5 Foundations – Tried and Tested

1) NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in ‘Mont Blanc’ – £31

Although I am now running low of this, I absolutely love this foundation and how easy it is to blend and the dewy, healthy glow it gives. Despite the lightweight formula, the foundation provides medium coverage and lasts all day, however as a self-confessed serial face toucher, it sometimes looks patchy if I accidently rub or touch my face during the day. Using a powder helps to prevent this and it still looks radiant, however, personally, I prefer the finish without powder. My only other criticism would be that I dislike the lid as it doesn’t fit properly (something I know other bloggers have mentioned before) and the fact you have to purchase a separate foundation pump *rolls eyes*. Although if you have normal to dry skin and like a natural, healthy, glowy finish, this foundation will be perfect for you.

2) MAC Mineralise Moisture Foundation SPF 15 in ‘NW15’ – £29

I haven’t actually used this in a while, but it is very similar to NARS sheer glow. The finish is super dewy and brightening, which is amazing when you haven’t had much sleep! The coverage is much lighter than NARS foundation and I found it to be a little difficult to build up, which isn’t ideal after a break out and therefore requires very high coverage concealer underneath. In terms of packaging, I love the matte finish on the bottle and that the pump is built in to the lid (take note NARS!) however it isn’t the best design for travel due to my over-paranoia that my foundation will leak all over my makeup bag. However this is an amazing lightweight, brightening formula especially if you have dry skin or for the winter season.

3) Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation in ‘Porcelain’ – £32.50

I purchased this on impulse in John Lewis after running out of my MAC Mineralise and I just wanted a foundation with a little heavier coverage. Although it provides medium to full coverage and lives up to its ‘Long-Wear’ name, it isn’t anywhere near as dewy as the NARS or MAC formulas and provides more of a matte finish rather than brightening. I think this foundation is perfect for those who prefer a medium coverage, matte finish however personally I prefer a more luminous look.

Without Flash

With Flash

4) MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in ‘NC25’ – £26

This is my go to ‘after fake-tanning foundation’ as it is two shades darker than my natural skin tone and therefore is usually the perfect match after I’ve tanned or been on holiday.  However, I will admit this foundation is my least favourite of the bunch. The formula is much thicker and provides much higher coverage than any of the others, which I find makes it difficult to blend and sometimes, looks cakey if you use too much. This foundation would be great for those who like high coverage foundations as it does cover up all imperfections and it does last all day long, however I dislike the slightly matte finish and the lack of glow it gives.

5) L’Oreal Paris Lumi Magnique Foundation in ‘Rose Pearl’ – £10.99

Despite this foundation being the cheapest out of those I own, it is actually my current favourite. I have read many reviews that say that this is the drugstore dupe of  NARS Sheer Glow Foundation which I can understand as it is dewy and glowy,  however I actually think it is more reminiscent of MAC Mineralise. It provides a much lighter coverage than NARS’ however it gives the same radiating glow and natural look that both the more expensive NARS and Mac ones do. My only criticism would be that this foundation sets pretty quickly and therefore if you aren’t quick to blend it, it can look patchy and require further application (such a pain when you are in a rush!) The packaging is also not as nice and lower quality than its rivals however for £20 cheaper, it isn’t bad. All in all, this is a great drugstore dupe and an amazing product for the price.

What is your favourite foundation?

Kathryn x