To run alongside my ‘Which Compact Foundation?’ post, it’s only fair that I give all foundations the same treatment. It’s an often-asked question – ‘What foundation would you recommend for *insert skin type/budget/friend’s name here*’ – so today I’m running through the top five that have survived the test of time in my stash and between them have every eventuality covered. Spanning the coverage spectrum, all price brackets and complexion concerns I think I’ve got just the ticket for you if you want a foundation pick…
For a purse-friendly price – Olivia Instant Waterproof Make-Up Stick* (I wear 5 Touch & Glow) – Rs.120. Olivia is a good place to start if you’re foundation scouting on a budget. The formulas are good quality, in a range of shades and most come in at around a hundred. The finish is their only downfall. A sheer-to-medium formula that lasts pretty well throughout the day and lets a hint of natural glow through all while looking natural and smelling bloody lovely – a good all-rounder, for all skin types.
For a full coverage finish – Lakme 9to5 Primer+Matte Powder Foundation* (I wear Silky Golden) – Rs.600. Yes, yes – I’m still harping on about this. When it comes to a full finish ‘covers blemishes, redness and the kitchen sink’ formulas, nothing delivers like this does. No cake, no tell-tale powder particles. In fact I can get nose up against a mirror with this and it’s still undetectable yet so damn covering. I’ll end the rave there, but if you fancy the full one click on.
For a sheer coverage finish – Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion Foundation* (I wear N27) – Rs.1500. A luminous finished formula, I’d say this is a good pick for all (giving that oily souls don’t mind a bit of glow), that when applied with the puff gives off a sheer coverage. It can be built up and I’ve got to touch on that packaging; it’s not the most luxe, but it’s compact and light meaning that whenever I pack my suitcase this is a regular traveler with me.
For an oily complexion – Colorbar Full Cover Makeup Stick (I wear Au Natural) – Rs.699. With matte textures only just beginning to make their comeback, finding a foundation formula that’s suited to oily skin can be a bit of a toughie. Though a sheen-producing complexion doesn’t mean to have to dump dewy completely. A good compromise is this from Colorbar (have a look here for a full review). One – it’s uber long wearing, like all day. Two – it gives a medium to full coverage. Three – it provides a satin-skin finish that allows a hint of illumination though without giving in to grease.
For a drier complexion – Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Air-Whipped Liquid Foundation (I wear B5) – Rs.700. I’m more of a oily gal myself, but I do suffer with the odd pesky dry patch and when things are a little dehydrated I opt for this product from Maybelline. Dewy enough to impart a glow on even my most parched epidermis episodes, without the cakeyness that can collect in arid areas; it gives a medium coverage that takes care of redness and any pesky pimples. Mature and dry skins, if you want a glow-giver then say hello this bottle.
A word of warning: this five may become six very soon as I finally managed to get my hands on that L’Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation that everyone’s waving their buffing brushes in the air going crazy for. I’ll keep you updated…
*PR Sample
