Beauty Highlight: Foundation For Every Occasion

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Is it just me or does everyone have at least 3 or 4 foundations they use on a regular basis? I find myself reaching for a different foundation depending on what I’m doing that day, the weather and the condition of my skin. These are my favorite foundations along with a setting powder that I use all the time.

1. Bare Minerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

This is probably my go-to foundation for most occasions. My favorite part of this mineral-based foundation is that it feels so natural, as if you’re not wearing any makeup at all. Although it’s supposed to provide full coverage if you get the right brush, from experience I’d say that it provides light to medium coverage, which works for me most of the time. You can always keep adding more powder but at some point, it will look cakey. I also like to wear this when I’m breaking out. The claim is that it’s clinically proven to promote clearer, healthier-looking skin. For me personally, Bare Minerals at least feels like the least irritating foundation of the four and it covers up pimples pretty well, especially if you use the powder concealer.

2. Boscia B.B. Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 27

Some people swear by BB creams and some are not so impressed. I do use them quite often but I’m not convinced that they are the be-all end-all of foundations as they claim to be. I like the idea that they’re multifunctional and most come in self-adjusting shades to complement your skin tone. However, in reality, it doesn’t always live up to its expectations. I’ve tried quite a few BB creams and so far I like Boscia’s the best. It goes on smoothly and adjusts pretty well to my skin tone. I typically use BB creams when I’m working out or going to the pool. I can’t quite explain my reasoning but the fact that it is lightweight, water based and provides a higher SPF than most foundations makes it the natural choice for days that I’ll be sweating, swimming or being exposed to the sun for an extended period of time.

3. Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing Makeup SPF 15

I really didn’t want to try this foundation at first, for fear of liking it and having to pay the hefty price for it. But I was lured by a Sephora consultant and as soon as I tried it, I knew it was a keeper. It is velvety smooth and is light enough that you don’t feel like you have something on, but at the same time it provides more coverage than the two foundations I’ve listed above. It is also hydrating so it was perfect for the winter months. I wear this one when I want to look a little more made up, maybe to a dinner, a girls night out or a more formal meeting. Now that I’ve tried this one and like it, I’m very tempted to try their Diorskin Forever line for fuller coverage.

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

I’m always on the lookout for beauty products that use natural ingredients and are eco-friendly. So it was a natural choice for me to try out Tarte’s foundation, especially since it is a full coverage foundation. I’ve been looking for a full coverage foundation that doesn’t feel too heavy. I’ll probably be reaching for this foundation more frequently in the summer months. It doesn’t have the hydrating element of the other two liquid foundations above but I think it would be perfect in the summer when my skin tends to become more oily. In addition to the fact that it uses natural ingredients, I would say it provides pretty good coverage. My only issue is that I haven’t been able to find the right shade for my skin tone so I opted for a shade a tad darker than my natural complexion, which again would be perfect for the summer months when I tend to get a little darker.

5. Bare Minerals Mineral Veil

No matter which foundation I’m using, I always finish with the Bare Minerals Mineral Veil. This finishing powder sets the makeup and absorbs any oil from my T-zone, for longer wear. I can visibly see the reduction in the appearance of pores and it’s so sheer and light that it doesn’t even feel like you’re adding on yet another layer of cosmetics on your skin. I just feel like it provides that polished finishing touch. Besides the Original Mineral Veil, it also comes in Illuminating, Tinted and Hydrating versions.