Always on the hunt for a new foundation or CC or BB Cream? Me too. Except I’ve come to the slow realisation that maybe I should stop trying to find the next best thing because I am always reaching for the staples that have never left my beauty shelf! New foundations or CC creams or tints have come and gone but some are constant. These are the ones that always stay on my shelf.
Giorgio Armani Beauty – Luminous Silk Foundation
An oldie but a goodie. whoever came up with the name of this foundation should be given a gold medal. Luminous silk is a cult favourite and aptly describes how this looks and feels on your skin. This has been a constant on my beauty shelf for many years. The formulation is light and smooth and provides a good amount of coverage with a minimal amount of product. For me, two small pumps provides enough to even out the skin and provide a good amount of coverage over my freckles and pigmentation so their appearance is minimised.
The buildable formulation is perfect for those times when you want to wear a bit more. The great thing is that it looks so great on the skin that it looks like your own skin.
It also wears well throughout the day and I often find that I don’t need to reapply if I’m heading out after work. This is even with me touching my face during the day (yes, I’m one of those people)
There is the added benefit of there being a significant shade range so there would definitely be one for you and it contains SPF15.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
A cult foundation, NARS Sheer Glow is a consistent winner amongst beauty lovers world over. The foundation is buildable and leaves a natural looking even skin tone.
The formulation includes Glycerin to help maintain moisture levels in the skin and also includes Vitamin C that helps to brighten the skin. With the added bonus of Tumeric extract to help reduce inflammation and add radiance, it’s more than just your average foundation.
I apply using a brush smooth out with fingers and wears well during the day.
The only downside is the bottle doesn’t come with a pump and I like to use a pump to help me manage the amount to use. It is sold separately so not all is lost!
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream – original formulation
Another staple on the shelf. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream stands out for impeccable coverage, redefining the standards of complexion perfection. Its exceptional formula seamlessly fuses skincare and makeup, creating a transformative experience that goes beyond mere coverage. Infused with a potent blend of skin-loving ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants, this CC Cream not only conceals imperfections but also nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. The lightweight, buildable texture effortlessly camouflages blemishes, redness, and uneven tone, while its broad-spectrum SPF 50+ shields against harmful UV rays. The result is a flawless, natural-looking complexion with a radiant finish, enhancing the skin’s luminosity and leaving it visibly healthier over time.
I use the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Foundation and concealer brush to apply to provide an even and smooth application.
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation
I wasn’t quite sure what all the fuss was about with the Beautiful Skin foundation until I tried it. The formulation is silky smooth and provides medium coverage but feels light. A paradox I know, but it works. The foundation is infused with Hyaluronic acid that provides hydration dand also with Rose complex to help reduce signs of stress, dryness and pigmentation . Further it includes BIXActiv, an ingredient that helps decrease oiliness that helps reduce the look of pores and sheen from the face.
It is easy to apply to quickly create a smooth base. I use fingers or a brush and I find it super quick to do. There’s something about the glow and radiance this has on my skin – I look alive and fresh which is definitely helpful when I’m feeling the opposite. It melds well with blush and bronzer overlayed on the cheeks to give an integrated full look.
It wears really well throughout the day without needing to reapply.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
A relatively recent addition to my beauty wardrobe, I discovered this Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint during the back end of the pandemic after attending a zoom with the founder. The adoration people had on this zoom session for this product was persuasive enough for me to just order it and take a gamble at the colour. Not quite what I needed in the middle of Winter (I used it subsequently in summer!) but I did go and find the right colour which did take a few samples from Mecca but now I have the perfect shade.
I can understand the adoration from the bevvy of fans because this product provides the enough coverage to give you an even natural looking cover but provides a dewy, luminous look to the skin. Light on the skin, the formulation provides a boost to your skin with niacinimide, hyaluronic acid and squalene with the added benefit of having SPF40. A gem of a find but be patient in finding the right shade and make sure you wear your sample to see how the formulation oxidises on your skin.
A repeat buy for sure.
Tips before you buy
When selecting the perfect shade of foundation for your face, there are three key tips to keep in mind for a flawless match.
Firstly, always aim to test the foundation in natural light to ensure accurate color assessment. Natural light prevents any artificial lighting from distorting the shade’s appearance on your skin. Secondly, consider your undertone—whether it’s warm, cool, or neutral— as this greatly influences how a foundation will harmonise with your complexion. Matching your undertone ensures a seamless blend between your natural skin color and the foundation. Lastly, don’t be afraid to swatch and sample a few shades before making a decision. Applying small amounts of different shades along your jawline can help you identify the one that disappears into your skin, indicating a true match. Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample and wear it to know what it feels like and how it wears. I can’t tell you how many times people have told me they’ve gone home and realised the colour in store isn’t quite doing the same at home. I’ve found that MECCA are very helpful if you find you’ve gone home and realised its not quite the colour you’ve wanted.
If you’re buying online, MECCA, Sephora and Adore Beauty have an option to input your existing foundation shades in order to colour match for something suitable for you based on your current foundation shades.
You can find the NARS and Ilia at MECCA, Giorgio Armani Beauty is available at leading department stores, Adore Beauty and www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com.au, Charlotte Tilbury is available at MECCA and www.charlottetilbury.com and IT Cosmetics is available at Sephora, Adore Beauty and www.itcosmetics.com.au
Images from Mecca, Giorgio Armani Beauty and IT Cosmetics
