Even though it's colder now than it was in December, we're definitely heading towards the springtime and need to amend our makeup regime accordingly. I love the spring months as they bring with them a plethora of new bases to cherish and play with, offering innovative formulas and application techniques whilst still providing delightful finishes that help our skin to glow from within. This February has seen a huge number of launches within the foundation category, but these five all offer me something fresh and flawless without feeling too heavy on the skin. These are my current favourite bases that give me the confidence to face the day, even when my complexion is looking somewhat worse for wear underneath.
1. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin (£29.00)
A year ago I wouldn't have dreamt of using anything by Elizabeth Arden, but after I was introduced to their original Flawless Finish foundation I haven't looked back. This 'satin' version provides a slightly more matte finish, gliding onto skin effortlessly to provide a radiant result. It covers imperfections and discolouration without overloading skin or causing you to look washed out - plus you need such a little to go a long way. The formula is infused with 'climate resistant technology' that lasts through heat, humidity and moisture, while shine control ingredients are time released to absorb oil throughout the day. This lasts all day with ease and is well worth the price.
2. Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer (£25.00)
A foundation and concealer in one I hear you ask? This relatively thick formula is oil free and available in 21 different shades, providing skin with coverage whilst still allowing it to 'breathe'. The innovative applicator is like a giant concealer brush and does take a little getting used to, but once you've got the hang of dotting it in key areas and blending into skin with a foundation brush, it's a doddle. You can even use the applicator to apply an additional layer to the under-eyes and blemish prone areas, minimising the need for separate concealer - unlike most foundations which simply create a uniformed base, this really does build up to provide the effect of a concealer in one pot.
3. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue (£26.00)
A massive launch for Bare Minerals this year, this 'hydrating gel cream' base claims to increase hydration by over 200% in just a fortnight. The mineral-based formulation 'combines the best of a BB, CC, and tinted moisturizer' to provide hydration, colour correction and radiance in one. Available in ten shades, the formula includes mineral electrolytes to help energize skin and is infused with marine botanicals to help replenish dryness. This doesn't hit stores until April (so I'll be putting it thoroughly to the test and updating you before then,) but my first impressions are that this is the best face product BM have launched in an absolute age.
4. BD Trade Secrets Vital Skin Long Wear Foundation (£9.99)
A great budget buy available exclusively at Tesco, I stumbled across this and haven't looked back - it's been a staple within my repertoire for a number of months and is perfectly suited for daily wear as we move into spring. The lightweight formula provides me with the coverage I require, without airbrushing away any nuances that make me look 'real' - sometimes a little natural flush is a good thing. The ingredients help protects elastin and collagen to preserve a youthful appearance, while SPF20 helps to protect against sun damage; for the price point I don't think you'll get better.
5. Clarins Everlasting Foundation (£27.00)
This is undoubtedly my current favourite base and the one I reach for when I really want to look my best. It lasts all day without transferring or my face becoming shiny, while it buffs into skin to leave it looking practically flawless - but in a really natural way. It feels incredibly comfortable thanks to the inclusion of organic quinoa to preserve skin's suppleness, as well as moisture boosting ingredients and UV protection. Only two pumps covers my entire face, leaving me just to dab on some concealer under my eyes and add a touch of blush; whenever I wear this I get compliments on my complexion and told my skin is looking awesome - if that's not testament to its power, I don't know what is!
Are you in the market for a new base for the spring months? Are you keen to try any of these five new products, or do you have other foundations you'll be turning to?
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
1. Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin (£29.00)
A year ago I wouldn't have dreamt of using anything by Elizabeth Arden, but after I was introduced to their original Flawless Finish foundation I haven't looked back. This 'satin' version provides a slightly more matte finish, gliding onto skin effortlessly to provide a radiant result. It covers imperfections and discolouration without overloading skin or causing you to look washed out - plus you need such a little to go a long way. The formula is infused with 'climate resistant technology' that lasts through heat, humidity and moisture, while shine control ingredients are time released to absorb oil throughout the day. This lasts all day with ease and is well worth the price.
2. Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer (£25.00)
A foundation and concealer in one I hear you ask? This relatively thick formula is oil free and available in 21 different shades, providing skin with coverage whilst still allowing it to 'breathe'. The innovative applicator is like a giant concealer brush and does take a little getting used to, but once you've got the hang of dotting it in key areas and blending into skin with a foundation brush, it's a doddle. You can even use the applicator to apply an additional layer to the under-eyes and blemish prone areas, minimising the need for separate concealer - unlike most foundations which simply create a uniformed base, this really does build up to provide the effect of a concealer in one pot.
3. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue (£26.00)
A massive launch for Bare Minerals this year, this 'hydrating gel cream' base claims to increase hydration by over 200% in just a fortnight. The mineral-based formulation 'combines the best of a BB, CC, and tinted moisturizer' to provide hydration, colour correction and radiance in one. Available in ten shades, the formula includes mineral electrolytes to help energize skin and is infused with marine botanicals to help replenish dryness. This doesn't hit stores until April (so I'll be putting it thoroughly to the test and updating you before then,) but my first impressions are that this is the best face product BM have launched in an absolute age.
4. BD Trade Secrets Vital Skin Long Wear Foundation (£9.99)
A great budget buy available exclusively at Tesco, I stumbled across this and haven't looked back - it's been a staple within my repertoire for a number of months and is perfectly suited for daily wear as we move into spring. The lightweight formula provides me with the coverage I require, without airbrushing away any nuances that make me look 'real' - sometimes a little natural flush is a good thing. The ingredients help protects elastin and collagen to preserve a youthful appearance, while SPF20 helps to protect against sun damage; for the price point I don't think you'll get better.
5. Clarins Everlasting Foundation (£27.00)
This is undoubtedly my current favourite base and the one I reach for when I really want to look my best. It lasts all day without transferring or my face becoming shiny, while it buffs into skin to leave it looking practically flawless - but in a really natural way. It feels incredibly comfortable thanks to the inclusion of organic quinoa to preserve skin's suppleness, as well as moisture boosting ingredients and UV protection. Only two pumps covers my entire face, leaving me just to dab on some concealer under my eyes and add a touch of blush; whenever I wear this I get compliments on my complexion and told my skin is looking awesome - if that's not testament to its power, I don't know what is!
Are you in the market for a new base for the spring months? Are you keen to try any of these five new products, or do you have other foundations you'll be turning to?
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
SIGN UP TO THE LBQ FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER HERE!
BLOG POSTS, NEWS, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS & COMPETITIONS DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX.
SIGN UP TO THE LBQ FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER HERE!
BLOG POSTS, NEWS, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS & COMPETITIONS DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX.
Clik here to view.
