MAC Studio Fix Fluid: This foundation is the perfect mix of matte and high-coverage; despite its thick consistency, the one thing that instantly becomes apparent is in fact how easily blendable it is. I will say that when you first use this it can appear to have a 'paint-like' smell but you won't notice this after a few uses, from which I like to blend this with a flat-top blending brush or specifically, the buffing brush from 'Real Techniques' which ensures you have a seamless high coverage, evenly distributed around the face whilst also ensuring the foundation to actually almost 'sink' into the skin to avoid its tendency to just sit on top and appear 'cakey' and unnatural. However for a less intense coverage I also love to use this with a damp beauty blender as its nature means that the majority of the product is soaked up and so therefore just adds a sheer yet impeccable finish upon the skin. I have also found that using the Fix+ spray (also from MAC) with this foundation ensures it doesn't target and dry out your 'problem areas', keeping the skin looking dewy and hydrated, whilst also enabling it to 'stick' more and be long lasting to your primer. The shade range for MAC is faultless and it is definitely worth getting matched to your perfect shade, as its retail price of £21.50 can appear rather off putting to many. The only obvious negatives from this product is the fact that unfortunately throughout the day it can have a tendency to oxidise on the skin (especially in more humid and hotter weathers) potentially looking rather patchy and cakey ; which is why a primer and setting powder is so important. From a personal perspective i'd also recommend taking the powder with you in your bag so throughout the day IF (I say if because foundation sits differently on every individuals skin and so the outcome isn't always likely to be the same), any necessary touch ups are needed at least you're covered! Overall, a cult classic foundation that definitely lived up to expectations and is well worthy of being so popular.
Laura Mercier Silk creme foundation: This foundation can best be described as giving a 'flawless natural coverage', it is easily build-able to a medium or high finish without looking fake or over the top in the slightest. Its rich, moisturising consistency means as soon as you put it on it feels hydrating and luxurious, blending out effortlessly, adding a hint of glow to the skin; this is one of my absolute favorites for texture as its creamy mousse like nature allows putting on foundation to no longer be such a tedious (sometimes frustrating) task. This retails at £34 so obviously not one of the cheapest high-end foundations, but it remains a favorite in my collection with a re-purchase definitely on the cards. Laura Mercier does do an excellent collection of foundation shades especially for paler girls! I like to blend this foundation with a flat top brush with a spritz of Fix+ directly onto the brush which adds a more liquid feel, making it perfect to blend whilst also giving that well needed hydration back into the skin. One of my favourite foundations; definitely recommend to all.
Kevyn Aucoin 'The Sensual Skin enhancer':The third foundation has by far the highest coverage I have ever got my hands on, with the ability to hide a multitude of sins! Whenever I wake up to one of those dreaded huge spots (as many of us will have experienced) this is my go-to problem solver as it can hide any blemish, acne or scaring on the face almost instantaneously. It has the thickest consistency out of all of my foundations which does make it that bit trickier to blend. A clean, moisturised and primed face is a must for this foundation as its texture will cling to any dry areas which is why I rarely use this alone; due to its thickness I usually wear this as a concealer. It can, like nearly all foundations, appear cakey and over done if you do wear it alone due to it being such high coverage; its matte formula gives a airbrushed, flawless base perfect for all the girls who love a good ultra-high coverage. I would never use this foundation without a moisturising primer and lashings of Fix+ directly sprayed onto the skin before and after application and also straight onto the brush for easier blending.
At £38 there is nothing like this on the market and I would challenge anyone to find a better coverage that than products from Kevin Aucoin.
Any recommendations of foundations or your personal reviews of the above 3 feel free to put in the comments below x
