Finding a foundation that works well for your skin is like searching for a four leaf clover in a rainforest. There are patches of clovers scattered all over the place, but that doesn’t mean any will contain that magical four leafed beacon of luck.
Like many, I’ve been on quite the journey with my skin. It was fairly normal until the age of 13 when I developed a severe case of cystic acne that absolutely nothing would get rid of. It became exceptionally oily and was constantly irritated and any foundation I put on it would turn into a patchy, greasy mess within 2-3 hours.
When I eventually got it to clear up, it suddenly became bone dry and extremely flaky with loads of hyper-pigmentation that the acne left behind. At that point, any foundation with enough coverage would cling to the dry patches and ‘peace out’ in a patchy, flaky mess within 2-3 hours.
I’m now at a point where those teenage hormones have (for the most part) left the building along with a great deal of the scarring due to some wonderful skincare (post coming soon…hehe). For the most part I would say my skin type is dry-normal and does get slightly shiny in the t-zone towards the end of the day.
Today, I decided to take you through my current collection of the world’s most loved (and not so loved) foundations to help you decide which ones you should spend your money on, and which you should completely avoid.
DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that the following reviews are largely based on my own experiences and are completely subjective. All prices are in AUD. None of the links are affiliates. This is not a sponsored post.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless ($19.95)
Shade Range
At Priceline, this foundation is available in 9 shades. While the spectrum of light-dark seems to be ok, there is only one option for deeper skin and it still appears to be fairly light. The undertones of the available shades are also quite pink (neutral at most) which means that if you have a warmer skin tone, you’ll be out of luck.
For reference, I wear shade 120 Classic Ivory and it’s a little too pink for my liking.
Finish and Coverage
As the name suggests, the finish of this foundation is matte and has a smoothing effect. It sits fairly nicely on my skin but it does cling to dry patches quite badly. It’s a lovely texture to work with, blends in seamlessly and sets relatively quickly.
It seems to be marketed as a fuller coverage product, but I would call it medium at best.
Longevity and Oil Control
I find that once this sets, it generally doesn’t budge. It will last a full 12-14 hours on me, after which it begins to break up around my nose and chin.
As for the oil, this has been a great one in my experience. I tend to blot my face with a tissue at the 7 hour mark, but I never have to powder it which earns it a thumbs up from me.
Cruelty
Maybelline is not a cruelty free brand and does engage in animal testing.
Final Thoughts
This foundation is of great quality and would be suitable for those with normal-oily skin who need a foundation to last all day.
However, I would like to see Maybelline increase the shade range and cut the cruelty before I give it my stamp of approval.
Covergirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Foundation ($21.95)
Shade Range
The shade range of this foundation is among the worst with only 4 shades available- all of which are on the light-medium scale. This fact is made even worse as it is a cream formula, meaning the shades are near impossible to mix.
For reference, I wear ‘Ivory’ and it is a little too light and slightly pink.
Finish and Coverage
This foundation claims to be full coverage with a smooth, naturally flawless finish as well as being hydrating- I would agree with this statement for the most part. It is very smooth and hydrating but still has that ‘foundation’ finish and doesn’t ‘disappear’. I would also suggest that the coverage is medium-full.
Longevity and Oil Control
This is where the product falls a little short for me. While the finish is lovely, it tends to break up on me within about 5 hours and is definitely not designed with oily skin in mind. However, if my skin is exceptionally dry and I’m only wearing makeup for half a day, this is a sure winner.
Cruelty
From my understanding, Covergirl is not a cruelty free brand.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think this is an absolutely brilliant foundation for anyone with dry skin who wants good coverage and a fairly natural finish. If you have normal to oily skin, I’d 100% steer clear.
Once again, I would like to see Covergirl step it up and stop testing on animals, and PLEASE increase the shade range!
Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25hr Foundation ($18.95)
Shade Range
At Priceline, this foundation is available in 6 shades. Once again all of these shades are on the lighter side, but they do run darker than Covergirl. Again, the majority of Rimmel’s shades tend to be very very pink based- especially in the paler colours. This is a bit of an issue for me, as although I am pale, I do have a warm, yellow undertone. It’s because of this that I can only wear it when I’m tanned- and for this I use the colour 203 True Beige.
Finish and Coverage
The finish of this foundation is probably the most unique of the bunch. It is EXTREMELY full coverage and has a natural dewy finish that sets in a non-tacky way.
I would say that of the bunch, this one takes the least amount of time to apply, as a little goes a very long way and it is incredibly smooth in application.
Longevity and Oil Control
As far as longevity goes, this foundation is a leader of the affordable pack. I can’t say I’ve ever worn or ever plan to wear my makeup for the 25 hour wear time that this claims to have, but it would not at all surprise me if this claim was accurate. This product has never once gone patchy or separated on my skin- a fact that I am very impressed with.
Oil control is a little different though as it does have a dewier finish. This begins to get shiny in around 6 hours on me, but I find that a quick blot with a tissue is enough to remove the oil- I don’t need to add powder most of the time.
Cruelty
As Rimmel sells its products in China where animal testing is mandatory, it is not a cruelty free brand.
Final Thoughts
If you want something full coverage that lasts all day but despise the thick, heavy, matte finish, this is the perfect foundation for you. Again, if you have oily skin I would look elsewhere.
As above, I would love for Rimmel to cut the cruelty and increase their shade range.
Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin ($34.95)
Shade Range
At Priceline, Revlon Colorstay is available in 9 shades. Thankfully, both cool and warm shades are available but unfortunately, there aren’t any options for those with deeper skin tones.
I wear this foundation in the shade Ivory when I’m at my absolute palest and it’s an acceptable match.
Finish and Coverage
Before I start, please keep in mind that there are 3 versions of this foundation available. I am speaking about the combination/oily version, but it is also available in a normal/dry formula and a lighter/natural version- neither of which I’ve tried.
This version is the quintessential “put this on and don’t worry” foundation formula. It’s matte, it’s thick, and it doesn’t move… at all. The coverage is also fuller than full- not a single imperfection will peek through this one.
Longevity and Oil Control
This stuff doesn’t move. Point blank.
On most days, oil bares no fight against this and it stays looking matte all day long. If you do have exceptionally oily skin, I can see some oil escaping, but I wouldn’t recommend adding powder- blotting is definitely enough.
Cruelty
From what I understand, Revlon is not a cruelty free brand.
Final Thoughts
This is a cult classic foundation that everybody loves- and for good reason. If you want something matte that will last you all day, this is the one to go for. But if you do have dry skin I would run far away from this one- it does cling to dry patches and will not be comfortable for you at all.
My main complaint here is the shade range and the animal testing. Given the price, I think it’s time for Revlon to step it up.
L’Oreal Paris True Match Foundation ($29.95)
Shade Range
As the name suggests, L’Oreal’s True Match offers the best shade range available at drugstore pricing with 15 colours available. The shades range from pale to deep and come in cool, neutral, and warm tones which earns them a big thumbs up.
The shade pictured is W1 Golden Ivory which is a PERFECT match for me.
Finish and Coverage
L’Oreal suggests that this foundation is full coverage with a skin-like texture.
In comparison to the other foundations, I would say that this is a good medium coverage and has a natural finish. Does it look like skin? Not exactly. Is the finish fresher than it’s competitors? Absolutely.
Longevity and Oil Control
I first tried this foundation because my Mum has it and swears by the entire True Match range. On her, this looks completely flawless and lasts all day.
Unfortunately- for whatever reason- this didn’t agree with my skin. It began to separate and oxidise on me within about 3 hours… can’t say it was my best look.
At the time, I was going through a bit of a rough transition phase with my skin so I think this may be why it didn’t agree with me back then. However, I do want to give it another go and I will update this section once I have so stay tuned for that.
Cruelty
L’Oreal does test on animals.
Final Thoughts
Although my experience with this product wasn’t the best the first time around, I stand by the fact that it is a wonderful foundation for those with mature skin. It’s also a great option for those who have trouble finding their colour and don’t want to enter the realm of high end makeup.
Again, I would also like to see L’Oreal do away with the unnecessary animal cruelty.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup ($54)
Shade Range
There are currently 24 shades available at David Jones, ranging from the palest of pale to deep dark and including cool, neutral and warm undertones. I currently own the shade 1N2 Ecru which is a great match, but I could probably do with the equivalent in the warm undertone for an even better match.
Finish and Coverage
This foundation is quite similar to Revlon colorstay, in that it is extremely full coverage with a matte finish, but the texture is much thinner and thus, much more comfortable to wear. I also find that the matte finish is a lot more natural looking and isn’t as flat as others on the market.
Longevity and Oil Control
As the name suggests, the wear on this is on another level. I can wear this all day through strenuous activity and it will look exactly the same as when I first applied it.
Oil can seep through a little at the 8-10 hour mark depending on activity, but it never really gets to the point where I need to blot or powder it.
Cruelty
Sadly, Estee Lauder is not a cruelty free brand.
Final Thoughts
This is an absolute staple that I feel everyone should have in their collection, as it truly changed my relationship with makeup. It works wonderfully on any skin type and everybody will be able to find their shade which is exceptional.
BareMinerals Original SPF15 Foundation ($41)
Shade Range
At Mecca, there are 28 shades of this foundation available with an insane variety of undertones and colours- all the way from ultra pale to ultra dark which is very impressive.
For reference, I wear the shade Medium Beige.
Finish and Coverage
As this is a mineral powder foundation, the coverage is entirely dependent on the amount applied and the method used for application. I use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush in circular motions and I get medium buildable coverage out of it which is exactly what I want on a more everyday basis.
The finish is quite luminous, but still looks natural and fairly skin-like.
Longevity and Oil Control
I can generally get a full day out of this foundation but I wouldn’t wear it if I needed it to last for a 5:00AM-8:00PM uni day.
For a luminous product it holds up pretty well in the oil department, but I do need to blot or touch up with a powder at the 5-6 hour mark.
Cruelty
BareMinerals IS a cruelty free brand, and this foundation is also vegan, making it suitable for everyone! Yay!
Final Thoughts
This is currently my go-to everyday foundation. The coverage is all I need, the finish is unlike any liquid product can provide, it’s cruelty free, comes in a tonne of shades, and the mineral formula is much healthier for the skin to boot.
However, if you have oily skin, I would go for this next one.
BareMinerals Matte SPF15 Foundation ($41)
Shade Range
The matte version is available in 24 shades as opposed to the 28 in the original, but there are still plenty of options for all skin tones.
I wear Medium Beige once again.
Finish and Coverage
As above, the coverage is medium and buildable, but I find that I don’t have to use as much of this one to get the desired level of coverage.
As the name suggests, this version has a matte finish, but still looks incredibly natural and doesn’t cake up like other matte powder foundations.
Longevity and Oil Control
While I still don’t expect this to last through my crazy uni days, I do find that this one lasts significantly longer than the Original in warmer weather and it takes around 7-8 hours for the oil to break through.
Cruelty
As above, BareMinerals is cruelty free and from what I understand, this version is also vegan.
Final Thoughts
In Summer, this is my absolute favourite daytime foundation beyond a shadow of a doubt. I recommend it for all skin types, as it doesn’t cling to dry patches and works wonders on oily skin.
If you’re unsure on which formula will work best for you, I’d recommend investing in BareMinerals’ Get Started Kit ($71) which includes a small size of both foundations, a primer, the finishing veil, a ‘Warmth’ bronzer and a brush.
I also highly recommend this formula to younger teens who are just starting out with makeup and have acne prone skin, as the mineral formula is much more gentle and the coverage is pretty forgiving if too much or too little is applied.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation ($68)
Shade Range
There are currently 19 shades of this foundation being sold at Mecca. Of the products mentioned, this is the most deep skin friendly, with 4 shades available in a few different undertones. NARS delivers pink, neutral, yellow, golden, peachy, red, olive, brown, caramel, deep yellow and espresso undertones which also makes it one of the most diverse shade ranges on the market. I will say that they do sway a little more yellow than other brands though, so I wouldn’t purchase without testing out the shades in store first.
I wear Light 4- Deauville which is a PERFECT match for me.
Finish and Coverage
Despite the name, the finish of this foundation is by no means sheer or dewy.
It offers a happy medium coverage with a stunning, naturally radiant finish which looks just like skin.
I find that this is a great product for everyday wear but on me it truly shines at special events and in photos. It’s the kind of finish that will have people saying “Wow! She has gorgeous skin!” rather than “Wow! Her foundation is amazing!”.
Longevity and Oil Control
On me, the longevity is pretty great and it tends to stay put the majority of the time. The one time I wouldn’t wear it is when I’m ill though, as it does come off around my nose if I’m constantly rubbing it.
In terms of oil control it’s pretty average for me. The oil will start seeping through at the 6-7 hour mark which is fairly standard and I do have to blot it, but the finish is THAT good that I don’t mind having to touch up.
Cruelty
And here we have the major downside.
NARS was once a cruelty free brand and I basically worshipped it. However, they recently announced that their products will soon be sold in China, meaning that they will have to test on animals. While the products sold in the rest of the world will not be tested on animals, this announcement means that NARS can no longer be considered cruelty free- a major disappointment in my eyes.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a staple foundation that is lightweight, natural looking, and has medium coverage. However, I would give it a miss if you have extremely dry skin as it can cling to dry patches, or extremely oily skin as it will be a total greasy mess.
The price of this is also rather extortionate and to top it off, you will have to pay $4 extra if you want a pump which is a little ridiculous. But in saying that… in my book, this formula is truly worth every penny.
