Saturday, January 11, 2014

Foundation Round Up

As I am constantly cleaning out my makeup collection and weeding out my (many) foundations, I'm pretty on top of my collection. But after counting my foundations, I was shocked at the sheer amount of foundation I have and haven't used. Embarrassing. So, I decided to write about each one and give/throw away the ones that I dislike to make way for new foundations to try this year! 

Find below embarrassing collection picture. We will work from left to right and for reference my skin can be described as satin in the morning and shiny like the stars in the sky by the afternoon - AKA Combination/Oily.




Jouer Matte Moisture Tint 
Overhyped and over here. I don't get it. People rave about this stuff but the real question is why. Okay, so the concept of a light base being matte is interesting, it applies nicely and provides a pretty, light coverage but it doesn't "wow". Am I missing something?
Repurchase? No

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet +
This is one foundation I need to bin. It's been hanging around a while and is definitely ready for retirement. Having said that I really enjoyed using this. The coverage is fantastic - a medium finish that looks natural - and the velvet finish is a flattering one.
Repurchase? Yes.

Estee Lauder Double Wear
There is something really unsophisticated about Double Wear - it's a standard full coverage finish. Nothing more, nothing less. Having said that there is something quite appealing about it. You know where you stand. You are going to get a mask-like skin, with no imperfections on show, and once slapped on it will remain until you decide the party's over.
Repurchase? Possibly.

Illamasqua Skin Base
I don't love the packaging but I do love the product. I think it gives a medium-full coverage but one that looks quite natural. It lasts well during the day and I don't have any real complaints about it. I believe that the colour range is a decent one as well.
Repurchase? Yes.

Giorgio Armani Maestro
Mmm. The texture. It's that oil-like finish that creates a natural foundation base. They call it a complexion perfector. I call it that product that fails to cover and makes me look like cack by lunchtime.
Repurchase? No.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation
I hated this on first application. It gives a matte/satin finish but whilst that in itself isn't bad it feels heavy on the skin and yet doesn't give you that flawless coverage. I mean, what's the point? I can happily cake it on if I am going to look flawless. In it's defense, dry skins tend to give it rave reviews so who am I to judge?
Repurchase? No.

Chanel Mat Lumiere 
Oh I love this one. And it's a bit odd. In some ways the finish is similar to Tom Ford but it's one of those foundations that looks better as the day goes on. It reminds me of that fantastic clay based foundation NARS used to make - pre Sheer Glow era. Sadly, I think this is discontinued in a lot of markets.
Repurchase? Yes.

MAC Studio Fix
I have this in my fake tan shade and in a very light NC25. I love the NC25 because it's a great one to mix with other darker products to bring it down to something natural. I know Studio Fix stinks. I know that there are superior formulas out there. But it was the first foundation that really made me feel fantastic so for nostalgia's sake I will always have it in my possession.
Repurchase? Yes.

Make up for Ever HD
I love this. Then I hate it. Then I love it.....I mainly like mixing it with another foundation. In fact I like mixing foundations full stop. You get the best of both worlds in terms of both coverage and longevity. You might even call it a hobby! Anyway, the HD...I like the fact that it doesn't have a scent and that it does look natural but I like a bit more glow so I tend to mix with Chantecaille Just Skin.
Repurchase? Yes.

By Terry Or de Rose
I am a mug. This cost well over $100 and you know what? NOT WORTH IT. Nothing special. Gives a satin finish but also sometimes has a tendency to cling on to dry skin.
Repurchase? No.

Benefit Hello Flawless
I like this. It looks natural but gives a medium coverage that has a decent staying power. I don't reach for this enough but this exercise has made me appreciate it's presence in the collection. The price is reasonable and the brand accessible. What's not to like really?
Repurchase? Yes.

Laura Mercier Silk Creme
If Chantecaille Just Skin had a full coverage sister, Silk Creme would be it. This spreads on like a thick cream. It's delightful. Double Wear and Studio Fix take note - you can be full coverage and a) not stink b) draw attention to every single hair on the face. The only caveat is that it needs to be set with a powder of some sort. A formula this creamy will rub on anything your face comes into contact with.
Repurchase? Yes.

By Terry Cover Expert
I see people give this quite bitchy reviews because it's not as full coverage as they were led to believe. I can see how they were led on - the packaging talks about "ultra-correcting". Terry is just a tease. This is a mere medium coverage. But I like it. The scent of the product is really quite nice - not YSL overpowering but pleasant all the same - and it just glides on, giving an excellent natural, satin finish. My only hesitation is that it doesn't wear well during the day for me. If I was judging this based on the first 60 minutes of wear then it's fantastic - otherwise: "meh".
Repurchase? No.

Rachel K CC Cream
I have worn it on it's own on those ultra-confident skin days but otherwise it's typically mixed with a heavier formula foundation. I don't have anything negative to say but by the same token there is no way I would make any effort to buy it again.
Repurchase? No.

Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish
I feel like this is the same product as By Terry Cover Expert - but without the light floral scent. Finish wise it has that medium coverage, satin look. I have a soft spot for Becca. When they first hit the market the ethos of the brand was so unique and compelling but even if I take that into consideration I can't deny that this is a standard boring foundation.
Repurchase? No.

Diorskin Nude BB Creme
The whole BB/CC creme marketing business annoys me no end - talk about jumping on a bandwagon - but out of the ones I have tried there is no question, Diorskin is the best. It covers what you need it to and it looks so incredibly natural. I would describe the finish as "pretty satin". Your face isn't flat or lacking in dimension but neither is it overly shiny. I think it makes the skin look younger and fresher. I love it so much I have it in number 2 and 3.
Repurchase? Yes.

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau BB Beauty Booster
Confession: I haven't actually tried this yet as the colour transforms me into an oompa loompa.

MAC Studio Sculpt
Once upon a time I liked this. The texture was creamy and easy to apply with a finish that was that covetable mix of satin and glow. These days though, I always ignore it. I am not sure why because it's one of those formulas that looks good on tired skin like Silk Creme/Just Skin.
Repurchase? Maybe.

Clarins Extra Comfort
This was one of the best products of 2013 for me. It's a fabulous foundation. Similar in finish to Silk Creme but possibly more natural. It definitely errs on the side of full coverage but gives you a beautiful, glowing complexion.  There are some downers: a) the packaging looks nice but that whole dipping into a pot scenario just doesn't appeal and b) it's developing a bit of a whiff. It's a good job that the end result can make me look past that.
Repurchase? Yes


May the odds be ever in your favor this 2014 in finding the perfect foundation! (hehe sorry, I had to)
xx,
Joanna

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