Two samples of Atkinsons' tinted foundation cream, c.1950, bottle of Peach Rose tint and tube in packet Rose Rachel tint

A foundation cream acts as a suitable base for powder or other make-up.

It must spread well, be non-greasy, non-clogging, and have good holding power for powder. It can be pigmented or unpigmented, but these objects are pigmented.

Foundation cream (sometimes known as vanishing cream), is usually an oil-in-water emulsion containing about 15% stearic acid which is crystalline and gives it a sheen.

Other ingredients are typically cetyl alcohol, glycerol, potassium or sodium hydroxide, pigments or powder, and water.