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!

Cheating a Holiday Tan

Despite just being back from a holiday, the expected result of 40-degree weather isn't all that evident. Actually, truth be told, I hid under an umbrella the whole time. Why? I didn't want to catch too much of a tan that I would need to get a whole new foundation colour. Silly I know, but since from the neck down I am actually quite fair-ish...I figured I can always just cheat a natural looking glow if I did feel like sporting it. Also, it really was too hot for me not to hide from the sun. I'm not a big sun-worshipper but I like the solar effect, so this way- it's a win-win! So here it is- my instant, faux-glow to cheat that post-holiday warmth. I did get quite a few compliments at work today so that's that job done!

PRODUCTS:

YSL Le Teint de Touche Èclat in BD60

YSL Touche Èclat in 4.5

Chanel Les Beiges in 30

Bourjouis Poudre Brozante in 51

MAC Cheek Colour in Pinche Me

1. Buff in a bit of foundation from the centre of the face outwards.
2. Brighten under your eyes with a peachy-toned illuminating highlighter. Also dab on the bridge of the nose, a tad on the middle of the forehead and on the cupid's bow.
3. Sweep bronzer under the cheekbones, sides of the temples, down the nose and chin. Thin layers create a more subtle, natural effect.
4. I used the Chanel Les Beiges healthy glow powder on the apples of the cheeks- almost as a light blush colour.
5. Finally, sweep the slightest veil of a warm, pinky tone blush on the apples of the cheeks for that slightly hot, warmed up rush of colour.


Try it out for yourself! Happy bronzing!