dewymatt fullcoverage the perfectbase

Hey everyone,

Hope you are enjoying my beauty blogs. This blog is about foundations and tinted moisterisers. I wrote this before I discovered the amazing Garnier BB Cream so make sure you read that blog for information about that fantastic product.

Right then, much like my obsession with finding the perfect exfoliator, I have spent 10 years looking for the perfect foundation. Im going to be honest right now and say that sadly, there is no perfect one. What I have discovered over the years is that, mixing different foundations, different shades, different coverage with different tinted moisturisers can make a perfect base. I have also found that changing your foundation every 6 - 12 months also helps as if you use the same one for too long you begin to stop noticing a difference to your skin, so have a try of different ones.

I need to point out too that I have quite dry skin, so many of the products that work for may may not work for someone with say, oily skin. However,  do not fret after 10 years of trying and testing I have figured out some good foundations for different skin types.

I also need to point out that although a lot of products and tips I use are cheap and work, however, when it comes to makeup, in particular foundations, I am afraid that you buy cheap, you buy twice. When it comes to makeup, your foundation creates a base, one which needs to be as near to flawless as possible. Blushers, bronzers, etc only highlight your features. So if you are going to invest in some good makeup, make SURE it is your foundation.

Now I have got that out the way, I am going to start with telling all you girlies what I am using currently and what I like about it.

Having always been a lover of Chanel, Dior and Lancome when it comes to make up, I had never had much time for products from MAC, Clinique etc. However, I was in Debenhams a few months ago and a beautiful shop assistant working at MAC had really perfect, flawless skin and I had to ask her what she used. She introduced me to Studio Sculpt which she said she was using. I was dubious at first as it seemed so thick, and I am not a fan of Matt foundations due to the fact I have quite dry skin. It took her a while to find the right shade for my skin, which is also a problem to be faced when buying foundations. Make sure you try before you buy. The assistants at any beauty counter are more than happy to help you out and find the right shade. The last thing you need is to spend £25 on a foundation, get it home and find it makes you look like an orange.

The shade I went for was N15 and the foundation was £23. There are 23 shades to choose from, so do make sure you try them. MAC is great for darker skin tones too as there shades are super varied.

I've got to admit, I love this foundation. It gives great coverage and stays on for hours, however I do find it a bit matt so I tend to mix it with a more dewy foundation ; a fave of mine Chanel Vitalumiere, Satin Smoothing Fluid Foundation. This stuff is a God send and makes your skin look like you've got barely no makeup on, and gives such a dewy, glowy finish. However, on it's own I find it comes off quite quickly and doesn't give much coverage which is not unusual for fluid type makeup. So mix this with a Matt finish foundation for full coverage and a dewy glow. Best of both worlds.

N.B. If you have oily skin, it is best not to use dewy, fluid type foundations as they will slide of your skin in seconds and make your oil prone bits to look even more greasy. Stick to using just Matt finishes such as the MAC Studio Sculpt.

Another great Matt, full coverage foundation is Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. I do love this product but find it leaves me with quite a 'cakey' finish. this is not good for people with dry skin as it will dry your skin out even more and show up your dry bits! I also found that this foundation was very thick, I guess thats why it stays on all day, which it does, but I prefer using it for a night out rather than day time as it really is very thick and Matt. It gives great coverage, and is ideal for people who work all day and need their makeup to stay in place, have oily skin or have blemishes or scars that they wish to cover up. For people with dry skin that want full coverage, and that 'doesn't budge' factor then mix this foundation with a dewy, satin finish like I discussed above. Mixing really does work.

A foundation I stumbled across and I really did get on with was Clinique Even Better foundation. Totally love this foundation. Great for all skin types, full coverage, keeps dry skin hydrated and oil skin at bay! The reason I stopped using this was down to what I said earlier, I never keep the same foundation for more than 6-12 months as I stop seeing an affect. I tend to go back to old foundations and keep them on rotation over the years as once you've found ones you like, it is hard to let go.

I am also loving Dior .... at the moment. It smells lovely and gives great coverage. It is Matt but also gives quite a light, dewy effect on your skin. I mix it with Studio Sculpt and get a perfect result.

Another foundation which I use a lot is Lancome Teint Idole Ultra ,which is oil free so great for oiler skin types. Which is probably why I don't use it too often, as I need to mix it with a tinted moisteriser or a lighter foundation. It is really light and creamy and gives you full coverage but I find it comes off during the day, so you may need to reapply this one!

These are the best foundations on the market at the moment, but remember with foundation, it is very personal. You have to try some out, find the right shade for your skin and mix and match to get a perfect result. Every skin is different and every preference is different. So try different matt ones, different lighter ones and see which you prefer. And remember to MIX.

Which leads me nicely to my next 2 products which I love love love to mix with my foundations if I find my skin needs some extra moisture or if I want to lighten up a Matt look.

Tinted moistrisers are great for so many different things. If you are blessed with perfect skin ( i hate you) and want something just to add a hint of colour and coverage then tinted moisturisers are your best bet.

If you are on holiday and want something just to add a bit of oomph to your skin on the beach or for dinner in the evenings, then tinted moisturisers are great for that.

And if, like me you have dry skin and/or like mixing foundations then they are also fab for that!

The two I have used for years are Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. The Laura Mercier one is more of a lightweight coverage than the Bobbi Brown one but they are both amazing. I use one or the other on their own or mix them with my foundation for extra moisture and illumination. If I had to choose a favourite it would be the Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer!


****I have just just just bought the BRAND spanking new Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation which was only launched this week! It is long lasting yet fluid so brill for all those dry skin's out there! Will let you all know if it is any good!!!*****

All the foundations and tinited moisturisers I have reviewed include SPF 15 which is a must these days!

I hope this post has helped people! Remember to try different ones, change them regularly, find the right shade and mix different ones!


Hope you have enjoyed this post if you have any questions on any foundations I have tried in the past as I really have tried them all then just contact me and I will give you as much advice as I can.

Look out for a little one on my favourite concealers coming soon!!!

xxxxxx