After years and YEARS of trying different foundations, *and much money down the drain*, I've narrowed my wardrobe down to these three. I'm still open to trying new ranges from different brands- in fact, I'm currently testing out Dior's and Benefit's selection of bases, (and with positive response!), but in the last year or so, I've realised that I always come back to one of these three foundations. They are about as go-to as it'll ever get for me, and it's been a painstaking ride getting to this point.
Of course like most people, I have a few skin issues at different times of the year. I have found that I can't stick to just one formulation for a long time because my skin changes throughout the year- be it down to moisture levels, dullness, oiliness- and these really are the main three that shape the way I approach my seasonal make-up routine.
Another major issue for me is colour. These three are by no means THE perfect match, but out of all that I have tried and tested thus far, these are the ones that provide the closest match to my skintone without requiring much modification by way of warming up or otherwise. It's also no surprise that these are not cheap. The price points on these items go from £20+.
Though self-service brands seem to be more aware of the need for colour diversity these days, and they still have a long way to go- I still prefer to look at the higher end of the spectrum, those who have the luxury to produce those in-between shades of various undertones, because there's a higher chance for me to find my colour range. I can understand why drugstore brands won't do that, because it is expensive. And so, it's not about snobbery at all from me, as I wish I could find a cheaper (or accessible and available) brand with great colours, but I don't mind spending that much more if it means getting a product that really suits me. Furthermore, these three are suitable to all skin types! For me, that's a MAJOR bonus because throughout year, my skin literally becomes ALL skin types.
On that note, shall we begin? Let's talk base!
1.) On a good day, I would use... ESTEE LAUDER'S INVISIBLE FLUID MAKEUP in 3WN1. This foundation is lovely, and sheer (definite keyword here!)- like a chiffon veil on the skin, so when I feel like I'm having a good skin day, this is what I grab.The IntuiTone technology allows the foundation to adapt to your skintone- not miraculously, but say, you managed to catch a bit of tan? It will adjust to accomodate that shift in colour, enough to still keep it natural. This range offers many colours in cool, warm and neutral undertones just like the DoubleWear range, so it caters to a lot of skintones. The formulation is similar to Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua (also, packaging-wise) and MAC's Face and Body Foundation, so you have to shake the bottle well so the emulsion doesn't split. The shaker inside whips up the foundation, making it lighter everytime you use it. You can see from the photo just how sheer this blends into the skin. I usually apply this one with my fingers and I only put it down the center of my face. The finish is natural, so it's perfect for when you want that no-make-up look. Also, I'm not really sure just how much staying power this has, but on a recent holiday to Manila where it was 40˚degrees, this foundation stayed put about eight hours and I only had to powder my nose once.
2.) When I feel like my skin is a little oily, I tend to go for... CHANEL'S PERFECTION LUMIERE FOUNDATION in Beige 60. I've tried most of Chanel's foundations and I would say that this is my favourite. When this first came out, I've read a lot of divided opinions on the formula and the finish and all this, so I really had to just try it out for myself. After a reassuring tweet from Miss Lisa Eldridge, I went into Harvey Nichols and asked for a sample. I immediately fell in love with it. When applied with a brush, a thin layer delivers a flawless, semi-matte finish that is buildable. A few reviews mention a powdery finish on the skin that can look cakey, but I find that, that is only the case if you don't apply it properly -as with any foundation really. It has a lovely fragrance and a smooth and rich consistency, that's also not too thick- velvety I think is the best word for it. It is important to note however (if you didn't know yet), that this formulation does oxidise. When you try a shade, let it sit for a while to really see get a true indication of colour. I initially liked the look of Beige 50 but once it oxidised, it turned a little too cool for my colouring. I went for the next shade up and even though it does warm up a little bit more, I much prefer it that way.
3.) Dullness can make me look so sallow, so I catch the light with...YSL'S LE TEINT TOUCHE ECLAT FOUNDATION in BD60. If ever there was a hype that I really bought into, it was this. I first saw glimpses of this foundation in backstage photos during a fashion week, where it was being tested prior to its release. All the beauty editors kept oooh-ing over it so as soon as it came out I pounced. For the price, I think you actually get quite a lot of product, and the packaging is fabulously minimalist. Initially I thought that maybe it might make my face a little too radiant, and with my pore situation, that would be a nightmare. However, I was proved wrong. It's suitable for all skin types and also moisturising without the feeling of oiliness. The consistency is lightweight and almost-gel like in the manner similar to tinted moisturisers, and as soon as you apply it, you get a similar but better effect. It's sheer but buildable, and with a nice radiant finish. Being free of opaque powders means your skin can shine through and there's no danger of a plastered face. The light reflective formulation is definitely flattering with those optics at work, and any discolouration and unsightly imperfection is blurred and brightened. I use this foundation when my skin feels a little on the dry side because of the dewy effect but I do have to set this one with a thin veil of powder, mainly on my T-Zone to avoid too much luminosity.
So there you go! I will probably update this list if and when I find any more great foundations, but for now, these three are my star products. Hope you find this helpful if you're looking for your perfect base!
No comments:
Post a Comment