Some days just call for a long lasting, full coverage foundation.
As much as I love the look of a dewy, glowy base on other people, they just don’t co-operate with my oily/ combination skin, and most of the time I need something with a little more coverage, and a lot more staying power. Over the years I’ve tested countless foundations in search for the perfect, long lasting yet none cakey base that is a good medium-full coverage…
My all time favourite that I always go back to is the Estee Lauder Double Wear. This lasts a good 8 hours on my skin and actually looks better as the day goes on, it lets any natural oils come through in a nice way, without breaking down the foundation (if that makes sense?). It is a full coverage, and it’s one of those foundations that dries down matte pretty quickly so you don’t have long to blend. I have the shade Desert Beige which is perfect for me as it’s a neutral tone. I can see why this foundation isn’t for everyone, but if you struggle to find a base that lasts a full day then I really recommend atleast picking up a sample.
Another high coverage foundation is the Vichy Dermablend*. This is seriously pigmented and has more of a creamy texture than double wear. I loved using this when my skin was at it’s worst to cover my chin, it’s such a full coverage that I couldn’t use it all over my face, but it really helped to cover the problem area. The finish is matte, and surprisingly this doesn’t feel heavy at all. In terms of the staying power it doesn’t wear quite aswel as double wear, after 9 hours the blemishes were noticeable more visible, but, it’s still a really good option. If you suffer from sore, red breakouts or have a lot to cover I think this is the one for you.
Next up is the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish foundation. I haven’t heard many people speak about this but I absolutely love it. It’s another highly pigmented base that really will cover anything and everything. I like to apply this foundation to the outside of my face and then blend in towards the centre, just because it can look a little heavy all over with it being so full coverage. This is definitely more suited to those with oily skin, I have combination skin and on the days when my skin is feeling a little more dehydrated it doesn’t sit as well. In terms of lasting power it’s impressive, lasting 9-10 hours (with a touch up of powder inbetween).
One that I don’t reach for as often is the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion foundation*, not because I don’t like it, just because for me it takes a little more work than the others. This is again very pigmented and has quite a creamy formulation. They recommend to apply this with your fingers to warm up the product, but I just can’t get on board with that. Instead I like to use a Beauty Blender (I use this brush with the others), and for me on a day to day basis I don’t have the time/ can’t be bothered to be blending my foundation for over a minute. Anyway, it’s a slight flaw for me, but once applied this is again a really lovely, long wearing foundation. It’s also very lightweight as it claims, no transferring and it doesn’t look cakey on the skin.
I’ve actually saved my current favourite till last, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk*. I can’t believe just how much I love this foundation, with the name luminous silk I thought it wouldn’t last well on my skin! It’s not quite as pigmented as the others but leaves the skin with a flawless finish that isn’t as matte, it just looks very natural. My skin has been the best it’s been in a long time and I’m not needing as much coverage, so this is perfect. If you like the look of flawless skin but don’t actually have much to cover then I think you need to try this. It does last well against the oils but it definitely breaks down more than the others around my nose/ pores, but that’s easy to touch up. If you have normal skin I think this would make a beautiful bridal foundation.
I don’t find any of these foundations to oxidise (nothing like the Urban Decay All Nighter). They don’t transfer, and they don’t sit in any pores.
I’m always on the hunt for a good, full coverage foundation so if you have any other recommendations then please let me know!
This post may contain affiliate links… Products marked * are PR samples.
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