Picking the proper foundation can be a struggle. Most of us can agree that searching for the perfect foundation takes time and trial and error. Choosing a foundation involves many tedious steps that you really can’t skip if you want the best results.
For example, when choosing a foundation, one of the most stressful tasks is picking your ideal color match. Matching a foundation to your skin tone can be tricky, and most of us have multiple colors and undertones; we are not always one shade.
However, many people fail to neglect the foundation’s formula. A foundation formula is crucial to its longevity and effectiveness, and it should complement your skin type. For example, if you are oily, it would be beneficial to choose a matte foundation and a hydrating one if you are dry.
What are the best wax-based foundations? The best wax-based foundations will offer full coverage that lasts but still feels lightweight on the skin. Many people shy away from these foundations out of fear it will clog pores, but the right formula will easily wash away.
There are far too many foundation formulas to choose from. We have oil-based foundations, water-based foundations, and wax-based foundations. Surprisingly enough, many people haven’t heard enough about wax-based foundations, so let’s take a closer look.
What Are Wax-Based Foundations?
As the name suggests, wax-based foundations are formulated with wax or wax-like ingredients. For example, a lot of wax foundations will contain some wax or even petroleum. Wax foundations offer full and flawless coverage.
However, most people shy away from wax foundations. While some people love a full coverage look, others find it intimidating. Wax foundations are so frowned upon because most people think they will clog your pores and cause breakouts.
But that will not always be the case, and wax foundations are best suited for normal, acne-prone, and mature skin types. However, if you can make wax foundation work for you, flaunt it! Foundation isn’t one-size-fits-all. They are available in many forms.
Wax foundations are most recognizable in cream form. So if you happen to see a thick cream, stick, or palette foundation, chances are it’s wax-based. However, wax foundations can sometimes be found in a powder formula too.
Wax-Based Foundations Vs Others
What makes wax foundations different from others? First, wax foundations aren’t popular for everyday use. Instead, wax foundations are ideal for events or filming, which is why most people are unfamiliar with them.
More popular formulas are oil-based and water-based foundations. As their names suggest, oil-based foundations are formulated with some oil, and water-based foundations have water and no oil. But what else sets them apart?
1. Oil-Based
Oil-based foundations are formulated with oil, and oils are the most potent ingredients in these foundations. Most people find that oil foundations are heavy on the skin or lead to breakouts. However, oil foundations can be long-wearing.
Dry or dehydrated skin can work well with oil-based foundations because they offer an extra moisturizing element for the skin. While choosing the right foundations depends on your skin type, not everyone will be a textbook case; remain hopeful!
2. Water-Based
Water-based foundations are great for oily or acne-prone skin types. Water-based foundations offer hydration and nourishment to the skin without disrupting acne-prone or oily skin types. However, other skin types like a combo or dry can also benefit.
Some acne-prone skin types may find that oil-based foundations can inflame their breakouts, which is why opting for a water-based foundation can be beneficial. However, others may disagree and state they don’t have a problem with oil and wax foundations.
3. Wax-Based
Wax-based foundations can be great for almost every skin type. However, they are ideal for oily and mature skin. Wax foundations provide a seamless finish, and they don’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. As a result, they will help create the most flawless canvas.
However, wax foundations have a thick formula, which some people may not love, as it can be hard to apply and cause the brush to pull at your skin. Its thick formula is made to last, but you might want to avoid it as your everyday foundation. Instead, check out oil, water, or silicone-based foundations for daily use.
Are Wax Based Foundations Right For You?
What are some pros to using wax-based foundation, and how do you know if it will fit your lifestyle? Thankfully, everyone can find a way to try and incorporate wax-based foundations into their makeup routines. So here are some pros you need to know!
Wax-based foundations offer longevity. So if you need a long-wearing formula, wax-based foundations will be your best friend. They can last 24/7, and the thick consistency makes it budge-proof. As a result, they are the most ideal for events and filming.
Next, wax foundations provide a flawless finish. Contrary to popular belief, wax-based foundations don’t have to be heavy on the skin. They can feel incredibly lightweight, and they won’t settle into fine lines, wrinkles, and pores.
Wax foundations also offer next-level coverage. Acne-prone skin may fall in love with wax-based foundations because they are highly pigmented, can layer well with other products, are budge-proof, and offer an opaque matte finish.
Finally, wax-based foundations are versatile. While they aren’t ideal for everyday use, wax foundations can mix well with various products. If you choose different shades of wax foundations, you can use them as a concealer or bronzer/contour.
Wax-based foundations are ideal for those who are constantly on camera. They are great to wear for special events as well.
Every skin type can find a way to make wax-based foundations work for them, but they are especially great for acne-prone or mature skin types.
How To Apply Wax-Based Foundation
Another reason why people shy away from wax-based foundations is their application method. It can be easy to pump liquid foundation from a bottle or swirl powder onto a brush, but most wax-based foundations are in a cream or stick formula.
1. Skin Prep
Usually, you’ll find wax foundations in a tub, pot, palette, or tin. Sometimes they can be creamy and malleable, and other times they can be firmer or dry. Regardless, you’ll want to ensure that your skin is prepped and ready for makeup.
Your foundation will only look as good as your skin. So, having an efficient skincare routine or investing in your skin prep products will make the most significant difference in your finished look.
Creating a smooth canvas will make wax foundations easier to work with.
2. Work Small
Next, you’ll want to start working with small amounts of product. You can go overboard really fast if you aren’t too careful. This tip will be constructive for beginners. You’ll want to have the right tools on hand for a seamless look.
3. Tools
You’ll want to have a makeup sponge or synthetic foundation brush on hand. A damp makeup sponge will be great for beginners and offer a lighter coverage. This will also ensure you work in light layers, and the sponge will also soak up excess product.
A synthetic foundation brush will still offer a beautiful blend, but it will also provide more coverage. But, again, what tool you decide to use will be based on your personal preference.
5. Warm Up Your Foundation
If you find that your wax-based foundation isn’t easy to work with or it dries down too quickly, try warming up your foundation. You can do this by applying foundation to a palette or the back of your hand and moving the product around.
This will create warmth, and then your foundation should be much more blendable. You’ll also find it will be easier to manage and blend into your complexion. It can also help you in achieving your desired coverage level.
6. Blend To The End
Now it’s time to blend the wax-based foundation into the skin until you are satisfied. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to ensure there are no harsh lines of demarcation between the foundation and your skin tone.
Your coverage level and tool of choice will be up to you. First, however, blend until you have an even base or are free of patches.
Are Wax Based Foundations Harmful To The Skin?
Like any makeup, wax foundations won’t work for everyone. Unfortunately, most makeup today can be harmful to the skin even with the rise of clean and skin-loving makeup. However, with the proper skincare routine, you shouldn’t have to worry.
If you are allergic to certain ingredients, always make sure you read the ingredient lists. This will be a precautionary step in case you potentially have an allergic reaction. Otherwise, there is a low chance of reaction unless you are sensitive.
Regardless, wax-based foundations won’t cause breakouts or issues if you have the proper application/removal method, a good skincare routine, and always work with clean tools to prevent the spread of bacteria.
When in doubt, always perform a patch test to ensure that you won’t have any bad reactions to your wax-based foundation.
Pros & Cons Of Wax Based Foundations
Wax-based foundations are versatile, and while they can work for almost anyone, not everyone will love them. You’ll most likely find wax-based foundations in a makeup artist’s kit, or it can be handy for filming and special events.
A wax-based foundation will provide seamless and full coverage. They even pair well with other products, as mentioned earlier. However, this is not the foundation for those looking for an everyday foundation.
Unfortunately, this foundation isn’t one you can slap on and go. You will need time and patience to work with and warm up the product for the best application. So, the process can be time-consuming.
Wax foundations are great for mature and acne-prone skin types, but anyone can find a way to make it work for them. They are long-wearing and budge-proof. Overall, it will depend on your lifestyle and personal preference if this is right for you.
Wax Based Foundation Brands
With so many brands on the market, how do you know which is right for you? Thankfully, we have you covered! First, we listed the must-have brands to seek out if you want to incorporate wax-based foundations in your beauty routine!
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dermablend Professional Cover Foundation | Highly pigmented, SPF 30 |
| 2. | RCMA VK 18 Part Palette | 18 shades, long-wear |
| 3. | Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation | Blendable, creamy, full coverage |
1. Dermablend Professional Cover Foundation
What makes Dermablend so different from all the other makeup brands on the market? For starters, they genuinely care about your skin and consider it when creating their products. They are also friendly towards acne-prone skin.
The Cover Creme will provide intense pigmentation without masking your skin. As a result, you can finally have a flawless finish without feeling like your makeup is weighing you down. This foundation offers SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection.
All you need to do is warm up the product on the back of your hand or with your fingers and apply until you are satisfied!
Then, you can quickly build it up and add coverage as you see fit with a brush, or for a lighter finish, opt for a damp makeup sponge. This foundation is fragrance-free and sensitive skin tested. Overall this is an excellent product for oily and acne-prone skin types.
2. RCMA VK 18 Part Palette
RCMA is a staple brand that almost every professional makeup artist keeps stocked in their kit. This cream foundation palette is ideal for anyone needing variety or stocking up on their base products.
Once you purchase this palette, you’ll never need another foundation ever again.
It includes 18 shades to compensate for a wide variety of skin tones. You can even use it for concealing, contouring, or bronzing. It’s also in a sleek and compact case.
RCMA offers a long-wear formula and full coverage. Just a simple swipe of the product is all you will need to cover the face. RCMA recommends working with a light hand to avoid achieving a cakey complexion.
Their formula is lightweight enough that you can wear it daily, but it’s the most ideal for filming or if you will be shot in HD.
While it is pricier than most foundations, it will be worth the investment because you’ll receive multiple shades and a high-quality formula.
3. Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation
Cinema Secrets is another brand that makeup artists love to rave about. They also offer creamy wax-based foundations that will cater to your every need. Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation is creamy, blendable, and will apply like a dream.
Sometimes wax-based foundations can be firm and on the dry side. However, this one from Cinema Secrets is formulated to boost moisture to the skin. Its creamy texture makes the application process a breeze.
Like the RCMA foundation palette, Cinema Secrets’s foundation is also a versatile product. It can be used for concealing or contouring purposes.
Cinema Secrets recommends setting their Ultimate Foundation in place with powder for lasting coverage.
Overall, the Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation is a great foundation that will suit various skin types. You can also expect to receive a full coverage finish, a second skin look, and a creamy formula that won’t feel heavy on the skin.
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