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Foundation: Gel, Mousse, Cream or Liquid?

July 31, 2021 | Articles | Leave a Comment

foundation typesGel, Mousse, Cream or Liquid foundation. Which one should I use?  This all depends on your skin type, personal preference and what kind of coverage you’re looking for.  Here are the basic differences between them.

Gel foundation gives an even, sheer base with translucent coverage, so if you need something to cover pigmentation marks or other minor blemishes, gel foundation won’t work. It glides on smoothly and doesn’t accentuate lines, but dries quickly so it needs to be applied quickly and evenly to blend.  Gel foundations are best suited to young, clear skins, making them perfect teens and ladies in their early twenties with fairly blemish-free skins.  The odd blemish can still be covered up with a bit of concealer.

Cream-to-powder foundation is quick and easy to apply, giving medium coverage with a powdery finish.  It is either a liquid that dries to a powdery finish, or a cream that comes in a compact that dries to a powdery finish.  These give medium to full coverage, but can emphasize fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin.

Mousse foundation – also known as whipped foundation – comes either in a pot or a tube and gives medium to full coverage.  Mousse foundations glide on smoothly with a matte, powdery finish and a weightless feel and are suitable for all skin types.

Cream foundation gives a velvety look to the complexion with medium to full coverage and an even finish.  It comes in a compact and requires a little more blending, but the end result is worth it.

Liquid foundation provides lightweight, natural-looking coverage and is generally a water-based formula with a creamy, liquid consistency.  Liquid foundations often contain moisturiser and are great for use on dry or mature skin, but are suitable for all skin types.



If you have oily skin, try using an oil-free or matte foundation.  These give an even coverage with no shine and a smooth, matte look, keeping you shine-free for longer.

Maybelline Dream Matte MoussePersonally, I’m not a fan of mousse or whipped foundation.  I find that the consistency of the foundation begins to change a few days after opening the pot and by the time I get halfway through the pot – and this is with daily use – it begins to dry out, changing the consistency and making it more difficult to spread evenly and smoothly, even while using a primer under the foundation.

Additional tip:  If you have a foundation that you’re not happy with (if it’s the wrong colour or you don’t like the consistency) but don’t really want to throw it out, try mixing a little of the foundation with your regular moisturiser to make a tinted moisturiser.

For tips on how to find the correct colour foundation for your skin tone, please read my previous blog “Foundation : finding the perfect shade”.  If you’ve already found your perfect shade in one brand, try using the online tool at findation.com to find similar shades from other brands.

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Do you have a favourite flower? Let me put it on Do you have a favourite flower?  Let me put it on your nails.

Gel polish manicure with nail art = $85

📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
👩‍💻 Book your next appointment online:  https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

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When using a highlighter, there’s a very fine li When using a highlighter, there’s a very fine line between looking utterly radiant and looking very shiny and light reflective.

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Brighten up your winter with some pretty nail art. Brighten up your winter with some pretty nail art.

A set like this over gel polish with tri-colour ombré and holographic glitter is $85 (book a gel polish manicure WITH nail art).

📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
👩‍💻 Book your next appointment online:  https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

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Looking for a soft eyeliner pencil that's well pig Looking for a soft eyeliner pencil that's well pigmented? 

Try one of the pencils in our online store for only $7.99 plus courier fees (or book a product collection appointment online). https://www.ramblingrose.co.nz/product/eyeliner-pencils/

These eyeliner pencils are highly pigmented, long-lasting and apply with a soft, smooth, gel-like feel in pencil form. Once applied, the eyeliner can easily be smudged with a clean finger or eyeshadow applicator to create a smokey look.  Each eyeliner pencil has a built-in pencil sharpener in the protective lid.

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Gel polish manicure with purple ombré and daisy c Gel polish manicure with purple ombré and daisy collage feature nails.

A set like this costs $85 (Gel polish manicure with nail art).

📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully Qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 
👩‍💻 Book your next appointment online:  https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

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How to help your nail tech give you the best manic How to help your nail tech give you the best manicure.

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If I don't have the exact shade of gel polish that If I don't have the exact shade of gel polish that you have in mind, let me know and I can custom blend something for you.

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Nail art is charged at $2 per nail - to cover the Nail art is charged at $2 per nail - to cover the cost of decals, stamps, glitter, pigments, striping tape or any other items we use, plus my time - and you can have as much or as little as you like.  Mix and match, or add decals to stripes, or a hint of glitter on top of something else. 

Make sure to book an appointment WITH nail art, as I need the extra time allocation, and feel free to bring inspiration photos with you. If you change your mind on the day, that's totally fine.  I cannot do art if you've booked a plain colour gel mani as there just isn't time before my next client.

Book your next appointment online:  https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

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Please, keep your hands on the table or wrist rest Please, keep your hands on the table or wrist rest once your manicure has been started. 

Clothing fluff, hair, make-up or fingerprints in sticky polish layers is never appreciated by your nail tech. 

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