Over the years I've probably tried 100s of different foundations; constantly searching for that one that will do everything I could ever want.
But whenever you're searching for a new foundation there are a few questions you have to ask - and these are the same questions I ask clients when they come to me with the question "Can you help me find a new foundation?"
#1] What type of skin do you have?
Dry to Normal?
Combination to Oily?
This is going to help determine what type of ingredients we're looking for. It also helps to determine what type of primer would be suitable. For example, if you're a drier skin type I might suggest a hydrating primer or a foundation that has hydrating properties [such as Smashbox Photofinish Hydrating Foundation Primer and NARS Sheer Glow foundation ].
#2] How much coverage are you looking for?
Sheer?
Medium?
Full?
If you're looking for a SHEER COVERAGE, some great options would be a BB Cream, a tinted moisturizer [Laura Mercier makes one of the top ones available and comes in regular, oil-free and Illuminating] or Urban Decay's NAKED foundation.
If you're a MEDIUM COVERAGE seeker, you've got a lot to choose from!
Though, some of my personal favorites and go-tos would be NARS sheer glow ]or NARS Sheer Matte if you're looking for a matte finish].
Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation [It leaves a more radiant finish to the skin,it's also oil-free making it great if you fall into the combination-oily category and it has an SPF25]
Make Up For Ever HD foundation is a great way to get a flawless look with little effort. Despite the foundation being amazing, there's a few application techniques that help you achieve it faster. Look for a blog about this foundation soon! But back to why you Medium Coverage folks will love it...it's oil-free, again, great for all skin types [though, if you're dry you might want to try the HD hydrating Elixir first].
There's many that fall into this category, but there are my favorites.
My personal favorite, FULL COVERAGE.
There's many many myths that surround a full coverage foundation. One being that they're "cakey" or heavy. And that may in fact be true if they're applied improperly. It could be because the incorrect brush is being used in application, it could be that it's not appropriate for their skin type, it could be because of the primer they're using [or lack of] and last but not least, and this is usually the culprit, they're covering said full coverage foundation with a full coverage powder and most likely the wrong colour.
In the world of full coverage there aren't many that have made my grade.
My number one pick [and soon I'll give you a review] is Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo foundation. I'm in LOVE with this foundation! It's oil-free, satin matte finish, 24 hour wear, water resistant, fragrance free and paraben free.
Another great one in a full coverage is Laura Mercier Silk creme foundation. This one is not my personal favorite, but I have TONS of clients who love the texture. It has a soft silky feel to it and helps to hydrate the skin. Great for my dry folks who want a full coverage with a natural finish.
You want to look like you're made of porcelain? Then I have your answer right here, Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Foundation. It's oil free, super mattifying and is waterproof.
A little bit off the beaten track when you think of full coverage foundations, we have a couple of new contenders. Well, one isn't exactly "new" but it's going to make a splash again soon.
If you're looking for full coverage, have dry-normal skin or have sensitive skin and like something with skin care properties then you're going to love Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer. And yes, it is a tinted moisturizer!
The only downside of this product is the small shade selection. If you're on the fair to medium end you'll be fine. They only falter when it comes to darker shades.
The newest kid of the block and becoming a fan favorite by my colleagues is this little gem, Too Faced Air Buffed BB cream. And what's so great about it? Well, firstly, there's NOTHING else like it. It's a cream to matte powder FULL COVERAGE BB cream. It does all the amazing things you've read about BB creams plus it gives you the full coverage you want with an amazing matte finish.
Not sure about how to apply it or what to use? They answered that with the perfect teddy bear brush that comes right on top! If you haven't see it yet, I HIGHLY recommend you check it out.
#3] What finish are you looking for?
Natural?
Matte?
I managed to answer what foundations would be best for both of these finishes in question #2 but don't forget that if you can't find the proper coverage with the finish you like and you like a matte finish, then don't be afraid to add a powder. There are some great options out there and most can be used as a foundation on their own. A couple to keep an eye on are Sephora Collection Matte foundation compact [ they recently changed over the formulation and packaging for this product. All of the older ones are no longer available online and you can still find some left at certain Sephora locations.]. Like all Sephora Collection products, it delivers on its promises and is paraben free.
Another one, and a personal favorite, is the brand new Make Up For Ever Pro-Finish. It's a beautiful wet-dry matte finish powder that goes on beautifully! I've read a few reviews and have and a few clients mention some issues they've had with the product. I can at least try to dispel a couple of them here for you.
Problem:
When I use it wet with the sponge it looks streaky.
Solution:When it dries, gently buff it out with your sponge or with a kabuki brush. You'll see the difference immediately.
Problem:There's a film forming on the surface of my compact.
Solution:I'll bet money that you have an oily skin type. I'll also bet money that you haven't thought to wash the sponge. When you apply it to rid your face of shine, you're transferring all the oils from your face to the sponge and then all over your make up. The sponges that come with your compact are washable for that reason.
Problem:The glue came off the pan and now it's falling out of the compact
Solution:I had this same thing happen to mine. It takes about 30 seconds to fix. If you have a hot glue gun, use it. If you dont' you'll find that crazy glue, or christ, even nail glue, will fix it right back in place. No need to return it to the store.
And last, but not least, I didn't forget about powder lovers who aren't matte finish lovers, Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Powder. You can also purchase this in a duo that has a pink undertone to it as well. Both look amazing for an all over glow or to use for highlighting.
Stila Set & Illuminate baked trio powder. This product is beautiful! It's a baked formulation and features a "cutter wheel" to shave the product so you're never getting more than you need. Not only is it an illuminator, it's also a setting powder.
And, like with most, if not all, Stila products, it's free of parabens, sulfates, GMO's, & synthetic colour.
Hopefully at least some of this was helpful in choosing the right foundation for you and maybe answered a couple of your questions. At the very least, these are a few questions to keep in mind when you're shopping for a new foundation.
It's also helpful when you're getting assistance at a make up counter/store if you can tell your clerk what you're needs are. Also be sure to mention your price range. Foundations can be anywhere from $15-$100s.
Try to avoid being shown products that are beyond your price range. You're not only wasting your own time but your clerks as well and they want to be sure that they find the perfect foundation for your needs.
Another helpful hint in the search for the perfect foundation, if you're stuck between a couple, don't forget that most make up stores/counters also offer free samples.
Every single Sephora store worldwide does and just because they don't offer it to you right away, doesn't mean you shouldn't ask. You're not "bothering" them and they really love being able to do it for you. <3
Anything else you're wondering about?
Feel free to drop a comment below & I'll do my best to get the answer!
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