Starting Line-Up: Foundation Faves!
My personal collection of foundation favorites, including the new Rihanna "Fenty" Foundation. Yes, it's worth the hype! I wear makeup daily, and just like with clothes I have to select which "foundation" I'm in the mood to wear. My mood depends on how much coverage is needed and whether I need a long wear formula or something light to run a few errands.
Let's admit it, it's fun to put on makeup but taking it off is not as fun. And there are times we have too much fun, fall asleep, and wake up to our pillow wearing the remainder of the makeup (FYI, terrible for your skin)!
My favorites are shown in the pic above. However, I did not always know which foundation I liked. In order to find the perfect fit for my skin and complexion I have, without shame, taken home many samples of foundation from Dillard's and Sephora's cosmetic counters. Side note, what you put on before your foundation can make or break the end result, i.e. moisturizers and primers are detrimental. Also, whether you use a sponge, brush, or fingertips has a direct effect on whether you look like Beyonce or Bozo the Clown. Personally, I like to use Estee Lauder moisturizer and two different primers.
My foundation at the moment is Rihanna's Fenty Foundation. It has a matte finish, great for my oily skin. I use two primers (Estee Lauder) to help control the oil, a matte controlling primer in my T-zone(forehead and nose area) as well as a universal primer on the rest of my face.
Local makeup artist and licensed esthetician, Je'Nai, owner or Lyftd is wearing Fenty. She likes that it dries matte, isn't very heavy, and the coverage is buildable. A foundation that is "buildable" means that you can add more layers for more coverage.
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My all-time favorite is Estee Lauder's Double Wear foundation, $42 in price, and the best ever! It's coverage is amazing, long lasting, and oil free. Majority of my makeup collection has become filled with products from this line. Although, brands like Mac and Chanel are preferred by younger women, Estee Lauder has become a staple in my personal collection.
My second favorite is Fenty. Fenty is a great foundation for the price, which is $34 at Sephora. It has a great photo finish, matte, and is available in many different shades. Fenty has a large variety of finishes, it even has the perfect shade for an albino woman's complexion. After using Fenty for the past few weeks, a personal tip is to work quickly with the product before it dries completely.
My third favorite is Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation, $42 at Sephora. The problem with many foundations and my complexion, is the tendency to make me "golden". I have a yellow under-tone, so Becca foundation does not cause me to have an "instant tan" as my boyfriend says!
TIP ALERT! If you are desiring a matte finish, too many matte products will have the opposite effect. For example, pairing a matte foundation with a mattifying moisturizer and primer will not control your oil. I have learned this the hard way! Just finish your look with a powder and keep a compact handy for times that oil starts to make an appearance throughout your day.
For makeup junkies like myself, a good foundation makes you feel like super woman! Always photo ready, no need for a filter, and keeps your skin flawless all day :) . If you haven't found a favorite, don't be scared to ask for samples. Wear the foundation for a few days to see if the coverage lasts or gives you the look you desire. Also, make sure you apply makeup to a clean face along with using a good moisturizer and primer. Your skin care regimen is the basis for a great looking face with or without makeup!
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