Tried and Tested: Foundation For Every Occasion

I think we can all agree that Winter is officially here, and while this means we can look forward to Bonfire Night, snow days and of course Christmas, it also means that cold weather, combined with central heating, can make skin look really dull and lifeless. 

This makes it even more important then to get the perfect foundation for flawless skin. 

Now the search for the perfect foundation is something that most girls, myself included, spend YEARS on! If you haven't yet found THE ONE don't worry! Whether you like to look like a natural beauty, or you want full coverage for that airbrushed finish, I've done all the legwork for you and picked 3 foundations that are ideal for whichever look you prefer. 

The Naturally Radiant Look:

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow- £24.50

The current trend for foundations seems to be 'brightening' or 'radiant' and while this sounds amazing, more often than not it ends up being code for 'shiny', and I don't know about you but that is NOT the look I'm going for! 

This foundation is totally different because although it is marketed as 'brightening makeup' it is also oil-free so it just gives a beautiful healthy glow, with zero shine.

With a buildable coverage, it's easy to take this foundation from day to night, and the clever ingredients mean it is really good for your skin.

Containing vitamins, minerals and a peptide, the coverage actually plumps the skin for an anti-ageing effect, as well as boosting cellular respiration and stimulating cell renewal, meaning skin looks revitalised and fresh.

Rather than containing oil, this foundation actually contains sea water instead, which means it feels much lighter on the skin, and hydrates any dry areas without adding shine to the T-Zone.

Another thing that is really important to me is sun protection, so the fact that this foundation contains SPF25 and PA+++ protection means it is brilliant for everyday use, and I can relax knowing that my skin is protected.

One thing I have found with this foundation is that when applying, it goes on really well using a powder brush rather than a foundation brush, to buff the product on for a naturally airbrushed look.

The Look That Lasts All Day:

Clarins Everlasting Foundation- £24.00

Firstly I would like to apologise for the state of the bottle in the photo, at least you can see that I really like this foundation as I've almost used it all!

This is a full-coverage foundation so it gives a really flawless finish, without feeling like you're wearing a caked on mask. It gives a matte finish but unlike some matte finishes, it is easy to blend and goes on smoothly.

This product is advertised as staying in place for 15 hours, and it really does what it says on the tin. Although I would need to touch up with powder during the day, I never need to apply more foundation when I wear this product. Containing SPF 15 and marketed as an anti-ageing foundation, this is suitable  for all skin types. It also comes in a decent range of colours to suit most skintones.

The Full Coverage Look:

Estee Lauder Double Wear- £27.50

Double Wear is pretty much the queen of foundations! It gives a completely full coverage, literally nothing is getting through this baby! While it's never going to be ideal for someone who likes a light, natural finish, for anyone who wants a hardworking foundation that is going to stay on for 15 hours and still look amazing, this is the one.

I personally think you cannot beat Double Wear for a night-out look, it stays in place all night without smudging or going patchy, and it just gives amazing coverage. 

This product is oil-free and fragrance-free, giving a totally matte finish. It works best when applied over a primer as otherwise it can be difficult to blend if you don't do it quickly enough.

With 30 shades to choose from, in categories of warm, cool and neutral, you never have to compromise to find your perfect match.

One thing I will say is that you can definitely feel this foundation on your skin, to give that level of coverage though it was never going to feel lightweight, and although I don't mind this, I can see how it might put people off who don't usually wear a lot of foundation.

With SPF 10 you still get some sun protection, and this foundation is also dermatologist-tested and non-acnegenic.

Let me know if you try any of these foundations, or if you would add any others to my list.

Take care and have a brilliant week,

Alex 

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