Checked my mail this morning, more new request of foundation what to buy? recommendation? review? along with old pending msgs with the same request. I decided to do what I figure, I could do best. Review products I own & tried. Brace yourself this is one long post.
Disclaimer: I am not "claiming to be a makeup guru". NOT a Trained makeup artist. Everything seen here is bought with Our own money. The Sis & I have used these products and these are the reviews based off our experience with the product.
Our skin type : Dry & Sensitive. I'm a sheer to medium coverage girl, depending on the occasion & how my skin is at that time. While The Sis likes medium coverage.
Chanel (HG)
Pro lumiere: My Favourite. Discontinued(I shed a big lumpy tear). Decided to write a letter to Chanel (I take my foundations seriously). Then. I stocked up on one more. Now I feel like I should have bought Two. Medium-Full Coverage. Although it claims to have a semi-matte finish. I find that on my skin it has a Dewy/Wet, Satiny finish. Perfect for my Dry Skin. Would not recommend on Oily skin or Combination, may cause break out. Photographs well although it has SPF 15. Lasts all day.
Vita Lumiere: Ideal for Winter. For dry skin, mature skin. Sheer/Light coverage. Natural look & Satin finish. Filled with moisture. Not for normal or oily skin. May cause breakout. Again photographs well given it has a SPF 15. Not long lasting.
Perfection Lumiere: Newest foundation in town. Still figuring this one out. Goes on very smoothly. Matte finish. I apply loads of moisturizer before applying this. Else, I feel like it just sits on your skin without blending in. Also noticed it works best with a primer base. Not for people that like dewy finish. More updates,in a month or so.
Chanel Tient Innonence: Discontinued. Another loss. SPF12. Again photographs well. Radiant glow with Medium coverage. All Skin types. Long lasting. Regret not stocking up on this one.
Vita Lumiere Aqua: Everyday Favourite. Similar to Vitalumiere but gives you more coverage. Tip: Shake well, again shake really well before use. NOT Waterproof although the name might seem misleading to some. Lasts all day IF set with powder. Again has SPF 15, but still Photographs well. Normal to Dry skin. Medium to bulidable coverage.
Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte: Light coverage, so this works more as a finishing powder for me, perfect for touch ups (its always in my bag). Ideal for hunies that have beautiful skin but just want a matte finish. Not for people that want a lot of coverage. All skin types.
Thats the review of my Chanel foundations. I know some of them are discontinued. But I raved about them anyway, just incase Chanel (no offence) decides to Wise up and bring the line out again.
Tip: When it comes to Chanel foundation a little goes a long way. One pump is all you need. Also read the instruction before use if it says Shake before Use. Then. Shake.
Other Foundations
Nars Sheer Glow: Above Barcelona(darker shade) for summer and Punjab(Lighter shade) for winter. Although it claims to have sheer coverage. I feel the coverage is medium & buildable minus the cakeyness. Slighty dewy to Semi-matte finish. Photo-Friendly. Lasts all day. Normal to Dry skin. You can skip the powder. Recent Addition (23 oct 2011) I notice that Nars photgraphs the BEST even better than Chanel.
Makeup Forever Face & Body: First of all when you purchase this don't be frightened by the watery texture that makes it look like its gone bad. You have to shake REALLY well, before you use it. It is water based. I frequently use this on photoshoots. Light weighted, sheer but buildable coverage, mildy dewy finish, waterproof, longlasting, lovely consistency but mostly looks Very Natural. For the Face& Body. All skin types.
Bobbi Brown Luminous moisturising foundation: It contains lavender so not for people that have allergic reactions to lavender or ragweed. Medium coverage, luminous, satin finish. For Mature & Dry skin. Not for Combination, normal or oily skin.
Tinted Moisturizers
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (Illuminator): White tube. Mix it with your foundation or apply as a base. Ladies that have flawless skin, apply on moisturised face and walk out for a warm skin kissed glow. Not for people that don't like Shimmer. SPF20
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: Comes in a good selection of colors (for a tinted moisturizer) while moisturizing at the same time. Ideal for people with normal to dry, skin who need little coverage. Dewy & Natural finish. Perfect for Day wear. SPF20
Benefit You Rebel Tinted moisturizer: Shade Tinted. SPF15. For Dry skin only, very oily. Sheer coverage. It comes in another lighter shade. Would not buy it again. We use it on our legs.
MAC
Mac Select SPF15 Moisture Blend: Discontinued Try Mineralize foundation SPF15. Before Chanel this used to be my go-to everday foundation. Medium coverage, creamy texture. Ideal for dry skin.
MAC Select Sheer pressed powder: I use this to set my foundation with a powder brush. Ideal for hunies who have Oily skin or love a Matte finish. Can be worn alone over moisturizer for a matte finish. Medium coverage with sponge.
MAC Mineralize SPF 15 Foundation Loose: Purchased this recently. And I absolutely love it. I wear it alone over my sunscreen on days when I don't have time to spend applying foundation. I apply this with a Powder brush or Kabuki if I need more coverage, don't use the sponge applicator at all. Matte finish. Not too crazy about the packaging.
Did you know that use of mineral makeup overtime improves your skin too?
MAC Select moisture cover concealer: Ideal for use under-eye. Medium coverage. Creamy texture, which makes it easy to apply.
MAC Studio Sculpt concealer: It has a thick/creamy consistency and blends better when warmed. Also works better over a creamy eye cream, for the under eye areas. Heavy coverage. Ideal for chicas that have "panda eye" syndrome( late night out). Also works well in concealing other belmishes. Longlasting.
We heart MAC Cosmetics. Quality plus Affordable. Wide selection of color. Also you can always go back and return/exchange a product. Even if its used. Granted you have the receipt. I collect thier Mineralize Skin Finish. And their Limited ed products are our weakness.
Thats it for today. I hope this post was helpful. Keep in mind that every skin-type is different, what works for me may not work for you. So before you run out and purchase a $55 bottle of foundation. Try a sample first. How to get samples? You can walk into any Sephora, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth and ask for a sample, in two different shades, or different brands if you are not sure. Don't worry they won't say NO.
The reason I don't use drugstore foundation is because they don't have testers. I tend to spend the equal if not more amount of $$ on Trial & Error proccess.
Next post: Primer, Setting Powder, Application Brushes & Techniques.
Ciao for now
Bisou Bisou
Lhenzi
