Foundation is the essence of any beauty routine. Finding the perfect shade for your skin, however, is no simple task because you have to take into account many different factors! Some of the things to consider when selecting the best foundation for Asian skin are skin undertones and foundation coverage. For those of you who’re feeling incredibly lost, fret not! We’ve come up with this beauty guide on the best foundations for Asian skin. Here are some tips that’ll make choosing your foundations a little easier!
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What are undertones?
One thing to note when selecting your foundation shade is your skin undertone. Whether you’re fair or dark-skinned, undertones vary from person to person. These undertones fall under three categories — neutral, warm and cool.
Most East Asian women typically have warm, yellow undertones but this is not the case for everyone. One way to find out what your undertones are is to simply stand under a bright overhead light and examine the colours of your veins on your forearm. If your veins appear green, you likely have warm undertones. If they appear blue, you have cool undertones. However, if you can’t really decide between the two, then you might have neutral undertones.
High, medium or low coverage?
Different foundations cater to various levels of coverage. If you’re attending a formal event, you might want a foundation that offers high coverage. For a foundation meant for daily use, low to medium coverage would probably be more suitable and less taxing on the skin. If you have a whole day’s worth of activities to do, consider foundations that offer full coverage as well as long staying power.
Best foundations for Asian skin
1. L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear Liquid Foundation
If you’re new to foundations and unsure of which to pick, why not kick start your makeup journey with this highly raved drugstore staple. Suitable for all skin types, the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear Liquid Foundation (available on L’Oreal Paris Official Store) has a lightweight consistency that can be easily blended even with just fingers. However if you wish to achieve an airbrushed effect, we suggest that you still use a beauty sponge or foundation brush. This L’oreal foundation can deliver up to 24-hour matte coverage without getting cakey. What’s more, this affordable foundation also has a buildable coverage that can hide acne scars or redness. Formulated with three oil-absorbers to resist water and sweat, this is the best foundation for Asian skin especially in Singapore’s humid weather.
2. BOURJOIS Healthy Mix Foundation
Falling behind on your beauty sleep? Get your glow back with the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (available on Florray Singapore Official Store)! Formulated with vitamins C, E, and B5, this Bourjois foundation gives even the most tired-looking skin a healthy, well-rested glow. It also contains a hyaluronic acid derivative that provides round-the-clock hydration, helping you stay moisturised throughout the day. To top it off, this medium-coverage foundation boasts a buildable formula for those who like to layer their makeup. Available in a wide range of shades, the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation is definitely one of the best daily-wear foundations for Asian skin.
3. Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless Foundation
On a tight budget? Try out the affordably priced Maybelline Fit Me Matte+Poreless Foundation (available on Maybelline Official Store). This is touted to be one of the best drugstore foundations for Asian skin. Containing micro-powders to control shine and minimise the appearance of pores, this Maybelline foundation is ideal for those with normal to oily skin. It’s also extremely buildable so you can expect full coverage when you need it.
4. HERA Black Cushion SPF34/PA++
Korean beauty lines produce some of the best foundations for Asian skin, especially for a natural and flawless finish! One of the highly raved Korean foundations in Singapore is the HERA Black Cushion SPF34/PA++ (available on K_Beauty_Korea.kr). Formulated with Ultra Fine Powder Dispersion technology, this foundation offers you full coverage and has a lightweight consistency that blends seamlessly into your skin. Achieve your “no makeup” makeup look with this Hera foundation that boasts a semi-matte finish with a brightening effect.
5. Etude House Double Lasting Foundation
Etude House’s Double Lasting Foundation (available on ETUDE Official Store) provides full coverage without the danger of looking too cakey because you only need to apply a single coat of this foundation. With that said, a little goes a long way with this product because it’s highly pigmented. However, since this foundation is extremely lightweight and watery, you won’t have to worry about it clogging up your pores. With these 12 shades to choose from, this Etude House foundation definitely comes out on top as one of the best foundations for Asian skin.
6. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Don’t be put off by its price point – the cult-status of the Estee Lauder’s Double Wear foundation (available on Sasa Official Store) definitely justifies it! Touted by many as one of the best matte foundations for Asian skin, it has an oil-free formula that gives a natural yet flawless finish that can last the whole day. On top of being waterproof and transfer-resistant, it has SPF10 and is effective in covering spots and pores too. The flawless finish is brought to the next level when you use the Piccasso Makeup Spatula (available on musincosmetic.sg) in your foundation application. Although some foundations can dry out the skin, the formulation of this Estee Lauder foundation is moisturising and will keep your skin feeling hydrated. If you’re looking to up your makeup game, then this is the best foundation in Singapore to add to your makeup arsenal.
7. LANEIGE BB Cushion Anti Aging SPF50+
Looking for a foundation that doesn’t settle into wrinkles and fine lines? Take your skin back in time with the LANEIGE BB Cushion Anti Aging SPF50+ (available on Laneige Official Store). Featuring a high SPF rating and collagen rich formula that tightens your skin, it’s no wonder this is the best foundation for mature Asian skin. Furthermore, this medium to high coverage cushion foundation also smoothes out your fine lines and brightens your skin. Packed with plenty of hydration and anti-ageing benefits, this Laneige foundation even has a cooling effect that makes your skin feel refreshed upon application!
8. ZEESEA Picasso Foundation
Elevate your vanity table with this limited edition ZEESEA Picasso Foundation (available on the missdoozy1.sg cosmetic store). This full coverage foundation evens out your skin tone and smooths the appearance of any fine lines and pores, giving you a flawless and shine-free finish. Infused with vitamin C and honeysuckle leaf extract, this foundation also promises to brighten your complexion and repair any dry or damaged skin. Suitable for all skin types and available in two variations – moisturising and long lasting, it is no surprise that this foundation has made it to our list of best foundations for Asian skin. In the meantime, check out our Perfect Diary and Zeesea review to find out what’s the hype behind the latest C-beauty products.
9. DDK Mushroom Cushion Foundation Stick
Find it troublesome to carry a foundation brush or sponge when applying foundation on the go? Try out the DDK Mushroom Cushion Foundation Stick (available on kokomall.sg) that is one of the best foundations for Asian skin. Aside from being waterproof and sweat resistant, this foundation stick is also easy to use. Simply shake it before use and dab the sponge onto your face and spread the foundation with your fingers to even it out. With a light coverage that covers up pores and evens out skin tone, this foundation is suitable for those with oily skin. This is the best foundation in Singapore for a fuss-free touch up during work or a Sunday brunch!
10. LANCOME – Teint Idole Ultra Wear 24H Wear & Comfort Foundation
Not a big fan of the dewy look? We’ve got you covered with one of our recommendations for the best matte foundation for Asian skin. LANCOME – Teint Idole Ultra Wear 24H Wear & Comfort Foundation (available on Strawberrynet SG Official Store) features an oil-free, transfer-resistant formula that lasts for up to 24 hours. What’s more, it’s also infused with perlite and silica to ensure that excess oils are absorbed, producing a shine-free matte complexion. This full coverage Lancome foundation is even sweat-proof, which makes it all the more appealing for Singaporeans who’re looking for makeup that stays in the humid weather.
11. Beldora HD Clever Glow Foundation Cream
Looking for a foundation that does double duty as skincare? The Beldora HD Clever Glow Foundation Cream (available on Avida Sundries Store) is your best bet. With over 90% of its composition consisting of skincare ingredients, the Beldora foundation cream provides full, natural-looking coverage while moisturising your skin. The foundation cream also contains “light-sensing” micropowder that helps to brighten and correct your skin tone under different light conditions. As one of the most multifunctional foundations on the market, the Beldora HD Clever Glow Foundation Cream definitely can’t be left out from the list of best foundations for Asian skin.
12. NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint
If you’re looking for a good mixture between a matte and dewy finish, NARS – Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF30 (available on Strawberrynet SG Official Store) may just be be it. This foundation is great for Asian skin and for all skin types — combination, dry or oily! If you forgot to apply sun care before your foundation, don’t worry! This moisturising tint is packed with SPF to protect your skin from the sun (though we wouldn’t recommend skipping on sunscreen). Even though this NARS foundation isn’t completely full coverage, it still remains as one of the best foundations for Asian skin, especially for everyday wear.
13. CLINIQUE – Even Better Makeup SPF15
Struggling to find the best foundation for Asian skin in Singapore that’s suitable for sensitive and dry skin? This CLINIQUE – Even Better Makeup SPF15 (available on Strawberrynet SG Official Store) is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested making it suitable for all skin types. This includes those with sensitive skin. Formulated with vitamins C and E, this foundation not only evens out your skin tone but also covers up any dark spots while treating them at the same time. This foundation is also non-comedogenic so you won’t have to worry about your pores getting clogged. Get that #nofilter and airbrushed look with this Clinique foundation that leaves your skin feeling moisturised and nourished all day!
14. FV BB Cream Foundation
A foundation that doubles as a concealer? Sign us up! The FV BB Cream Foundation (available on uoo2021.sg) is a lightweight formula that blends out easily. This means that you won’t experience any creasing with this budge-proof foundation. Though lightweight, you don’t have to compromise on coverage as the FV BB Cream Foundation has a buildable formula. But if you want some extra help, the FV Concealer is one you should go for as it complements this foundation well! The FV BB Cream Foundation is also the best for Asian skin as it contains SPF30+. You won’t have to apply an extra layer of sunscreen before using this FV foundation and your skin will feel less tacky – score!
Achieve flawless skin with the best foundation for Asian skin
Of course, there is no one type of foundation that fits the diversity of Asian skin. This is why you should be aware of your skin conditions. Only then can you select foundations that are best suited for you! We hope that this guide helps you in discovering the best foundation that suits your complexion and complements your skin undertones. Want to maintain a youthful and healthy complexion? Start learning about the proper daily skincare routine steps to take care of your skin! Alternatively, check out how to apply blush to enhance your facial features.
This article was updated on 6 June 2022. Additional research done by Rachel Tan.
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