The beauty launches calendar seems to operate in category cycles. First they’ll be a burst of new lip products on the scene, then everyone releases a neutral eyeshadow palette, followed by a slew of fancy formula foundations and we’re back to the beginning. If my little theory is true then we’re most definitely in the crux of a foundation phase right now. There’s a load that have just appeared on counter and I’ve put a trio of the ones that got me the most excited to the test. Reviewed, swatched, the lot…
Lancome Miracle Cushion Liquid Cushion Compact in 01 Pure Porcelaine – £29.50 – released tomorrow. If you’re a watcher of Lisa Eldridge’s Korean Beauty Trend video then you’re already well versed in the concept of ‘cushions’; housed a bit like a compact, they’re circular discs of sponge that are soaked in liquid product, providing an easier application of liquids on the go. This one from Lancome is the first I’ve seen and inside there’s a mirror, makeup sponge and then under a tightly closed lid is the cushion laden with a lightweight BB-esque base. It’s an interesting concept, but for me there’s a hygiene issue here and a bigger issue that I really don’t like applying my base with a sponge. I’ve given it a go with a brush and I do like the formula; for me it’s a light coverage, weekend-apt choice, but it’s still a bit grim to dip your brush in out, in out. I think how I’ll end up using this is as a touch-up when I’ve lost a bit of coverage, but don’t want to use something matte like a powder. The jury is still out on this one.
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation in Light 3 Gobi – £32 – from Look Fantastic. I’ve already gone into the pros and cons of this new one from NARS in my latest video, but I thought I’d revisit it here as during my prolonged testing I’ve discovered some new noteworthy findings. Firstly, I’ll give you the headlines: it’s oil-free, light in texture and full on coverage, it blends easily and delivers a satin finish that runs pretty matte on the skin. Here’s the thing – without powder the product bizarrely breaks down swiftly on my Rudolph-like red nose. Everywhere else – fine – but on my nose? Nope. If you’re into a full matte finish then it’s one to sample, just remember to powder if you have a nose that eats up foundation like mine.
Clarins Everlasting Foundation+ in 105 Nude – £27.50 – from Clarins. On paper this doesn’t sound like it would be the one of the three that is most up my street. A long-lasting mid-to-full coverage, demi-matte foundation that’s been newly improved to last 18 hours on the skin; it’s not my usual base prescription, but there’s something about it that works. It almost reminds me of a lightweight version of Estée Lauder Double Wear (a foundation that I’ve never really been able to get on with). You don’t feel like you’re wearing anything and after an hour or so of wear a bit of natural oil peeks though and makes the whole thing look a lot more skin-like and yes it sticks around. Be warned that it’s pretty heavily fragranced, but if your nose can stomach the whiff then slap it on for when you want some decent whack in the coverage department.
Some good’uns here, but none that are going to make it into my everyday rotation with the CHANEL Vitalumiere Aqua’s of my stash. Though I must point out that there is a foundation that’s not necessarily new, but that’s new to me, that’s rocking my world, but more on that on Thursday. I know – such a tease…
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