One of the most common questions customers ask us is...

What’s better for my skin: liquid or powder foundation?

Honestly, there isn’t one right answer. The best organic foundation for your skin depends on your unique beauty needs and skin type.

Your choice of organic foundation isn’t just about getting that final airbrushed look, either. Your foundation should brighten, nourish, and heal your skin—with the purpose of boosting your complexion and confidence whether you’re wearing a full face of makeup or just waking up.

Make a mental list of all the skin issues you’d like your organic foundation to address (wrinkles, acne, dark spots, or oiliness), and let’s dive in...

 

All the Reasons We Love Organic Liquid Foundation

 

Giving up your makeup sponge and favorite foundation in the name of clean ingredients doesn’t seem like your idea of fun. But after hearing about phthalates and microplastics, you’re begrudgingly ready to give it a try.

Since powder foundation (aka mineral makeup) can be a big leap from the typical drugstore liquid foundation, we recommend crunchy newbies start out with liquid foundation. It’s easy to apply (just like your favorite drugstore brand) and creates a smooth and lasting finish.

Liquid foundation typically offers more coverage, too. If you’re obsessed with trying out the latest YouTube makeup trends, organic liquid foundation will get the job done—and it will easily blend with other products like bronzer and highlighter. Ours includes healthy ingredients, like aloe vera leaf juice and shea butter, to keep your face glowing long after you take it off.

All the Reasons We Love Powder Foundation (AKA Mineral Makeup)

 

Are you wearing makeup? Who knows.

Mineral makeup is loved by those who prefer a more natural makeup look. It provides a subtle finish without caking. It’s great for busy moms, gym-goers, shopping trips, and more. People with oily or acne-prone skin often appreciate mineral makeup because the healthy minerals can improve the health and appearance of the skin over time. Oh, did we mention it’s used as a natural sunscreen, too?

Tip: If your past experiences with mineral makeup led to skin irritation and redness, you’re not alone. This reaction is usually due to a cheap filler called bismuth oxychloride. You can read more about our thoughts on bismuth oxychloride here.

Why We Swear by Clean Ingredients in All Foundation Choices (Liquid and Mineral)

 

How would it feel to wear foundation because you want to, not because you need to?

Organic makeup doesn’t just cover up blemishes. It prioritizes your wellness and environmental sustainability by eliminating common toxic ingredients (like phthalates, parabens, forever plastics, and sketchy fragrances) and replacing them with healthy ingredients (like mica, aloe vera, and herb infusions).

The goal is to gradually improve overall skin health with natural ingredients that nourish the skin instead of stripping it.

Liquid Foundation vs. Powder Foundation: What We Recommend Based on Skin Type, Skin Concerns, and Long-Term Skincare Goals

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all foundation choice. We recommend that you pick your organic makeup based on your current skin concerns and goals. Find your skin concern in the chart below and see which foundation is the best fit.

Skin Concern:	What We Recommend:	Why It Works:
Wrinkles	Liquid foundation	Since liquid foundation provides more ample coverage, it’s less likely to settle into fine lines.
Acne	Mineral makeup	Acne usually has a root cause, whether it’s gut issues, overproduction of oil, or imbalanced hormones. Mineral makeup ingredients may help naturally balance your complexion.
Dark spots	Liquid foundation	We’d treat dark spots with bakuchiol (nature’s retinol). In the meantime, an organic liquid foundation can be used to cover hyperpigmentation.
Uneven skin	Liquid foundation	For bumps, scarring, and dryness, an organic liquid foundation is usually best for full coverage.
Redness	Mineral makeup	We recommend mineral makeup for skin redness since it provides a lighter finish, allowing the skin to breathe. However, liquid foundation may be used for those with less sensitive skin.
Clogged pores	Mineral makeup	If you worry about clogged pores and blackheads, a light layer of mineral makeup is the perfect solution.

Skin Types: Liquid Foundation vs. Powder Foundation

 

If you’re blessed with naturally smooth and glossy skin, you may not have any issues that you need your organic foundation to address. In that case, you can make your choice of liquid foundation vs powder foundation based on your skin type.

 

Oily Skin

 

We recommend mineral makeup for oily skin. It’s lighter, so it’s less likely to cause irritation and breakouts. Plus, it works behind the scenes to gently improve the overall health of the skin.

 

Combination Skin

 

For combination skin, either type of foundation will work. Start with the liquid foundation and see how your skin reacts. If you notice sensitivity or wish for a more natural-looking application, switch over to mineral makeup and see how it works for you.

 

Dry Skin

 

For those with dry skin, we especially recommend beginning your makeup routine with our organic makeup primer. This will give you a smooth finish and help prevent dryness and flaking during the day. After your coat of primer, an organic liquid foundation is best. An alternative to using our organic makeup primer is using our glow serum for an exceptional, hydrated, glowing look. 

Build Your Makeup Routine — Starting with the Best Organic Foundation for You

 

When you think of your morning makeup routine, you have a vision. You know exactly what kind of coverage and color you want to achieve. Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or a contouring pro, these are our suggestions for achieving different levels of coverage.

 

Light Coverage

 

A coat or two of mineral makeup is exactly what you need to achieve a minimalist makeup look. Add a dab or two of cream blush to put color back into your face and then be on your way.

 

Medium Coverage

 

You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard, but you also need something to battle the sleepless newborn stage. For medium coverage, apply concealer where necessary (under the eyes and to cover dark spots and acne)—and then finish with a few swift coats of mineral makeup.

 

Full Coverage

 

You’re all about evenness and tone—and your Instagram pictures are flawless. To achieve a more airbrushed look, start with an all-natural concealer and finish with a liquid foundation. To level up, add a primer, highlighter, and bronzer.

The Answer to Liquid Foundation vs. Powder Foundation All Comes Down to You

 

While clever ad campaigns may convince you that one type of foundation is far superior to another, we believe the answer to this question is much deeper—and it lies in you. Understanding your unique skin type and skin needs is key to unlocking the best organic foundation choice for your body. Remember, you could use the exact same foundation brand as your sister or friend and get completely different results.

Trust your intuition. Pay attention to your results. Evaluate all your current skin needs and goals—and choose the foundation that is most likely to get you where you want to be. And don’t be afraid to do a little experimentation along the way.

At Toups and Co, we create liquid foundations and mineral makeups that are health-driven, good for your skin, and don’t include any nasty chemicals or artificial ingredients. If you’re ready to refresh your skin with something new, we hope you’ll give one of our products a try.