I am, and always will be, a foundation girl. I've tried to love BB creams, CC creams and tinted moisturisers, however there's always something not quite right; I put this down to my oily skin type. If previously asked to list my favourite foundations, you would of found a group of heavy, full coverage formulas: Estée Lauder's Double Wear, M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid, Laura Mercier Silk Créme (still a firm favourite). However, I recently realised there's been a shift in the typical formulas I've been drawn to: I now tend to favour lightweight foundations that still offer good coverage. Here is a list of my favourite four lightweight liquid foundations for every occasion.
When spending time in the sun.
Shiseido's 'Sun Protection Liquid Foundation' was one of my favourite discoveries of last year. It is very thin in consistency making it very lightweight and comfortable to wear. It blends into the skin seamlessly, leaving a beautifully natural, matte finish to the skin. As the foundation is so thin in consistency, I was surprised at what great, buildable coverage it provides. What's best about Shiseido's 'Sun Protection Liquid Foundation' is the fact that it's water, perspiration and oil resistant making it the perfect choice to wear in the sun. I've had this foundation last a full day in the sun which for my skin type, is amazing!
I really love that the packaging is so compact, making it perfect for taking on holiday. I do think it is important to note that although the foundation contains an SPF 30, Shiseido recommend you apply an additional sun screen before exposure.
When getting your photograph taken.
Giorgio Armani's 'Luminous Silk' Foundation will always be my first choice if I know I will be getting my photograph taken (nights out!). Wonderfully light weight, it buffs into the skin quickly, giving my face a glowing, airbrushed appearance. The fact it contains no SPF makes the foundation ideal for flash photography. 'Luminous Silk' is oil free, leaves a luminous finish to the skin, and has a medium buildable coverage. One major downfall for this foundation is its longevity: I need to use a primer, powder and Urban Decay's 'De-Slick' setting spray to make the coverage last all night.
When you want a natural base.
Chanel 'Vitalumiére Aqua' is about as light a coverage as I feel comfortable in (for me it is dangerously close to the tinted moisturiser border). Similar in fluidity to Shiseido's 'Sun Protection Liquid Foundation', 'Vitalumiére Aqua' is oil-free, water based and offers an extremely natural, sheer coverage. Perfect for days I want to look fresh faced, 'Vitalumiére Aqua' I've found applies best using my hands rather than a brush. Unfortunately, for oily skinned girls like me, the formula is not the best at controlling my natural oil; blotting is a must.
When you need a little something extra.
The heaviest of the four, Lancome's 'Teint Idole Ultra 24H' foundation is my most recently purchased and loved foundation. Despite being heavier in formula, 'Teint Idole Ultra 24H' is a full coverage, long lasting foundation that is remarkably light weight in comparison to others in the same category. It gives a beautiful, flawless appearance to the skin and paired with primer and powder lasts a full work day. Perfect for those who love a good coverage but hate the feeling of wearing a heavy foundation. It takes a little time to set so I tend to apply my foundation and then style my hair before finishing the rest of my face which is probably one of the only complaints I have! I've got a full foundation review coming soon with a couple of other Lancome products that I've recently been loving!
I would love to hear what some of your favourite lightweight foundations are!?
Love Nic
xx
