Back 2 Basics: Foundation Review

Foundations:  For me it is the backbone to my makeup routine.   Why would I say that?  Well as someone who has severe adult acne and hyperpigmentation, my foundations cover up the acne and the facial scars while I am treating them. This allows me to be a little less self-conscious about my facial imperfections and scaring.  I know not everyone has acne or hyperpigmentation but for me, foundations in the cosmetic product that started my love of makeup.   Here is a breakdown of all the foundations I own.  Please note that my reviews are coming from my perspective based on my skin type and conditions:  Oily / combo (during winter) skin type, adult acne, hyperpigmentation.

COVERGIRL QUEEN

This foundation clams to be 3-in-1: concealer, foundation and powder.    While I do add powder on top of it, if you are normal or dry I can see you going without powder.  I love the coverage and it is now my go to everyday foundation.   Current shade Q840 Almond Glow

• ·         Medium to full coverage
• ·         Price: $7-9 at Wal-Mart, Target and drugstores.  I tend to find them in urban areas but you can order online at drugstore.com.
• ·         Long wearing
• ·         Simi-matte/matte finish
• ·         Has a pump!!!!!
• ·         14 shades available
• ·         SPF 20
• ·         Designed for the darker skin tones.  For lighter skin tones check out CoverGirl’s Outlast.  Same clams but more lighter shades

MAKEUP FOREVER MAT VELVET+

This foundation is a shine controlling, oil-free, water-resistant and provides full coverage and of course a mat finish.  I feel that the coverage is medium and can be built up to full.  This foundation is one I tend to grad during the summer  or when I am going to be doing physical activity  or near water because is its water resistant.  Current Shade #70 Caramel & #75 Coffee

• ·         Medium to full coverage
• ·         Price: $36 at Sephora
• ·         Long wearing
• ·         Squeeze bottle
• ·         16 shades available
• ·         No SPF

BARE MINERALS

This foundation clams to even skin tone providing a flawless no-makeup look by diminishing the appearance of imperfections without drying out skin.  This foundation came very close to being my most hated.  I could not find the right shade and I have been in Sephora several times to exchange one shade for another trying to find my match.  I switch from original to Matt to try and controls the oil slick I call my face and I could not get the coverage I want.  I am not a fan of this foundation.  It would great on top of my liquid foundations as a powder but for me it just did not cover my hyperpigmentation the way liquid could. 

·         Two formulas with over 35 shades

·         Sifter in container to shake out amount desired

·         Price: $24 - $36 depending where you get it and if it’s in a combo set

MAYBELLINE FIT ME STICK FOUNDATION

This oil-free stick foundation has an anti-shine core that is supposed to keep you shine free with light to medium coverage.  Reality:  Great for individual who are normal to dry with little to no skin imperfections.  If you are oily and/or have lots of skin blemishes you will hate this foundation.  I purchased shade 340 Cappuccino.

• ·         Light coverage only!!
• ·         Price: $5-7
• ·         2-4 coverage before product shifted, faded became noticeable
• ·         No SPF
• ·         12 shades

MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY FOUNDATION

Micro-Flex formula provides 24-hour wear and no transfer, stays on and looks naturally flawless all day.  Product is oil-free, heat and sweat resistant.  For me this foundation actually does what it clams.  It is one of my top 3 foundations and I love to mix it with other foundations that are not quite there.  One day I decided to mix this with Mat Velvet… OMG … AMAZING!!!  Current shade: 110 Caramel.

• ·         Medium to full coverage
• ·         Price: $7-9. 
• ·         Long wearing, transfer resistant and humidity resistant
• ·         Natural  finish
• ·         12 shades available
• ·         No SPF
• ·         NO PUMP

REVLON COLOR STAY & COLOR STAY WHIP

Per the Revlon site this foundation: Long wearing coverage with a lightweight formula that won’t cake, fade, or rub off. With Time Release Technology specifically formulated for combination or oily skin to control oil absorption and shine. Your look stays flawless throughout the day.  Until recently the ColorStay combination/oily foundation was my go to foundation. Current shade:  Caramel in both products.

• ·         Medium to full coverage
• ·         Price $7-8
• ·         Semi matte finish
• ·         Liquid foundation comes in 2 formulations with 20 shades per formulation. The whip version comes in 16 shades with Caramel being the darkest.
• ·         Liquid foundations – NO PUMP!!.   I am concerned about bacterial transfer with the whip.  I use a separate brush/makeup spatula to scoop foundation out.  Don’t like this aspect of the foundation.

MILANI POWDER FOUNDATION

Claim: A velvety-light, oil-free formula that applies with the ease of a lightweight powder, with the full-color coverage and wear of a liquid foundation. Skin looks and feels comfortable, never dry.  I like the coverage but it is hard to use.  I have tried using a sponge, brush and the provided applicator.  For me it works best as a powder (It could be amazing I just may not know how to do it right).  Current Shade:  06 Caramel

• ·         Currently using as a powder to set my liquid foundation.  When I tried to use it as a foundation it was light coverage.
• ·         Price $8-9
• ·         Natural finish
• ·         8 shades available

L'OREAL True Match

Claim: Makeup precisely matches your skin’s tone and texture.  This is a very liquidly foundation.  I love how they manufactures have the line divided into Cool, Warm and Natural shades.  The shade range is really good just wish it would cover more. Current shade: W8 Crème Café, N8 Cappuccino,

• ·         Light to medium coverage
• ·         Price $10 -13
• ·         Natural Finish
• ·         SPF 17
• ·         33 shades
• ·         No Pump!!!

Other Foundations I Have Tried But Not Featured Here:

Revlon Nearly Naked:  Light coverage, not buildable, 4 hours of coverage before needing to reapply, 16 shades, SPF- Would not purchase again.

Revlon PhotoReady: Light  - medium coverage,  Lots of shimmering particles ( you don’t notice it till you go outside) 6- 8 hour coverage time, has a pump, SPF 20, 12 shades – NO, did not like the shimmers in it.

Maybelline Fit Me:  light –medium coverage, 6 hours of coverage before I needed to touch up or reapply, 18 shades, SPF 18 – It was ok.  Would not purchase again.