A firm foundation

I don’t know if you’re a tinted moisturiser kinda gal but as for me, I like a firm foundation. I try out some new foundations on the market from Revlon PhotoReady, Dr.Hauschka and Clarins. Let’s make-up…

I don’t know if you’re a tinted moisturiser kinda gal with a light, almost nothing coverage. I’m not. As for me, I like a firm foundation.

I try out some new foundations on the market from Revlon, Dr.Hauschka, BareMinerals, and Clarins.

Let’s make-up…

Revlon PhotoReady Compact Make-Up

The Pitch: A revolutionary product that uses photochromatic pigments to bend, reflect and diffuse light to provide full, yet undetectable coverage. Designed to perform under harsh lighting.

Upside: Very strong coverage with a powdery matte finish rather than a creamy finish. Keeps hands-free (as with all sponge applicator compacts). A good sized mirror. Contains a SPF20 and is oil free and paraben free. Very good coverage on pores.

Downside: Only comes in 6 shades so you may need to compromise slightly on your perfect match. I used Shell (pictured above) which was a little dark for me, after using Nude in the liquid PhotoReady make-up range. I found the sponge a little on the small side.

Price: $ 38.00 Available November 2010.

Bare Minerals matte

The Pitch: The newly released matte version of the popular Bare Minerals makeup. A 100% pure mineral makeup foundation that absorbs oil and shine without drying. Minimises pores for smoother skin and actually improves the texture and quality of your skin.

Upside: Has a ‘click, lock, go’ sifter so nothing spills in your handbag. Comes in a good selection of 20 shades. Contains SPF15. Free of harsh chemicals and preservatives. I found it gave medium to full coverage and absorbed oil well. I would still use a concealor as well.

Downside: Not much, but you do need to buy a brush to apply the powder.

Price: $79.00

Clarins SPF15 Extra-Firming Foundation

The Pitch: The perfect match between make-up and skincare; a creamy rich foundation that combines exceptional skin firming and age-fighting ingredients for a younger-looking complexion. Aimed at women in their 40s.

Upside: I loved this. At my age (over 35, no spring chook) I need all the help I can get and this did feel rich and luxurious and give a great result and felt hydrating. Comes in 11 shades and has SPF15. The Clarins packaging in the glass pump bottles always feels so lovely, too.

Downside: Is the most expensively priced make-up tried- but you get what you pay for!

Price: $87.00

Use it in conjunction with new Clarins Instant Light Brush-On Perfector ($74), a hydrating complexion perfector to disguise shadowy areas by illuminating the eye area and smoothing facial features.

Clarins Instant Light Brush-On Perfector, or Eclat Minute, is perfect for the bags under my eyes. Uses oat extract for a skin tightening benefit. Great to put in your purse to take anywhere.

Dr Hauschka Summer Impressions Powder Duos

This is the finishing touch; a highlight powder to go with the Dr.Hauschka Summer Impressions make-up we already reviewed on Thread.co.nz here.

The Pitch: The new Dr.Hauschka Summer Impressions Powder Duos create a perfect summer look, as flecks of shimmering mica gently reflect the sun to set enchanting highlights and make complexions look radiant and subtly tanned. Available in two summery themes, of 01 Cool Breeze, for a cool/pink toned skin and 02 Warm Breeze, for a warm/yellow toned skin.

Upside: The best mirror in a compact we’ve seen. Very generous sized product (66mm across) with two shades meaning you can use one or the other or blend both together. Contains a brush. Free of synthetic preservatives and scents. Gives a fresh, light glow. I’m a 01 Cool Breeze with my cool/pink skin and it is nice and subtle.

Downside: Does have a tiny fleck of sparkle from the mica if you don’t like any sparkle on your face, but it really is very subtle.

Price: $65.00

By Megan Robinson, 2 October 2010.