Even when I've find a foundation that I like, I'll keep on trying out others. And as I'm incapable of waiting to buy until I've finished what I'm currently using, I end up with - dare I say it - too many. The good thing about this is that I can compare products side by side.
My favourite foundations are MAC's Studio Sculpt in NC25-30, mineralize compact in NC30 and Face and Body in C4. But they are the darker end of the spectrum for me. So in the winter months I have been using (and trying to get rid of!) the 'older' products that also happen to be lighter in colour. These are:
1. Laura Mercier's oil-free tinted moisturizer in NudeWhen I first got this, I was really impressed that my t-zone didn't shine as much or as quickly. I was using her powder to set it, which I don't anymore, and I'm using a different moisturizer under the foundation so the effect isn't quite as wow now. I don't find the coverage to be too low or sheer; I think the name 'tinted moisturizer' is misleading.
Would I repurchase? Yes, in another colour, perhaps. But I still have a back-up that I got when I was really into Laura Mercier...
2. Bobbi Brown's Moisture Rich foundation in Beige I like that it comes with a pump but I don't like the way the cap gets dirty. That's a minor complaint that has nothing to do with the product itself, which is fine. I use so little - half a squirt - that I get quite sheer coverage (similar to Laura M's tinted moisturiser). The glass bottle is fine for using at home but obviously not for travelling.
Would I repurchase? No.
3. Bobbi Brown's Luminous foundation in Warm Sand I was given this (tester) and this is too light for me so I'm not using it at all (I thought I'd mention it, though). There's also the risk of pouring out too much product. But the coverage is better, if that's what you're looking for, and more moisturising, with anti-ageing properties. I do like the creamy formulation and overall finish.
Would I (re)purchase? In theory, yes, but probably never will.
4. Shu Uemura's Face Architect in 764 Another glass bottle. It comes with a pump (good) and the cap is much bigger and doesn't fit so snugly onto the pump so it stays clean - not a smudge of old, crusty foundation anywhere. Nice creamy formulation with good coverage.
Would I repurchase? Yes. And I would prefer to get this than Bobbi's Luminous but in a different shade (sometimes I think it looks too rosy).
Swatches of the above four foundations.
Laura Mercier, BB Moisture Rich, BB Luminous, Shu Uemura
5. Foundation sticks from Bobbi Brown (beige, warm beige) and Chantecaille (Camomile)
I just don't like foundation sticks. I never re-apply foundation during the day (especially when I'm out) so I don't need it in solid form. Some people might find them useful for applying around the nose when you have a cold and need to blow your nose all the time. Anyway, looking at the swatch of Warm Beige, I think it's too pink. Camomile is too light for me. I should put this together with my concealers so I'll remember to use it.
In the swatch photo - look how they emphasise my pores! Ugh.
Would I repurchase? Never.
Foundation sticks in Beige, Warm Beige, Camomile
6. Bobbi Brown's Smooth Skin fondation in Beige Another tester that I was given. I've never used it. I used to hear such negative reviews about this product that I'm quite honestly scared to use it. I know that it doesn't sell well, either, so I'm not surprised it's being discontinued - isn't it? It says 'last chance' on their website.
Would I (re)purchase? Never.
I completely forgot to swatch this foundation when I was doing the others - it goes to show how unloved this is by me - so on its own:
When I look at all of these swatches, they colours look so different that I'm rather horrified - how could I never have gotten strange remarks?!
Do you try and finish products, even if they are no longer right?
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