Hey all... I've been getting some requests to go over different foundations that I prefer to use on my clients and on myself. Since there are soooooooo many products that I'd love to go over, let's look at this posting as a "part 1" type thing. Cool? Cool.
I love foundation! Done and done. If you can find the right formula and shade for you, it will make all the difference in your makeup application. If you have dryer skin or just prefer a dewy finish, you want a cream or liquid makeup that states just that (dewy or natural finish). You might also want to steer clear of powders. If you tend to be on the oily side and you'd rather tone that afternoon slickness down, try a powder or a liquid that specifies "mattifying." With the appropriate foundation formula, your skin will appear to be more even-toned, your pores will be hidden, and your overall complexion will be enhanced for a more polished look... and honestly, who wouldn't want that?
Ok here we go... Review time.
As some of you may know, I do freelance work as a Market Artist for Laura Mercier... This is a great line for me to start with. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Laura's complexion products. She has so many fantastic look-like-skin formulas that have a way of blending into face perfectly.
Let's start with her world renowned Tinted Moisturizers. I LIVE in these during the summer months. The TM's give a sheer coverage, have SPF 20, and come in a wide variety of shades. You can also choose between her regular and oil free formulas (perfect for every skin type).
Another favorite of mine is Laura's Loose Mineral Powder. This is probably the best loose mineral powder makeup I've ever used. There is no comparison to that other very popular line on the market right now. Laura's minerals are MUCH better. Her powders are finely milled and composed completely of natural elements with 15 active amino acids to clear the skin of toxins, promote healthy skin cell growth and fight the aging process... Thanks, Laura!
The newest formula to join the LM team is called Creme Smooth. This is a true cream foundation, but do not be fooled, ladies and gents! The coverage this baby gives you is natural, as a little goes a very long way. Laura prefers that you use a sponge to apply her liquid foundations and this cream is no different. Dab a little bit on your sponge, then start applying from the outside of your face working inward (you want to aim to have less product where you have the most skin texture to achieve the most natural look). You can easily build upon this medium coverage formula... and/or use a concealer where needed. Oh yeah... it's packed with anti-aging skin care benefits, too! Woot woot!
Another line you'll often find me using is Makeup Forever. I love the Mat Velvet & HD liquid collections. They both give phenomenal coverage and look great on camera (and in real life, of course). They're also great to mix with... When I'm on a shoot or doing wedding makeup, it would be a little excessive (and very expensive) to have every single shade of every single formula of foundation ever created with me at any given time. Instead, I choose to have products on hand that mix well with each other so that I can customize shades to my client's skin. Makeup Forever is great for me in this way. Where one shade might be a little too yellow or dark, another too pink or light, I can blend them together to create the perfect color match. The same thing goes for formulas. I often mix my regular HD liquid foundation with the Mat Velvet to create a more natural finish. This is especially true for when I do bridal parties.
Makeup Forever also has a great mattifying product called All Mat. You put a little bit of this liquid magic under your makeup where you tend to shine. Poof! Shine is gone... If you have a oil or shine concern, this is a great product to have in your bag. Yes, you still use your primer first!!
I think this is where I'll stop "part 1" tonight. I'll post "part 2" in the near future. In the meantime, if you have any questions about or want me to review a specific foundation, please write a post below!
Thanks!!!
xoxo
jacqueline
