The Foundation Wardrobe

I've been thinking about writing this post for a while. Today, while I was cleaning the shelves in the bathroom  (geesh they get untidy so fast), I counted 13 (lucky for some) foundations!! So, instead of just wiping them down and putting them back, I put them in a line up and started snapping. BTW, I purchased all of these foundations.

I wear ALL of these foundations on a regular basis and just like your clothing wardrobe, they serve different purposes (for me). You don't wear the same clothes everyday, so why should your make-up be any different?

So, here is my (current) foundation wardrobe..................

This collection may seem extreme to some and wimpy to others...especially to some of the beauty bloggers I know (you know who you are). But, in my defence, I am a make-up artist and I never use products in my kit without "road testing" them first.

Lets talk make-up.....shall we?

1. Gorgeous Cosmetics Base Perfect

My shade: 3N-BP

Foundation type: Liquid (great pump dispenser)

When I use it:  A great everyday foundation if applied sheerly and for evening I'll layer it where I want a bit more coverage. I find it needs a light dusting of powder to give best staying results. It photographs beautifully and smells lovely. I also use this for bridal and photographic work.

Buy this foundation if: You know your going to be photographed and want to look like your skin is smooth and even.

Best application method for me: Foundation brush.

2. L'Oreal Lumi Magique

My shade: C4 Rose Beige

Foundation type: Liquid

When I use it: I've only had this foundation for a couple of weeks and it's a winner in my book! I've be wearing this a lot and find it's great for everyday wear and evening wear. I recently used it on a photo shoot and was extremely pleased with the results. Gives your skin a healthy glow and covers remarkably well. Feels posh...lol I haven't tested it out for bridal use, so I'll get back to you on that.

Buy this foundation if: You're after a quality foundation at a great price point. Not sure how it will go on very oily skin (I consider my skin type "normal" and occasionally a  little dehydrated)

Best application method for me: Fingertips and then buffed in a little with a foundation brush.

3. MAC Studio Fix Fluid

My shade: NW20

Foundation type: Liquid

When I use it: Evening and occasionally for bridal use.

Buy this foundation if: You like the brand and want a foundation with a medium coverage (you can build this foundation up, but I wouldn't go too heavy or I find it will go cakey) I am a little on the fence with this one...some days I love it & other days I think "meh".

Best application method for me: Foundation brush of good make-up sponge (I like the beauty blender)

4. Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector

My shade: Medium

Foundation type: OK, so it's not "technically" a foundation, but a BB cream, but if you look at the photo you'll see that I really like it A LOT!!  This is my 3rd tube.

When I use it: Often...for a even skin tone during the day. I like to apply this all over and then apply a foundation with more coverage to the areas that need it (sadly these days, those areas are spreading...lol)

Buy this foundation if: You want an all rounder and a sheer finish/coverage

Best application method for me: Fingers. (be careful to blend really well along the jawline)

5. Graftobian Glamour Creme

My shade: Temptress

Foundation type: Creme

When I use it: My HG foundation for bridal, photographic and everyday use. Can double as a concealer. It goes on like a dream and stays put...photographs amazingly well. What else can I say...GET IT!!!! (in Australia you can get it here & tell Rach & the ladies at Make-Up & Glow I said Hi...tehe)

Buy this foundation if: You want to try a "real" professional foundation that is adaptable to every situation you could imagine. (comes in an airbrush formula too...but that's another post for another day)

Best application method for me: Foundation brush and/or beauty blender sponge

6. Dior Hydra Action - Deep Hydration Skin Tint

My shade: 2

Foundation type: Again, not technically a foundation but a tint (close enough)

When I use it: Similar use to the Garnier BB cream. A bit thicker in consistency, just evens out my skin tone without looking heavy. can get a bit shiny so I buff in a little powder (or try a mineral foundation)...just wait till it "sets" or you'll get a patchy mess.

Buy this foundation if: You're after a light coverage with sun protection and you must have a "luxury" brand.

Best application method for me: Fingertips.....don't forget to blend.

7. Face of Australia - Lasting Looks Natural Foundation SPF15

My shade: Natural Honey

Foundation type: Creamy Liquid

When I use it: Daytime, especially if I want my foundation to last with minimal touch ups. I still like to dust some loose powder in my T-Zone to keep shine down. Best when used with the Face of Australia primer.

Buy this foundation if: You need it to last!! Champagne taste on a beer budget. Love it.

Best application method for me: Fingertips and then sometimes blended off with a foundation brush.

8. Nutrimetics Cover Rich Moisturising Foundation

My shade: Praline

Foundation type: Creamy Liquid 

When I use it: Day or evening....in fact I wore it today....put it on early...got rained on...did some painting...did the usual Mum stuff and it's now 8pm and it's still fairly well intact! I always powder this with the Nutrimetics mineral powder. (my bottle is nearly empty and I will get more)

Buy this foundation if: You want a great coverage and long lasting results. 

Best application method for me: Foundation brush

9. MAC Face and Body Foundation

My shade: N2

Foundation type: Liquid 

When I use it: This has to be a staple for nearly every make-up artist I know. Too sheer for me to wear as a foundation on it's own, so I add concealer or a heavier foundation where I need it. I suppose that's how I use it for clients too. Great for the body too and photographs perfectly. I like to powder this with a light, loose powder. I've never had it transfer to clothes...so that's good.

Buy this foundation if: You are a make-up artist or want body makeup for a special event.

Best application method for me: Brush for the face....hands for the body.

10. Maybelline Super Stay Make-Up

My shade: Natural Beige

Foundation type: Liquid

When I use it: I prefer this for evening and when I want a long lasting foundation. I don't find I need to powder this. Go lightly near any lines as it could cake. Overall, a great full coverage foundation that stays put.

Buy this foundation if: You want a long lasting foundation with adaptable coverage.

Best application method for me: Foundation brush or fingertips work well.

11. Dior Airflash Spray Foundation

My shade: 202

Foundation type: Airbrush foundation in an aerosol can. (doesn't sound posh when I put it that way does it?? lol)

When I use it: When I want a perfectly smooth finish for a special occasion (shouldn't that be everyday??) Not as long lasting as some of the other foundations in my wardrobe, but it works well on top of a medium coverage as a "top coat") Great for the decolletage. I use this for bridal or photography when I don't want to get out my airbrush for a small area.

Buy this foundation if: You want to try out airbrush style make-up. Go to the Dior counter (or Napoleon's Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation) and try it out.

Best application method for me: Spray from the can. Test on a tissue so you don't get splatters and don't close you eyes tightly or you'll get wrinkle lines. Puffing out your cheeks can work well too.

12. Face of Australia Anti Aging Stick Foundation

My shade: Honey

Foundation type: Creme stick.

When I use it: As a concealer or medium to full coverage foundation, mainly for evening. Great to throw in your bag for easy touch ups. The folks at FOA really know their shiz. A must buy for your collection. Rivals the "pro" brands.

Buy this foundation if: You want great quality without spending a fortune. Iconic Aussie brand that I've been a fan of for a long time.

Best application method for me: Straight from the stick (for personal use) and blender with a sponge. On the go...just use your fingertips.

13. Nutrimetics Sheer Tint Make-Up

My shade: Meduim

Foundation type: Sheer tint, liquid

When I use it: When I'm in a real hurry and just need some sun protection with a tiny bit of coverage (it doesn't give a lot) I can blend this with my eyes closed. 

Buy this foundation if: You need minimal coverage with sun protection.

Best application method for me: Fingertips.

So that's it....for now. This collection changes often....I'll let you know if I find a new gem.

Do you have a foundation wardrobe?  I'd love to know what you have in yours.