There is nothing worst than buying foundation. Every month there is a new 'miracle' foundation out and there is nothing more I want than for it to be my holy grail face saver. The only trouble is finding the right texture for the skin type, the right coverage, the right lasting power and ultimately the right shade.
Growing up on drug store products as a little Chinese girl, it was hell finding a foundation! All we had back then was pink based tones more suitable for the majority of western faces. How on earth could they ignore, that the colour spectrum of all women, including white! Many of my girlfriends have yellow undertones and even if they didn't, they preferred it because yellow neutralises pinkiness! Luckily for me, the foundation market has improved, now I want it to improve for those with darker skin tones. Are you listening, beauty industry?
I have Four foundations on my beauty table. The others are hidden away in my beauty drawers therefore they are eliminated for review (for now) as I probably hid them for a reason.
I have dehydrated skin with a slight oiliness in my tzone. For reference wise, my skin varies between MAC Nc20-25.
MAC Studio Sculpt (NC25) Loreal Lumi Maagique (DW3) Bourjois Healthy Mix (52) Estee Lauder Double Wear (Sandy)
Without flash. Foundations in the order of above picture
With flash.
Mac Studio Sculpt. What they say...
Gel based, Water resistant, Satin finish, Hydrating and Medium to high coverage.
What I say...
Good coverage but does however cake if skin is not in prime condition. Although it is gel based and it should be light, it feels slightly heavy. I also find this more matte than satin finish, it's not completely matte but can be trouble for dehydrated to dry skin. This is the reason why I wouldn't consider it a buildable foundation, the more you use, the more you cake.
Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation. What they say...
Infuses skin with a ray of light, illuminating your complexion. Perfect coverage without masking.
What I say...
This foundation is a no for me. It feels greasy and it has very little lasting power. This is not a foundation for this summers heat wave!It gives a medium coverage, I don't think this a buildable product, as it would make the face way too greasy. I feel it is also quite a heavy formula despite the coverage. This foundation is also too dark for me. I would say on the MAC spectrum it's Nc30+.
Bourjois Healthy Mix. What they say...
Vitamin enriched, Gel texture, Flawless coverage, Undetectable coverage, Lasts 16 hours.
What I say...
I bought it this morning, so I have no idea how long it lasts but it has held up pretty well so far. Coverage is perfect is light medium and I believe it can be buildable because it blends so well and doesn't cake. Doesn't oxidise and makes my skin look natural. Recommend. (Nc20)
Estee Lauder Double Wear. What they say...
Make up stays in place despite heat and humidity. It doesn't change colour and feels light weight and comfortable.
What I say...
It is so light and watery but provides good coverage. It does cake but only slightly for dry skin. I use this, when I know I'm going to be out all day. I really like it put application is difficult without a pump. (Between Nc20 &25)
