A perk of my job is I get to road test a lot of makeup.
...But on the flip side, a hazard of my job is that quite often I test out a new foundation that's average, or sometimes, it's utterly terrible.
Problem is, I don't have time in the mornings to take my whole face off and start again, so I’m often walking around with bad makeup for an entire day.
I know, you don't feel sorry for me – neither do I.
I’ve tested hundreds, if not thousands of foundations over the years. While awesome formulas are launching all the time (and my collection is ever-growing), I have a select number of go-to foundations that I always go back to.
I actually lost one of my makeup bags the other week that had two of my favourites in it and I was so sad – I’ll be replacing them ASAP. But it got me thinking: if I wasn't a beauty editor, which foundations would I purchase time and time again?
I rummaged through my most used makeup stash and came up with a list of seven that I always go back to.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream, $65.
This is pretty much all I wore for years.
Don't let the name fool you though, it’s a high coverage dewy foundation. It’s thicker in consistency than most foundations but blends like a dream and sort of blurs the skin. It fully covers pigment because of the high coverage and I like the added bonus of SPF 50+ (though you don't wear enough of it for it to be your only sun protection, so regular sunscreen underneath is still a must). There’s plenty of good skincare ingredients infused in there too.
Image: Supplied.
Flower Beauty Light Illusion Liquid Foundation, $13.99.
Trust Drew Barrymore to somehow get a light globe in a bottle (it’s her makeup brand).
This bargain foundation really should be more expensive if you ask me – it's that good. It’s very, very dewy, so if you’re dry you will love it. I pair this with a bit of translucent powder on my T-zone (because I have combo skin) and it gives me the most beautiful dewy base. I can even go without highlighter, it's that radiant. This is my recommendation for new mums because of the price but also because it’s the fastest way to fake looking healthy and like you slept well.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup, $63.
Cult foundation Double Wear’s younger, more sheer sister, this foundation gives serious glow but somehow still stays exactly where you apply it all day. It’s medium in coverage, and I reach for it when I am having a good skin day or I want a glow to my base, but also don't want my makeup to slide off by 3pm.
Image: Supplied.
MCoBeauty UltraStay Flawless Foundation, $28.
This is my go-to ‘going out’ foundation. It’s matte, but not in the old school powdery or chalky way. I’d describe the finish more as velvet – it gives a soft blur to skin and makes pores almost disappear. It’s another one that goes the distance - it’s long wearing but not cakey and feels breathable. Great for if you have zero time for makeup checks throughout the day.
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L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24hour Fresh Wear, $36.99.
Another not-quite-matte but not dewy finish, I get so many compliments on my skin when I’m wearing this. The coverage is medium but you can either sheer it out (I use a damp beauty blender), or you can build it in areas for more coverage. My oily T-zone stays shine-free but my drier outer face doesn't go cakey. A fine balance to strike, so I’m impressed.
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Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation, $145.
Soz about the price, but this is pure luxury and worth the splurge.
It's another long wearing formula, and it is quite matte in its finish, making it perfect for combo or oily peeps. It kinda looks like your makeup was air-brushed on, which is why it’s so god for events or photo-heavy days. I use it for fancy outings or weddings so I feel a bit special – plus, it’ll stand up to a good dancefloor session but won't settle in fine lines or make you look dry and tired.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, $65.
Not technically a foundation, this is more of a luminescent primer.
Many women I know wear it as their base on its own, but it’s slightly too shimmery for me to wear that way. Instead, I mix a little bit with my other foundations (on the back of my hand before applying) which sheers them out a bit and adds a serious glow. It's also great as a really subtle highlighter for daytime on cheekbones as the last step in your makeup.
Image: Supplied.
Feature Image: Supplied + Mamamia.