touch base with the latest foundations BEAUTY:
If it’s been a while since you reviewed your choice of foundation, it could be time to take a look at the new improved versions now available, says Megan Bedford.
Foundations have evolved dramatically over the past five years. Advanced new formulations offer a handful of benefits over and above simple complexion coverage so it’s worth reevaluating if your tried and true favourite is still your best option.
CONSIDER YOUR SKIN TYPE. IS IT DRY, OILY OR COMBINATION?
IF IT’S DRY: Look for one that offers extra hydration and glow-inducing properties.
IF IT’S OILY: Avoid any overly dewy finishes; the new long-wear offerings are your best bet.
IF IT’S COMBINATION: Go for lightweight formulas that adjust to your needs, controlling midday shine without looking flaky and dry by 3pm.
FINISH IS EVERYTHING: Are you looking for a sheer, lightweight product that you can apply just where you feel you need a bit of smoothing, or do you like full coverage colour that instantly conceals redness and imperfections? Are you comfortable applying liquid with a foundation brush or would a stick or a compact and sponge you can blend in with your fingers suit you better?
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY: The upside of buying a higher-end brand is that generally cosmetics counter staff will offer to colour-match your skin tone, as well as sending you home with one or two samples, so you can try them at home. If you are doing an in-store swatch, try the foundation on a neutral area like the lower area of your cheek near your jawline. Check it in natural light. Look for the shade that almost disappears.
1 FULL COVERAGE BEST FOR: NORMAL TO OILY SKIN
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation, $86.
Smooth and blendable with excellent coverage, this formulation reliably controls shine and stays matte without looking flat.
2 LIGHT AS A FEATHER BEST FOR: ALL SKIN TYPES
Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh Makeup, $69. After a “no make-up” look? This new version of reliable favourite Double Wear has the same lasting power but with a fresher feel and more realistic “skin-like” finish.
3 SHINE CONTROL BEST FOR: OILY SKIN
Clarins Pore Perfecting Matifying Foundation, $64. Natural clay helps keep shine at bay by controlling sebum production, while the smoothing properties blur lines and pores.
4 PARCHED COMPLEXIONS BEST FOR: ALL SKIN TYPES
DB Cosmetics Luminous Hydrating Foundation, $25. Powerful hydration and a seriously dewy, youthful glow is yours thanks to moisture miracle worker hyaluronic acid and miniscule lightreflecting pigments.
5 GLOW GIVER BEST FOR: NORMAL TO DRY, DULL SKIN
YSL Touché Éclat All-In-One Glow Foundation, $92. Healthy, hydrated skin that looks glowy, not greasy, is yours with this newbie that’s easy to vary from spot coverage to a full face.
6 FOOLPROOF LOOSE COLOUR BEST FOR: NORMAL SKIN
Revlon Mineral Powder Makeup, $42. Swirl over skin with a dense fluffy brush for weightless, velvety, uniform coverage that slowly builds and doesn’t look as dry and cakey as other powder finishes.
7 WEEKEND WEAR BEST FOR: ALL SKIN TYPES
Shiseido Synchro Skin Tinted Gel Cream, $70. An innovative adaptive tinted gel, made of 65 per cent water, that glides on and magically adjusts to your skin tone, perfecting just enough while feeling light and clean.
8 AFFORDABLE ALL-ROUNDER BEST FOR: ALL SKIN TYPES
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation, $13. A surprisingly excellent formula that glides on and blends well, controlling oil and lasting the day, with the performance and feel of a product many times its price.
9 ON-THE-GO BEST FOR: NORMAL TO COMBINATION SKIN
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Makeup, $75. Convenient cream-to-powder perfection that’s easy to use and comes in a compact with a sponge and a decent sized mirror so you can apply or touch up anywhere.
10 AGE DEFYING BEST FOR: NORMAL TO DRY SKIN TONES
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Foundation, $43. Deals to the roll call of complexion challenges – like dryness, dullness and pigmentation that can come into play with advancing years – leaving skin fresh and natural-looking.
11 WORKOUT WEAR BEST FOR: ALL SKIN TYPES
CliniqueFIT Workout Makeup, $65. Even if you’re no gym bunny, those with active lifestyles will appreciate this sheer, skinfriendly formulation with impressively high SPF that won’t clog pores.
12 LONG WEARING BEST FOR: ALL SKIN TYPES
Dior Forever Undercover 24H Foundation, $92. A very fluid formulation with high pigment, meaning it feels comfortable on and covers everything swiftly and smoothly without budging all day – so there’s no need for powder.
SCULPT IN SECONDS
If you are one of the many women who find detailed contouring instructions confusing and offputting, try one of these quick and easy tips for adding structure to your face post-foundation.
l Dab a cream or stick blush on the back of your hand until it softens, then use your fingertips to blend it lightly onto cheeks (and lips, too, if you want to create a subtle co-ordinated look).
l Tap a liquid or cream highlighter onto the highest part of your cheekbones, brow bones and temples, and ensure there are no visible edges.
l Sweep a touch of matte bronzer slightly below cheekbones.