Foundations [Updated List]

Updated: October 20, 2013

I just thought i'd list out a few of the foundations i've tried out so far.
I think this would help those of you who are either purchasing foundations online or just in a bit of a makeup rut and looking for something new to try!

Skin Type: I have sensitive, combination-oily skin, and an olive-tan complexion.
*= see notes below

NC 35 equivalents (Medium, warm/yellow/olive undertones):

1. Maybelline: Superstay 24 Hour in True Beige*
2. Revlon Colorstay in Warm Golden
3. L'oreal True Match Liquid Foundation in W4
4. Makeup For Ever Duo Mat in 207 (runs a bit neutral, not a true yellow undertone) [DISCONTINUED]
5. Makeup For Ever Face and Body in shade 32 (can work for NC 25 and 30)
6. Makeup For Ever HD Foundation in 128

NC 40-42 equivalents (For medium-tan skin with golden/yellow/olive undertones)

1. Maybelline Superstay 24 Hour in Honey Beige*
2. Revlon Colorstay in Golden Caramel (perfect match for NC42)
3. L'oreal True Match Liquid in W5.5, W6*
4. L'oreal True Match Lumi in W6  (a bit lighter and less golden than regular True Match)
5. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder in Honey Beige 70*
6. Makeup For Ever Face and Body in Honey Beige 34 (runs a tad bit neutral, not as yellow as i'd like but due to the lightweight and relatively light coverage with one layer, can still look natural)
7. Makeup For Ever Face and Body shade 32 with shade 18 (mixed, I put either half of each or 2 parts 32 to 1 part 18 depending on how tan I am)
8. Makeup For Ever HD Liquid Foundation in 153 (NC 42)
9. Makeup For Ever HD Foundation in 153
10. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in 357 Golden Tan 
11. TheBalm Tinted Moisturizer in Medium (NC40 skin, if you're on the verge between NC35 and NC40, this is perfect; can work for NC42 with bronzer)
12. Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Tan
13. Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Combination Oily in Medium Deep  a bit neutral, I occasionally mix this with my L'Oreal True Match foundation in W7 for my NC42 skin

If you are between an NC 35 to NC 45, you might want to check these out. Some are from the drugstore and are quite affordable.

*Note: I find that the Maybelline Superstay foundations tend to run more yellow or golden toned, so you may want to be a bit careful. I'd say True Beige would suit NC 35 skin tones, while Honey Beige would be best for NC 40-42, Caramel for NC 43-45 (a bit light for NC 45)

*Revlon Colorstay in Golden Caramel is not as yellow/golden toned as i'd like it to be, but under flash photography, the color seems to match the skin tone. As of late, the formula seems to be different; different finish, lacking in longevity (compared to the first few bottles I've tried before the label change).

*L'oreal True Match foundations to me are some of the easiest to match my skin tone to, I would recommend W 5.5, W6 for those of you with NC 40-42 skin, if running towards NC43, i'd suggest mixing W6 and W7 which is the mix i've been using as of 10/12/2013

*Neutrogena Mineral Sheers in Honey Beige 70 is best for NC 40, NC 42 can pull it off

MUF Duo Mat- 207 suits skin tones that are around NC 35 the best; not a true yellow based powder. Tends to have more of a neutral undertone)

If you have any direct questions or comments, feel free to email me at lealeablog@gmail.com 

(it's the fastest way to get a response!)

RAMBLE: Makeup For Ever Face and Body for NC 42 skin!

[To skip the mini review/ramble, feel free to scroll down past the 3rd paragraph]

I've tried this foundation out several times and have just been itching to purchase my own bottle of the foundation despite the price tag. I'm usually a person who goes for medium-full coverage, long lasting foundation that I can quickly and easily apply. Given that I have oily-combination skin, I was a bit hesitant about even trying this foundation because of the dewy appearance it seems to give off of the several reviews that I've seen.

Just try it. 

Seriously. 

It feels light, looks natural, and is long wearing. 

Though it does not completely cover my acne scars and other dark marks on my skin, it has enough coverage to even out the skin tone and give a healthy and smooth look to the skin. 

With it's unique gel-like consistency, applying it using your hands seems like the best way to go, but flat/round top synthetic brushes like the Real Techniques stippling brush or the infamous Sigma synthetic brush collection work just as great. 

It claims to be water resistant but I have yet to test to what extent that is... I'm hoping it's closer to being waterproof because it would be amazing to not have to scare people every time I go to the beach without makeup. ;D

ANYWAYS, MAIN POINT:

If you're around an NC 42, it may be a bit hard to get that perfect shade match.

Shade 34 seems to be the best option, but I find that it does tend to run a tad bit neutral. 

It's not a huge difference and given the consistency, it isn't hard to get away with; it can actually look natural. 

BUT I just have this pet peeve about foundations that don't closely match my skin and if you decide to use this alone and feel the same way as I do, here are some ways to ameliorate this little setback.

OPTIONS TO SOLVE THIS:

1. Mix 2 foundation shades. Yes, yes, I know, pricey. But if you love this foundation as much as I do, maybe you wouldn't mind. (4 fl. oz. does last quite a while...) The two foundation shades I would probably purchase would be 32 (more suitable for NC 25-35 skin) and 18 (around NC 43-45). 

If you can reach a free standing MUFE store, they custom mix shades. Not sure about the MUFE counters, but I know the one in NY does custom mixing)

2. Set with a true yellow based powder The neutral tone isn't extremely noticeable, but like I said, pet peeve. I'm yellow, I need yellow. 

3. Use a yellow color corrector Coastal Scents has a nice variety of color correctors that are a light, watery consistency and easily blend into foundations and other products to create the perfect shade. I lost my yellow color corrector but it works great and it doesn't seem to affect the original foundation at all. If you purchase this, just mix in a drop or two of the corrector and blend together (one drop should be sufficient)

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me or leave a comment down below! I'll be glad to help in any way I can. (Especially for those who are purchasing online! I know how hard it is to purchase these things via internet.)

Bare Minerals Matte Foundation Review

Sephora: Bare Minerals Matte SPF 15 Foundation

The link will take you straight to the Sephora site.


I first came across Bare Escentuals during my weekly sneaky trip to my mom's cosmetic drawer. Those were my pre-scarrednastyugly skin days, when anything I slapped onto my face essentially did nothing for me since there was nothing to cover up. After a couple of years, I started using the original formula to cover up some redness and acne scarring, and I really loved the formulation. It was a creamy, smooth, light-feeling powder that pretty much melted over my skin and got the job done, the right way. No cakey-ness, melting, nada. It lasted through my long, 12 hour day without coming all the way off of my face. But I really didn't like having any sort of "sparkle" or shimmer on my face, so a couple of months ago, I purchased the bareMinerals Matte formulation. It retails for $28 US, $3 more than the original. After using it consistently for the past 4 months, I have decided that I will not repurchase this foundation. It just didn't live up to my expectations and didn't provide me with the results the original formulation had.
I find this foundation to be:

• Light- medium coverage
• Thick/"cakey" looking
• Harder to blend

I don't like the fact that I have to apply layers of a product to get the coverage I want/need, for any product, not just this one. It lasts just as long as the original formulation, but I feel that it doesn't apply as smoothly and blend in as well as it's predecessor.  The light to medium coverage that it offers makes me want to apply a bit more, which when using mineral foundation, isn't a lot because I usually apply this in small amounts. But even my first layer looks like it just sits on top of my skin, not even blending in. So as I add on a few more "layers", the more thick and "cakey" it appears. BUT I do have to say, it does look GREAT after a bit of wear throughout the day. I had this on during my 4 mile run, and it looked perfect. My skin looked luminous, almost, and I wished that it looked the way it did when I first applied it earlier that morning. Anything that your skin secretes or maybe a bit of humidity, makes this work a bit, I think it cancels out the thick look in a way. But who actually wants to wait throughout the day to have that smooth, clean, canvas of a face?

Verdict?

It's not a terrible foundation, it just didn't live up to my expectations. I personally wouldn't pay the extra money for it again, but for those of you who aren't looking for a lot of coverage and a matte finish, I'd try this one out.

Money is money, and I've had this for waaaaay too long to be able to return it. So...
To make this work, I apply my primer, a thicker moisturizer, and a sunblock/sunscreen that sets a bit more oily. I then wait for about 10 minutes until the sunscreen has set into my skin for a bit and then apply the foundation using a duo fibre brush. I find that this brush applies the product in smaller amounts and gives me a better application overall.


If anyone is actually reading this, (lol) please please please let me know what you think! What works for you, what doesn't and any other product suggestions would be great. :D

Hope you all have a lovely day!