I’ve been testing several foundations over the last few months, desperately trying to find the best one for me and the ones that I’m willing to recommend to my readers. And I’ve found a few, actually! Plus I’ve found some that I didn’t love, and some that I’d still like to try that folks have told me about along the way – both high and low end. Read on for my favorite foundation recommendations!
WINNER:
MAKEUP FOREVER ULTRA HD INVISIBLE COVER STICK FOUNDATION: So far, this has been my favorite foundation ever of all time. And everyone I know who uses the Makeup Forever HD Stick loves it, too. The coverage is truly fantastic and buildable, which I really need because I have so many acne scars – both texturally and tonally. A stick foundation is a new thing for me, and I’ve learned that you don’t apply the stick directly to your face – if you do, it can be chunky and uneven. Instead, I apply it with a foundation brush and then rub it in with a beauty blender or an ‘airbrushing’ brush. Most importantly, there are 15 shades of the HD stick, which is significantly more than most lines offer.
RUNNER UP:
STOWAWAY COSMETICS RADIANT COMPLEXION BB CREAM: I’ve screamed my love for Stowaway Cosmetics to the high heavens on at least two occasions, and I’m not afraid to do it again. This brand has truly nailed it on quality AND size. Remember, they are the right-sized cosmetics company that gives you great products in small sizes. The BB Cream covers thoroughly and is best spread over your face with a damp Beauty Blender sponge. Oh and don’t even get me started on how fabulous the Creaseless Concealer is. IT IS THE BEST!!
DIDN’T LIKE:
TARTE RAINFOREST OF THE SEA WATER FOUNDATION: I was so excited about this one because the packaging is so beautiful and the Rainforest of the Sea line was released to a lot of blogger hype. But I didn’t like it, to be honest. The coverage wasn’t enough for me and it was too liquid-y to apply in a way that was easy. It came with a brush that soaked up all the product, too. Funny thing is – I ended up LOVING the brush (above) when paired with the Makeup Forever HD Foundation Stick!
DR. JART+ BLACK LABEL DETOX BB BEAUTY BALM: I’ve been using this Dr. Jart+ BB Beauty Balm off and on for years, depending on whether I was in a good skin cycle or a bad one. It supposedly has tons of benefits including SPF, anti-aging, moisturizing, mattifying, pore-reducing, acne-improvement, redness-reducing, and the list goes on…but to be honest, I can’t count on this to do it’s job unless my skin is doing well. If I’m broken out, this is not the right product for me. It also makes my skin have a chalky cast, so I think I’ll abandon this for now.
WANT TO TRY HIGH END:
ARMANI MAESTRO AND LIQUID SILK FOUNDATION: One of my dear friends recommended this to me when I announced I was on a quest to find the right foundation. I haven’t had the chance to try it yet, but I’ve recently tried Armani Lip Maestro and LOVED it, so this line is definitely on my list to try next. She suggested the Maestro is lightweight with buildable coverage and the Liquid Silk is more reflective and will last longer. Can’t wait to try!
WANT TO TRY LOW END:
L’OREAL INFALLIBLE PRO MATTE & PRO GLOW FOUNDATION: I’ve seen this line everywhere lately and have heard really great things. I’m thrilled about that since you can find it at any drugstore and the price is right. The only thing I struggle with when it comes to drugstore face makeup is matching the right shade to my skin. I tend to buy higher end makeup because I can have a professional help me find the right color, so I’ll have to do some research on how to get the best fit and report back!
DON’T FORGET PRIMER!!!
HOURGLASS VEIL MINERAL PRIMER: And finally, you absolutely cannot apply your foundation without a primer. It’s like greasing a pan, or wearing underwear. You have to do it. And this is hands down the best primer I’ve ever tried ever! I love the mattifying and silky feeling it gives, and it really does provide a smooth base for the foundation to glide right over. I’ve actually written about it twice, too. Like I said, primer is CRITICAL for successful foundation application. Don’t you forget it.
P.S. Read my original Stowaway Cosmetics product review post, as well as my Best Red Lipsticks post and my first Life Lately post where I originally talked about Hourglass Primer plus my Summer to Fall Makeup Routine where I feature the HD stick and the primer!
P.P.S. Am I missing any other foundations?! Tell me in the comments below! I’d love to try them.
