Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick: The Ultimate Beauty LBT

LB-what you say?

LBT.

Little Black Tube. Do you own one?

As far as bases go, I firmly believe that one should have one of these fabulous tubes (or in my case, two!) in their repertoire. It's funny because, it wasn't until recently that I finally committed to purchasing Bobbi's cult favourite Foundation Stick. I've tried it in the past, on and off. Loved it, but I always put it in the back burner because my skin was oilier back then. I had it stuck in my mind that cream foundations will just slip off my face because I was far too oily and the consistency is creamy. Not a great combination. I'm sure oily skin types can use it too, but having to powder a lot throughout the day and to set the foundation was simply too much hassle for me. However, fast forward to my mid-twenties- my skin is more normal than anything, and since I've had great results with Kevyn Aucoin's creme foundation I thought maybe it was time to try BB's stick again.

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer

The packaging is so full of sheen, say hello to my forehead!

I didn't want to go back to cream foundations initially. I had tried them in the past when I was at beauty school and all I remember from that experience was how greasy and cakey the cream foundation left my face. It also didn't set well without a generous pat of stage-grade powder. It was horrendous. So instead I went down the liquid route. It was all fine and dandy, I even found my colours after years of searching- but with all the new technologies and formulations available since my college days (and the relentless proclamations of Youtube sensation Wayne Goss) I found myself zooming in at the Kevyn Aucoin counter at SpaceNK last week and took the plunge. 

That dent was caused by use. Three times this week. I bought this pot on Monday. CRAZY.

I have read many reviews on Kevyn Aucoin's creme foundation, and most of them great (including Goss' of course!) and so I asked the consultant to try it out on me. She used a sponge (eek!) to blend it out which made me cringe a little bit but the finish was wonderful. It was sheer and light, not at all pancake-y, and the colour was spot on for my winter colour. The foundation also set like a dream. Even though I still get oily around the T-Zone from time to time during the colder months, she didn't have to set the foundation with powder. The cream really did live up to its name as a Sensual Skin Enhancer because despite the intense pigments and the super rich, almost concealer-like texture, it was virtually undetectable on the skin, giving an even finish. I was pleased with it. I didn't buy it right away, partly because I had already spent so much on Christmas shopping and also because the branch near St. Paul's didn't have my colour in stock. I thought maybe it was a sign that I should go away and pray over it first, which I did. I did some more Christmas shopping around Bond St. and with the compliments on my complexion getting to my head- I rushed to South Molton Street and purchased my pot (yes, they had it in stock! I needed that extra hour of deliberation.)

Believe it or not, this amount was actually more than enough!

The pot comes in a shiny and minimalist mahogany packaging, a touch that is so very 90s and very Aucoin- as does the rest of the range. Its no bigger than a lip balm pot but with small packages come big things. This little sucker packs 18 grams of pure, concentrated creamy goodness, super intense and super economical. You only need a tiny amount, with lots of emphasis on 'tiny'. You can either use it neat and really buff it in to blend- for this I apply it warmed up with my fingers and my Real Techniques buffing brush, or mix it with a bit of moisturiser and apply. I wouldn't really use a sponge unless I REALLY have to, but its not a last resort. After all, sponges do not absorb as much cream as they do liquids. I have even used this neat as a spot concealer. 

Overall, I am very happy that I went back to a second store to buy this baby. Since then, I have worn this foundation and received many compliments on the way it looks and the completely natural but flawless finish. I fear, I may have given my favourite liquid formulas a bit of a complex. They currently sit at the back of the drawer waiting for me to get over my Kevyn Aucoin high. 

The little pot of heavn retails for £38.00 and you can purchase it at SpaceNK in-store or online here. I wear shade Sx 11. 

Bare Essentials: Let's Touch Base!

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!