foundation
fown-DAY-shuhn
/faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən/
A skin-colored cosmetic makeup applied to the entire face to create an even, uniform skin tone; also, a underlying base or support.
In cosmetics, covers the full face evenly as a primary cosmetic layer before other makeup is added.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'fundus' (bottom, ground). Originally applied in architecture to stone bases holding heavy structures. In the early 20th century, Max Factor introduced liquid 'pancake' base makeup, coining the term foundation for cosmetic base layers.
Word relationships
- base: Base is an informal synonym for foundational makeup or structural support.
Commonly confused with
- concealer: Foundation covers the whole face with light-to-medium coverage, whereas concealer provides heavy coverage on localized spots.
Word family
- foundational (adjective): Serving as a basis or fundamental core.
Collocations
- liquid foundation
- apply foundation
- foundation shade
- solid foundation
Idioms & expressions
- lay the foundation
Example sentences
- "She selected a liquid foundation that matched her neck skin tone precisely." Makeup application
- "A clear understanding of chemistry provides the foundation for studying cosmetic science." Metaphorical base
Memory hook
FOUNDATION is the base layer upon which you build the rest of your makeup. The base layer for the whole face.
When not to use
Do not confuse with concealer, which is meant for targeted spot coverage rather than full-face application.
Fun facts
- Modern liquid cosmetic foundation was popularized by Hollywood makeup artists in the 1930s so movie actors' skin appeared smooth under bright film lights.
Related words
Explore more words
foundational, substrate, load-bearing, chassis, infrastructure, masonry
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