If you stop and think about it, foundation (or makeup in general tbh) is a weird thing. Applying a skin colored cream on your face because your natural skin tone isn’t… good enough? Well nevertheless, we humans have done weirder things in the past and as with all beauty things, we didn’t invent the idea of perfected skin either. Folks, these are the foundations of foundation:
History of foundation
The history of foundation goes back to ancient Egypt, and the use of the cream have pretty much been consistent ever since. Depending on the current beauty trend the art of perfecting have slightly differed. For most of history though, it’s been about making the face look more pale. Pale skin used to be a sign of wealth as one didn’t have to be out working in the sun all day. Through the Middle Ages everything from lemon juice to chalk and white lead were used to achieve a pale look. Even the Victorian ladies used dangerous methods to attain a pale look. In early 20th century however, makeup guru Max Factor launched pan-cake makeup. It was the first commercially sold foundation with a liquid and powder function in one. The foundation’s popularity slowly increased and by mid 20th century, it was a makeup go-to.
Foundation today
Today, foundation is still a basic product for makeup users world wide. Foundations are even claimed as one of the essentials for a natural makeup look, even though it’s “covering” the face. The foundation of today is mostly aimed at matching the own skin tone and correct skin differences. This is not completely unproblematic though as there are endless of different skin colors, and beauty brands can’t possibly match them all. Another problem is that foundations are more developed, as well as produced, for lighter skin tones which is somewhat rooted in society’s admiration for brighter skin. Terrible, distasteful and in need of a change.
Use of foundation
There are many ways and different levels one can use foundation on. Either you do it just the way it is or you’ll do primer, foundation and finishing powder. Foundation can be applied by fingers, brush, a sponge (read about makeup sponges here), or by airbrush. As there’s a problem with the different shades of foundation and the endless of skintones, it’s common to mix different foundations to get the perfect hue. Another thing that has popped up in the market are correctors, these make the foundation lighter or darker.
Some final notes
We love that there are tools out there for the beauty life, but we’re fully aware of the problematic structure foundation enhances. Not only that our skin in their natural shape is not good enough, but also the lack of diversity in the shades that are offered. It took us over thousand years to attain an ideal wear foundation should match the original skin tone. Let’s hope it won’t take another thousand years to get the beauty industry to embrace diversity.
Folks, what are your thoughts on the foundations of foundation?
I love your blog! The layout is amazing and the content is so professional! It’d mean a lot if you could check out my blog and maybe give me some feedback, much love Holly xo
https://corkylilthing.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you so much!! Will do! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Wow great post…thx for sharing hun…xoxo, Neha
Thank you love! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great post!
http://www.alasdeangel.net
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
This article is worth the read! I didn’t know foundations were made to make one look pale. All this years I thought foundation was made to cover skin imperfections like acne, freckles and wrinkles. 🙂
Jenn
❄The Pink Lemonade Girl
❄YouTube
❄Bloglovin
Thank you love, glad you like it! It was used before to make the skin look pale but today it’s used to match the skin tone! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
A very interesting post!
I don’t use foundation very much, even if I love the effect of the right shade on the skin! 😀
xxx
S
http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it/
Same here, love that the skin looks flawless but don’t like the feeling that much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I think a lot of makeup dates back to egypt and even cleopatra – one of the original beauty queens LOL! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
It’s so true, a lot of the things we use today is thousands of years old! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great post and so interesting! Foundation is a major in our beauty routine!
http://violettedaily.com
It’s a foundation for sure hahh! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I really have a hard time finding my shade :/
So many are, it’s not easy with the limited selection that’s out there! But try mixing different ones and perhaps invest in a corrector?! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Wow, what an interesting post! I love learning about the history of all the things I use. Foundation is something I use on a regular basis and it’s so cool to learn about where it came from and how it’s evolved over the years. Thanks for sharing! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/beauty/radiant-skin/
That’s so lovely, glad you found it interesting! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
great post
http://carrieslifestyle.com
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Wow so much history behind foundation! Thanks for sharing!
xx
Nicole | http://toogoldstreet.com
It’s an old product! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Gosh IDK I’m not really a big foundation fan! I like NARS a lot, I only use it for photoshoots or interviews.. 🙂
Such a great article! Very interesting read!
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
Don’t use foundation either, so no need to! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I actually never use fondation when I put some make-up on, maybe I should try it some time! xo, Sophia from http://www.sistersandglitters.com
No need to if you haven’t felt like it before, it’s more of a correcting product than a game-changer! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Foundation is such a strange thing & I suck at applying it which is why hardly use it but I’m starting to get back into it now so thanks for sharing some interesting facts on it!
TFM BLOG
It’s so weird indeed! Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I used to be a full-faced makeup kinda girl but now I’m trying to have more foundation-less days, even at work, to allow my skin to breathe. Thanks for sharing babe, enjoyed as always
http://www.besteducationservice.com/
That’s lovely! Used to do full makeup too before but am down to concealer! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
thanks for sharing!
Have a great weekend!
Animated Confessions
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
How interesting, I remember seeing Max Factor makeup in the Hollywood museum
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
He created so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Interesting read, lovely write up. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.tessyonyia.com
Thank you love! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Foundation can be so tricky! You are right you almost need that formula special for you!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
One does indeed, our skin tones are so specific! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
So interesting! It is funny that we cover our faces with something that is essentially the same color of our face!
http://www.mylittlenest.og
It’s so peculiar!! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Foundation really is a weird thing, huh? This was very interesting and informative! The things people used for makeup in previous centuries always make me cringe. Wow.
Amber | y a c h t s m a a n
It is indeed, beauty ideals are weird as they are! Yes yikes on that one, they just exposed themselves to so much weirdness, all to achieve a certain look! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such a good read!
Emma | With A City Dream
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
You never cease to amaze me with your informative posts! I love reading these history lessons of some of the most common products and trends we embrace today. I had no idea that pale skin was desirable b/c it signified wealth for not being in the sun! I always learn so much here 🙂 Thanks for sharing and I hope you’re having a great week so far, beauty!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Gosh, you make me blush hahah! Thank you love! It was indeed, something only the rich could afford! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Love everything about this post! So cute!
Love, Hadasah Love
http://www.styletolove.com | Instagram @hadasahlove
That’s so sweet of you, thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Definitely a product I have fell in love with over the years. My favorites are the ones that give the skin a radiant finish, such as the Tom Ford Traceless Foundation. Great post once again 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Haven’t heard of it but love to learn about foundations even though I don’t use them! Thank you love! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I guess my foundation of foundation has yet to come since I never use it ;D
Thank you so much for your last comment! Sending much love : )
Xx
Rosa Larissa Klara
conscious lifestyle of mine
Hahah same here! And same to you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
What an interesting and fun read! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda | ASparklingStickyStyle.com
Instagram | Manda_Lee_Smith
Thank you!! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
beautiful write up as always!!
Thenewgirl.me
Thank you love! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I’m a huge proponent of expanding the color + shade ranges of foundations- everyone should be able to find a foundation that matches her skin!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Same here! The beauty industry constantly comes up with new things but have yet to invent something that works for everyone! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Love learning about the history behind one of my favorite beauty products! Great post!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
That’s lovely, thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I had no idea the concept of foundation originated from Ancient Egypt, how interesting! I’m with you on hoping the beauty industry gets up to speed by the way with regard to embracing diversity 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
It’s about time for sure, so mad that we haven’t gotten further! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I never use foundation. Great tips!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Neither do I! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
The only time I wear foundations is when I take blog photos. I never wear it apart from that. I hate the feeling of it on my skin. Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
I don’t wear it either, always feels too much for an everyday look! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I love when you bring history into anything fashion or beauty related. It’s so interesting that foundation stems from wanting to achieve a paler look to exude status. Nowadays, people self tan to achieve that dewy, glowing look. I used to be a full-faced makeup kinda girl but now I’m trying to have more foundation-less days, even at work, to allow my skin to breathe. Thanks for sharing babe, enjoyed as always!
xoxo Rina
http://www.andshedressed.com
Thank you for the love gorgeous! It’s so weird how beauty ideals changes! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Loved reading this post and learning more about foundation 😀
xoxo
Ileana
Novelstyle Blog
That’s lovely, thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
While I use concealer for under the eyes and on any small imperfections, I have never before tried foundation – I just haven’t seen the need. :/
xx
I only use concealer too, but there are many who feel comfortable in foundation as it covers up imperfections better than concealer! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I agree…foundation is such an interesting idea haha! Personally, I love using just the smallest bit, because it can go a long way! Great post!
-Kate // http://www.classyandkate.com
Hahah, it is indeed! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Cool post
LA BORSA DI MARTINA
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com