of 28
325C, 11 of 28
The product variation is out of stock, 330N, 12 of 28
Selected 335W, 13 of 28
355N, 14 of 28
400W, 15 of 28
405W, 16 of 28
420W, 17 of 28
425C, 18 of 28
430C, 19 of 28
445N, 20 of 28
450W, 21 of 28
455W, 22 of 28
505N, 23 of 28
510N, 24 of 28
515W, 25 of 28
520W, 26 of 28
530W, 27 of 28
540C, 28 of 28
Old price New price A$83.00
Absolue Sublime Essence-In-Cream Foundation
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Absolue Sublime Essence-In-Cream Foundation

HYDRATING, LUXURIOUS CREAM FOUNDATION BLENDED WITH PRECIOUS GOLD FOR DELICATE LUMINOSITY.

Color:
100 P
Select a colour for Absolue Sublime Essence-In-Cream Foundation
Selected 100 P, 1 of 2
130 P, 2 of 2
Old price New price A$225.00

Learn More About Makeup

Keen to know more? Read our expert makeup guides ahead for every skin type ahead.

Foundation FAQ

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