According to the folk over at google, make-up terms such as ‘best foundations for oily skin’ and ‘how to do an HD brow’ are now rivalling searches like ‘good restaurants nearby’ and ‘supermodels with spots’ (apparently rising up the search ranks – good God).
I know this not only because a woman at google told me so yesterday, but also because my desk is increasingly peppered with new make-up launches promising ever better results. The whole thing is seductive: who wouldn’t want ‘perfected luminous skin’ or ‘instant sleep in a bottle’? But foreplay without follow through is no good to you is it? This is where I come in with my testy testing.
As far as base goes, there’s no trend happening at the moment: the vibe in the industry is liberation from expectation in this area: it’s your skin, wear it as you will. If I could have a say in how you’re going to look, though, I’d like to steer you towards a flirt with glow. This means well-hydrated, healthy skin before you apply base. Get one of these, then jump into one of these…
Urban Decay B6 Vitamin-Infused Complexion Prep Spray / To date, none of Urban decay’s base efforts have grabbed me – I consider them to be a brand who make cracking make-up but fall down a little on the skincare thing. I continue to sit on the fence after trialling this spray – on the one hand it is refreshing and the salicylic acid and omission of oil does make it a good option for skin that’s greasy come 4pm; on the other hand, the second ingredient is alcohol. On balance, my advice would be to get this if you wear foundation and want to give it a boost without exacerbating shininess during the afternoon. Don’t use it as a skin ‘drink’.
Clinique Chubby In The Nude Foundation Stick launches here on the 15th of April / / I’m also slightly torn on this launch. On the upside, it’s ideal for slinging in a handbag for touch-ups, it doubles as a concealer as it’s mighty enough to conceal serious blemishes, blends easily with (clean, please) fingers, and it comes in 10 colours so there’s sure to be one for you. The downside is that it’s just a touch chalky on the skin and would therefore be a wrong ‘un for anyone whose skin isn’t on the oily side of things.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation SPF 20 / Oh I had to give myself a good talking to before I started writing this review because I am completely and utterly obsessed with this foundation. Obsession isn’t a very sound place from which to offer advice so I’ve tried to dial it down…
See the above swipe on my hand? That’s unblended; this stuff really looks like skin when on. Very liquidy, so I’d recommend finger application, patting over areas that need extra coverage. The finish is semi-matte, which in my book means: ‘like skin that’s healthy with regulated oil production’. That skin is the dream, isn’t it? That’s why I’m dotty for this one. That, and the fact that it doesn’t mysteriously disappear throughout the course of the day.
Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation / Becca make skin look good. That’s their thing. The latest launch doesn’t disappoint if yours only needs a little souping up: this lightweight, water-based formula imparts sheer coverage with some serious luminosity. This would also be great on skin that’s slightly uneven in texture or dry/wrinkly as it doesn’t sit and pool in recesses but rather just throws a veil over them. A word on shade: these oxidise slightly so try before you buy or, if buying online, just go a shade lighter than you’d usually be.
Givenchy Mr Radiant Primer Fresh Face Smoothing Base / Remember when I banged on about the Givenchy primers in this post? Well, they’ve upped their game. This new primer is designed to do the same thing (make skin look fresh and healthed-up) but they’ve thrown a bunch of beige and pink microbeads in so it works its magic on paler skin now, too.
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