The Hi and Low of Foundations

Foundation.  It is what smooths out those pores, covers pesky age spots and other imperfections and creates an even canvas for the rest of your makeup related artistic endeavours. Finding one that works with your skin's texture, doesn't melt off and doesn't settle into your life lines isn't easy.  You will find that as you age, skin changes, and therefore, so will your foundation needs.  For years, since my 20's I was a die hard MAC girl.  Their products are awesome and no matter what other foundation I tried, (and I always tried something new), I constantly returned to my tried and true Studio Sculpt foundation.  It was a long love affair and was great while it lasted. However, in the last few years, as my skin started to change, I found my steady makeup mate wasn't holding up the way it had in my younger days.  It was time to sadly bid it adieu and set off to find another.  I tried a variety of brands in all different price ranges.  Lancome to L'Oreal, Neutrogena to NARS.  I had read so much about the Giorgio Armani foundation, that I couldn't help but plunk down the $70 to try it out.  

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation $70 at Sephora.

I was surprised that, for the most part, it lived up to it's reviews.  It is one of the lightest and silkiest foundations I have tried.  It provided very good coverage, yet didn't feel like a mask and left my skin with an even, natural glow.  It did not settle into my fine lines, a characteristic that is hard to find with most foundations.  However, I found its staying power was only just above average, and by the end of the day it had melted off my face. I will note that it definitely beat out other higher end foundations such as Lancome's Teint Idole (which is a great foundation, but I find it settles into fine lines.) To date, Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk foundaiton is the best high end foundation I have tried, but with such a steep price,  I needed another option.

As you know, I am a big fan of NYX cosmetics.  I have tried a couple of their foundations including their Stay Matte But Not Flat and Total Control Drop foundations.  However, the one that beat out, not only these two, but the  Luminous Silk foundation as well, was  NYX's Invincible foundation. It  is  hands down the best foundation I have tried to date.  It provides full coverage that doesn't settle into my lines. (Just a side note, I use a damp sponge to apply all foundation.) It's staying power is like no other, as it stays on almost all day without melting away.  It has a great texture that works with my skin, (which is starting to be on the drier side due to age,) and the price is awesome.  The only downside is that it is now only available on the NYX website, so I purchase multiples at a time, in fear they may discontinue it.  I also purchase a shade darker for when I tan and mix the two together for the in between seasons.

NYX Invincible Foundation $14 at NYX Cosmetics.

 I finally found my new love!