New Zealand fashion and lifestyle blog

Good foundations

We look at some of the new releases in foundations, from brush applicators to mousses to organic minerals. I have listed them from what I found to be the lightest coverage through to the heaviest coverage. Time to lay a good foundation…

We look at some of the new releases in foundations, from brush applicators to mousses to organic minerals.

Note: I have listed them from what I found to be the lightest coverage through to the heaviest coverage.

Time to lay a good foundation…

Inika Liquid Mineral Foundation is an award-winning product from Inika, an organic, often-vegan, Australian beauty brand that is gaining accolades and a celebrity following.

It is a certified organic liquid foundation in a squeezable pump tube (30ml $69.50) with a lighter coverage. I found it spread well and dissolved into my skin beautifully.

If you want a heavier finish however, combine it with the Inika mineral foundation which comes in a loose powder. Perfect for those interested in using organic products on their skin.

See www.inikacosmetics.com for more info and read our Inika interview on Thread here.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible 25HR Brush Foundation ($44.99) is a convenience product; a 2-in-1 liquid make-up with a brush attached.

It gives a matte finish designed to last all day, rather than a dewy look, so is better for younger women wanting a shine-controlling, mattifying finish. The key thing with brushes is to keep them really clean so do wipe it after each use with a tissue but don’t use water. L’Oreal Paris Infallible 25HR Brush Foundation is available in Farmers, Kmart, pharmacies and selected department stores from March 2011.

Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation SPF10 ($82) has mineral and plant extracts including pink opal powder, a mineral silicon, and pink algae extract, a plant silicon, to delivery a complementary action in helping skin appear replenished and even in tone. Levels of silicon drop with age and this is one of the main factors responsible for ageing.

I loved it. It went on very smoothly, felt light and hydrating, and lasted all day without settling into my pores. I would heartily recommend this for women age 35+ wanting a natural, dewy look with better-than-medium coverage.

Max Factor XPERIENCE Weightless Foundation SPF10 ($38.99) had the right balance between matte and dewy. I tried shade Raw Silk 45, a nice light nude. It says ‘flawless coverage’ I wouldn’t say it was the heaviest coverage – I think compacts give the most coverage – but for a liquid it was excellent. Would recommend, especially in the under $40 price bracket.

Maybelline New York Dream Smooth Mousse Compact Foundation ($29.95). The point of difference of this product is its ability to hydrate your skin all day. It has an ingredient called ‘elastomer’ which gives it cushion and bounce, and is rich in emollients which help moisturise drier skin. You need a light hand to apply it, but it was easy to blend into my skin. It felt lovely on my face and looked good as the day went on. I didn’t feel over made up at all, which I have felt with other creamy mousse foundations. My liquid foundation can be a bit messy as I rush around in the morning getting ready, so I liked using a compact for a change. (Reviewed by Linda Bowman.)

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Makeup SPF15 ($79), uses their famous Ceramide complex – found in their comprehensive moisturiser range – in a new liquid foundation.

The luxurious-feeling foundation is anti-ageing and provides a plumping effect to skin. Aimed at normal to dry skin, this is recommended for more mature skins (their consumer test was on women aged 39 – 65) looking at plumping and firming and adding moisture.

It achieves a youthful look with light-diffusing pigments to blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It can be used in conjunction with the new Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm Concealer ($55), a sponge-tip applicator designed to smooth fine lines and cover dark circles while brightening skin. And also in the Ceramide make-up range, for lips that feel tight and dry and are starting to show fine lines at the edges, try their Ceramide Ultra Lipstick ($49). The creamy texture gives lips a plump look, and it feels very moisturising and luxurious on.

By Megan Robinson, 7 March 2011.


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