If you have read any of the previous beauty posts I've written, you're probably used to me ranting about how hard it is to find foundation and other makeup for us tan sisters! This week, I took on the task of finding the perfect foundation, which was harder than I thought it would be. The finalists came down to one fancy pants foundation from a brand I've come to know and love, and one super affordable drugstore variety that can be found far and wide throughout the U.S.
Which formula won? You'll have to read after the jump to find out!
The fancy name brand foundation I tried out was Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF 15. The shade matched my skin perfectly, which was honestly sort of shocking for me at first given the fact that I've struggled so much to find a perfect match. The formula felt smooth and smelled great. It also provided tons of coverage. Actually, for my taste, it was almost TOO much coverage. I normally stick with tinted moisturizers and BB creams for my first layer of makeup, so using a full-coverage foundation was a bit strange for me. That being said, the week I tested this out, my skin was going nutso with a rare (for me at least) breakout so I appreciated the coverage. What I didn't appreciate was all the makeup left on my hubby's shoulder after I hugged him or that streak on my dress when I pulled it over my head before running out the door. This made me sad.
Ladies, for $47 (bobbibrown.com), my makeup should not be leaving me sad; am I right?
The drugstore variety I tried out was L'Oréal's revolutionary True Match foundation. Why did I call it revolutionary? Well, because it is honestly the first line of makeup EVER that gave me not one, but three different shades to choose from that not only matched my skin but provided subtle, nuanced differences. I could easily choose from different shades that would work if I was a bit tanner or a bit paler on any given day. One had warm tones for those days you just feel tired and green, another was neutral for days when you may feel a bit ruddy. It was AMAZING! I was swimming in options and it felt so good.
The formula was totally smooth and while it didn't have the lovely scent of botanical oils like the Bobbi Brown foundation did, it didn't wreak of chemicals either, which I found out was because it's made with no oils, fragrances, or pore-clogging fillers. But the best part was the coverage. I could layer it on thicker if I needed to in spots, or leave it pretty sheer if I was feeling like letting my skin breathe. I loved the way I could determine my own layer of coverage.
I also LOVED the price. At $9 (ulta.com) I can actually afford to indulge in more than one color and be ready on vacation if I get super tan! How great is that?
For save vs. splurge: Foundation–I say, pocket all that extra cash! True Match Super Blendable Makeup by L'Oréal is the winner.
