Just like everything else in life, a good makeup look starts with a great foundation. One of the most common questions I get asked is what skin and makeup products I use. Well first I have to say that my parents passed down some pretty great genetics to me, my mom seems truly ageless and sometimes looks like my kid sister. But before you can even think about about makeup you’ve got make sure you’re taking good care of skin. Not that anyone’s skin will ever be perfect, but it helps to treat it well. And I don’t mean spending excess amounts on potions and serums that promise unrealistic results, but do remember to wash your face every night and do a mask every now and again. I’ll go more into skincare later.
Okay, so back to foundation. I have tried it ALL! From drugstore to high end. I feel like I have left no corner unscathed. I have been on the search for the best foundation for my skin and am willing to test out anything. While on this search, I’ve realized that not all foundations are created equal. My qualifications for an excellent foundation are as follows:
1. Packaging- is it easily dispensed, does it close with ease, is it not too bulky?
2. Blendability- I’m not sure if this is a word but basically how well does it blend into my skin and with the other products I will use.
3. Shade Range- is it available in a wide array of colors from deepest deep to fairest fair.
4. Texture- How does it feel on my skin? Does it feel heavy? Cakey? Light? Smooth?
5. Finish- How does my skin look after it has been applied. Dry? Dewy? Oily?
So, as you can see I am pretty picky. I want a foundation that is easy to use, blends well, is available in a variety of shades, feels pretty weightless on my skin and makes me look dewy and natural. Just a few requirements. Here are my favorites at the moment and ones I always like to keep on hand!
1. Best For All Day – Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation- this is a makeup kit stable for me. I always come back to this full coverage foundation no matter what. It does exactly what it’s name says and stays in place and blends well with other products. The only downside for me is that it sometimes is a bit too drying and I have to mix shades. I wear the shade 6W1 in Sandalwood.
2. Best Glow– Too Faced Born This Way Foundation- this is another makeup bag stable. I really have no cons for this full coverage foundation. I love how smoothly it goes on, the variety of shades it is available in and the glow it gives me. Too Faced may be my favorite makeup brand but don’t quite me on that! I wear the shade Hazelnut.
3. Best High End: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation- Okay, so this will definitely cost you a pretty penny but oh my goodness is it worth it. It is a buildable medium coverage foundation, that leaves your skin looking like your skin but better! I wear the shade Medium Deep 25.
4. Best From a Clean Brand: Beautycounter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation. This is a great product! It gives a nice amount of coverage and leaves your skin looking dewy and fresh. Beautycounter has a commitment to putting the best ingredients into their products so that’s an additional bonus! I wear the shade Chestnut.
5. Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24 Hour Foundation- This foundation is a great dupe for the Estée Lauder and Too Faced Foundation. I would say this is a buildable medium coverage foundation and it blends out like a dream. I like to use this foundation on a daily basis but I also like to keep it as a backup foundation in case one of my others is empty. It’s also great if you forget to pack your makeup on vacation and need to run to a drugstore for a quick pickup. I wear the shade 525.
I hope this helps you on your journey to find your next foundation. Leave a comment below with your favorite foundation at the moment and why you like it!
xo,
Carmen