So, I've been bombarded by several people lately regarding foundation. Questions like, "What's the best one?" "How much should I really spend?" "Does it even make a difference?" "Can I get away with discount store brands vs. department store brands?"
Let's start with the breakdown.
First and foremost, your foundation is the KEY element (say it with me) to your ENTIRE face. My grandfather always used to say, "You have to have a firm foundation." He wasn't talking about makeup, but it's still true nonetheless. Bad foundation=bad makeup job. Period!
So how do you determine what's good and bad? That's what I'm about to tell you. Take notes, ladies, because this is important.
If you are between the ages of 11 and 20 then you can pull off discount store foundation without a lot of hassle. Is it the best foundation you can buy? Heck no, far from it actually, but these are the years you're just honing your skills so you can get away with it. Best choices would be: Covergirl, Revlon, Neutrogena and Max Factor. Stay away from deeply discounted so-called bargain brands (they're a bargain for a reason-they're horrible).
If you are over the age of 20 then it's time to shell out a little more for a decent foundation. I'm not suggesting you empty your life savings, but go prepared to spend at least $25 or more on a good quality, longer lasting brand. Believe me, you'll come to appreciate it. You may spend more at the counter, but you'll be there less often and your makeup will look ten times better. The following foundations are good choices with reputable backgrounds throughout the industry. They've been used extensively by makeup artists and models alike.
Laura Mercier- foundations come in both oil free and moisturizing. They are light, sheer, but have fantastic coverage. If used correctly, a bottle can last you as long as six months. Average cost is around $40. That equates to $6 a month, a great bargain.
Bobbi Brown- she also has an oil free and moisturizing line. Her line also carries foundation sticks (a heavier version of her liquid line). A word of caution-these foundations tend to run more yellow. If your skin has a yellow undertone then you may want to go with Laura Mercier instead. Yellow on yellow just creates MORE yellow. Average cost is around $30-$40.
Makeup Forever-Another good, solid line with lots of sheer coverage. Lots of different choices make this a good fit for many people. Average cost is also around $40.
Givenchy-This line is great if you have an aversion to liquid foundations, as some people do. I love their powder foundations. They are wonderful in the summer when you want coverage that tinted moisturizers don't provide. These are a perfect alternative. They're feather light and oil free. Average cost is around $40-$50.
Cinema Secrets-far and away my favorite line. Not only is it specifically formulated for television and film, but it has lots of benefits that can make all the difference in your appearance. This line has the most color choices I've seen. It also has the distinction of having a completely different formulation from other foundations. It's silicone based. Why is this important? Mostly because it stays ON your skin, not IN it. It doesn't get sucked down into the crevices of fine lines or wrinkles. Best of all, after it has been set with powder (watch for next post about this), it will NOT move. Ever wonder what foundation the actress on television or the film you're watching has on? There's a good chance it's this foundation. Widely used throughout the film industry, this is, in my opinion, one of the best foundations you can buy. Average cost is $20-$30 dollars. When used correctly this foundation can last between four and six months.
With the exception of Cinema Secrets, all of the lines I've mentioned can be found at Sephora.com or Nordstrom. If you're unsure of which line you want to try and live close enough to either of these stores, I suggest asking the sales rep for some samples to take home and try before committing to a purchase. They usually won't offer, so you'll have to ask.
Coming up next: The Power of Powder! Plus, tips on foundation and powder application.
