The perfect foundation can be almost as elusive as the perfect pair of jeans. So many that are so close to being awesome, but miss by just thismuch! Maybe you love the texture, but there’s no SPF. Or maybe you love the finish, but the coverage is too sheer. A great foundation can even skin tone, hide blemishes, and just make you glow, but it can feel like a never-ending search.
So today I’m talking about my favorite foundations. I like keeping a few different options handy because sometimes you want the lightest sheer coverage when you’re out running weekend errands; sometimes you need full coverage if you’re not having a great skin moment; and sometimes you need a long-wear foundation for formal events that may last all day.
And what are you favorite foundations? I’d love to hear from you so leave me a note in the comments!
Peace + love,
Mila
(see featured photo, left to right)
Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Ultra HD Foundation
This medium coverage foundation has reached cult status and was an Allure “Best of Beauty” winner in 2015 and 2017. The MUFE Ultra HD Foundation was introduced years ago specially made for HD television and is perfect for close-ups. The coverage is buildable and blends super easily, but for the amount of coverage it provides, the Ultra HD is pretty lightweight. It works well with either a foundation brush or sponge. Also, this comes in an impressive range of 40 shades, so it’s an especially great option for us ethnic ladies. I use this foundation if I know I’ll be photographed a lot, like at a special event or even a photoshoot because I know the long-wearing finish and coverage is just that good.
Urban Decay Naked Beauty Balm
Unfortunately, this product has been discontinued, but I LOVED the UD Beauty Balm because it was the perfect “blurring” BB cream. It smoothed texture, evened skin tone, and provided SPF coverage all in one step. I basically wanted to mention this product so everyone could be on the look out in case it ever comes back!!
The internet says that this BareMinerals Complexion Rescue is a good dupe. It’s a gel cream with SPF 30 that provides a dewy finish. It too was an Allure “Best of Beauty” award winner for 2015 and 2016. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’ll be in my cart when I run out of the UD Naked BB cream.
Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation
This is my most heavy duty foundation offering medium-to-full, buildable coverage. As the name would suggest, the Moisture Rich Foundation is super hydrating and includes SPF 15 protection. However, while it’s recommended for normal to dry skin, it’s still flattering on my combination skin and doesn’t just slide off (even if I forget to prime!). I dab this on my cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin, then blend out with a Beauty Blender and it hides blemishes without looking overdone or cakey. Bobbi Brown products are usually available at major department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales, but this product has limited availability. I loved using this the past few month, but I’m interested to see how it works during the hotter months. Either way, our skin always changes with the seasons and I’m okay if this is a go-to during winter only.
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
A 16th and Barton favorite, we love all things Glossier. We both own this Perfecting Skin Tint in the Dark shade. It’s ultra lightweight, yet evens skin tone in a way that’s perfectly appropriate for every day use. The Skin Tint is quick and easy as it’s supposed to be applied and blended with your fingers. With a dewy finish, it’s flattering, natural and looks great on our light/medium, olive complexions. The only downside, in my opinion, is that it’s limited to five shades right now. Hopefully, Glossier will expand the color choices because this product is awesome.
Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream
The best drugstore BB cream on the market right now is the Dream Pure BB Cream – perfect for really hot, humid days. It’s oil-free and provides a bit more coverage that a traditional BB or tinted moisturizer. But what’s really great is that it’s a treatment as well – it has 2% salicylic acid that’s meant for those with combination or blemish-prone skin. I love using this during summer because I feel like the humidity makes breakouts a bit more frequent for me. By having the salicylic acid in my BB cream, I’m already on the offensive! Like the Glossier this comes in limited shades, but at an under $10 price point, it’s worth a shot.
Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Water Blend Foundation
Another 16th and Barton fave product, the MUFE Water Blend is always in my beauty cabinet. With sheer buildable coverage, this lightweight, water-based foundation leaves a natural, dewy, ultra-flattering finish. While I love experimenting with new and different products, the Water Blend is my ride or die.
Bobbi Brown BB Cream
A champion in multi-tasking, the Bobbi BB Cream is perfect when you need to travel light. It’s a good option for those with oily to normal skin (including combination skin in my experience), provides light buildable coverage, and includes SPF 35 protection. The Bobbi Brown site suggests that this can even be used a primer, but I find it’s a tad too heavy for that.
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