If you're in the market for a new foundation, there are literally hundreds out there. Here are some of my favourites.
But first a quick note! I don't really do budget foundations. The reason being, I'm in my thirties now and it's time to spend my money looking after my face! I believe skin care, primers and foundations are where you need to pony up. You can go budget for nearly every other type of cosmetic - from eye shadow to lipstick to nail varnish - drugstore brands are perfectly good. THAT's where you can save. But in the case of foundations, the more expensive ones are better. Not luxury ones that are tipping 100 euro, but these ones below:
Laura Mercier is a great brand and she has quite a few in the way of foundations. This is my favourite. It's not too heavy but still offers medium coverage. It's yellow toned which doesn't bother me even though I have pink undertones in my skin, and obviously this also means the foundation is perfect for sallower types. It's probably going to suit the less oily of skins but if you are combination I would definitely try it. It's going to set you back about €45.
The texture of Armani's Luminous Silk foundation is just gorgeous and its finish is radiant. This is the one you want if you are going for that dewy, healthy glow (isn't everyone?!). It should suit most skin types and there is a great range of shades, including ones that are targeted at pink undertones (very typical of Celtic skin). Again the coverage is medium but buildable if you want to add more. It costs €43.
MAC foundations are underrated. Above is the Mineralize formulation which is suited to more dehydrated skin that's looking to appear invigorated. The finish is similar to the Armani above but it possssibly has more longevity depending on your skin type. Quite reasonably priced too at €36.50. Stock up if you or anyone you know is going to the US. The price-point there is around what we'd pay for L'Oreal in Boots!
Above is MAC Studio Fix Fluid which is for oilier skin types. I wore this for years until my skin changed. It's got lots of powder in it so when it sets it doesn't slip. In fact I'd nearly go as far to say that this is the only foundation you'll need if you suffer from oily skin. Set it with MAC's Blot Powder and it won't go anywhere!
Makeup Forever is another brand that has an array of foundations. They've plenty of newer, sexier formulations like HD so you're "photo ready". For me though, the original Face & Body is the best. It has quite a funny texture. Watery, but it won't trickle. In my experience, it's best applied with fingers because its consistency means you get a lot of brush strokes when using your makeup tools. 35 squids for this one.
This is the foundation I'm currently using and I can't get enough of it. Behold Yves Saint Laurent Teint Touche Eclat!
For me this is THE ONE. It's silky, it smells like cucumber, it applies like a dream with either fingers or a brush, and it's the only one that dries to an almost invisible finish on me. I have very dehydrated skin (as opposed to dry) even though I have enlarged pores from my teenage years. This is the only foundation I've found that doesn't "sit" in them, or leave me with a dry skin affect. I almost look forward to putting this on in the morning! It costs about €40 but I think it's worth every penny!
(BTW do you like my nails? More details on the manicure I had coming soon!)
Ok so I know I said I don't do budget but there is one that technically fits into the bracket, albeit at the upper end. I've included it because it's brilliant, it's only €18 AND because it's from Boots it means you can work up to getting it for free on your loyalty card, or get money off with the vouchers they dish out several times a year.
My sister is using this at the moment and loves it. It comes out of the bottle very watery, but goes on well. The coverage is quite sheer so you will definitely need to use it with a concealer for problem areas. Emma's also the type who's makeup slides right off her skin, but she's found this stays put. A little goes a long way AND its fuss free packaging means it can easily be tossed into the handbag!
So there ya have it. Technically 7 foundations because I grouped MAC together and added a budget version for those of you who are cash-strapped! But hopefully you will find something that works for you.
Don't forget to ask for samples at the makeup counter. You need to road test foundation for at least a day so you know if it wears well. If you're spending the money, you want to know it's the right foundation before committing, right?
Will you be trying any of these, or have you already? Any ones that you'd recommend yourselves?
@AideenFinnegan
