While shopping for a new foundation the other day, the girl (Sarah) at Bare Minerals used a phrase that caught my attention. She said it’s good to have a, “foundation wardrobe.” I caught it in the moment and didn’t unpack it until later on…

A “Foundation Wardrobe” is when you have more than one option when it comes to foundations. Gone are the days of the same-old swipe of the same-old formula day after day after day. Now there are so many foundation options out there, that you can build a collection – wardrobe – of textures, coverage and formulas from which to choose.

And much like your clothing wardrobe, you can stand in front of it your head full of your needs for the day, and pick whichever option will most perfectly suit them. It’s exactly what I do with my foundations, I just never thought of it like that.

If you’re still skeptical, let me unpack it further…Let’s say it’s Saturday, you’re going to run errands then work around the house. You don’t want to look like a slob – you’ll inevitably run into your high school ex boyfriend if you do – but you don’t want to spend valuable time and valuable full-coverage foundation on your face. What do you do? You go to your wardrobe and swipe a stick over your face, or apply some tinted moisturizer.

Okay, now it’s Sunday morning and you are going to church then lunch with friends, then out to dinner with family – you need full, long lasting coverage. Your tinted moisturizer will slide off your face by noon and the stick coverage just isn’t enough. You need liquid foundation.

I could go on, but those are just two examples in a pool of what could be 7 (since every day is different). And if you think it’s an expensive endeavor, think again. Since you’re not heavily using one foundation over the other, they’re all going to last that much longer, which means you don’t have to refill for probably another 6-9 months if not longer.

Okay, now let’s talk about options…

Light Coverage…

Complexion Rescue by Bare Minerals (clean products free of all the chemicals that are bad for your skin and full of ingredients that are good for you).

Hydrating Foundation Stick – new product! Gives a nice finish, swipe it in a few spots on your face then blend – it blends in really nicely and is especially good for dry skin. Has SPF25 and you can use it as a concealer.

Hydrating Gel Cream – a tinted moisturizer that has a nice gel-like texture. Lightweight coverage with a nice natural sheen. Also has SPF and antioxidants that are good for your skin. Both the gel cream and the stick are in the $30 price range. It’s great for moisturizing your skin, but doesn’t have staying power.

Laura Mercier has a very popular version of the tinted moisturizer – also has SPF and vitamins that are good for your skin. This one promises 24 hour coverage and is in the $50 price range.

IT Cosmetics CC Cream – this one has the heaviest coverage of all the moisturizer options. It is a CC cream which is color correcting so if you have more you want to cover, this is a great option. Also has the SPF and is hydrating. Of all the options this won’t deposit as many vitamins and minerals on your face, but will give you good coverage.

Medium Coverage…

Sephora Compact – matte, build-able coverage. I like to have this on hand to layer over a tinted moisturizer for a quick touch up.

Bare Minerals has a version as well – theirs is vitamin and mineral infused. If your skin is on the dry side you wouldn’t want one of these to be your main foundation, but it’s so nice to have on hand to add to moisturizer. Or to use as a finishing powder to lock everything in with a little extra coverage.

Sephora Airbush – this is a great, inexpensive way to try out an airbrush look. Gives you a soft, satiny finish that blurs imperfections. Apply by sweeping back and forth across your face. For under $30 it’s a great option to have on hand.

Heavy Coverage…

Makeup Forever Water Blend – perfect option for the pool or beach. It’s going to last hang on in the water and can go on both your face and body. Has a gel-like texture and gives you a satin finish. Rings in at $43.

Bare Minerals Bare Pro Liquid Foundation – this is performance wear, meant to last 24 hours. It does hold up well on your face. I like the build-able coverage. Gives you a matte finish and is transfer resistant – which I have found to be true! Has SPF and is $34.

Right now Bare Minerals is running a sale – get this box with samples in it, a brush of your choice and then 3 other products of your choosing for $99. That’s a great way to get your foundation wardrobe started!