It seems like the moment we’re on the other side of Labor Day my tan starts to fade. It doesn’t matter if we still have a few 70 degree days, my color just flees. So I’m forced to switch my skincare and makeup regimens as soon as I take my final summer Friday, which includes my foundation.
And for me, finding a new foundation is often problematic because I have olive undertones, I tan into a copper-like color, and I have dry skin that gets clogged pores. If I had to check a Facebook style relationship box about my skin it would clearly be ‘it’s complicated.’ But I’m always optimistic and eager to try new foundations for my changing skin needs.
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So I went through several of the new foundations launched this summer and fall to see how they hold up in different weather, through long days, and through breakouts and other skin concerns.
01
Kat Von D Beauty True Portrait Foundation
I figured if Jhene Aiko’s skin looked as impeccable as it did at SEPHORiA (and pretty much everywhere else) in this foundation, I needed to give it a try. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a vegan foundation as I’d never thought about my makeup as vegan or otherwise. Maybe it’s the vegan formulation but the texture is wonderful. It’s almost like a mouse or cream—which used to be my favorite consistency for foundation. A little goes a long way for true full coverage. I had no trace of a breakout and it lasted all day.
02
Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation
This was absolutely one of my favorite foundations. I picked a color 480C for my caramel skin because I had a nice tan when I first used it. Initially I thought it looked too dark, appearing as if I was painting my face when I put it on. But when it settled it looked amazing. Every time I wore it, people kept commenting that I have great skin, not realizing that the full coverage foundation was covering up some serious hyperpigmentation. It lasts throughout long, stressful, and sweaty days.
03
Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover
I have a hard time choosing the right shade by just looking at colors because I can’t tell undertone matches versus just skin color matches. This was one of the few that was easy for me to match by looking. That’s probably due to the simple packaging. It comes in a tube, which is a dream to me because I get every drop out of it. It’s touted as a full coverage foundation but I definitely had to layer it to get it there. It didn’t feel heavy at all. But by end of day I could see that I should have touched it up. I did get a bunch of compliments on my “great skin” while wearing it. And the fact that it is an SPF 50 foundation that doesn’t feel thin and watery is a plus.
04
M·A·C Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
It’s been a while since I’ve worn a powder foundation and this one was a great reintroduction. One of my colleagues asked me if I had any makeup on, because she said, my face looked so clear but it didn’t look like I had anything on. A foundation that allows your skin to still look like skin but blemish free is a must. I did need to do a touch up after a 7-hour stretch. And you certainly want to set this with a spray so that skin doesn’t appear dry and cakey.
05
M·A·C Studio Fix Soft Matte Foundation Stick
I learned the hard way that what works in a powder or liquid doesn’t always translate into a stick. I chose the same color for this soft matte stick as I did for its powder counterpart and it was gravely different. So choose your colors correctly here. Despite that hiccup, it wasn’t a terrible consistency as foundations go. I’ve reserved sticks for contours and highlighters lately, but this brought me back to how easy sticks are to apply. But you must set this if you want staying power, and if you don’t want foundation everywhere (especially if you accidentally touch your face as often as I do).
06
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation
When it comes to Fenty foundation, it’s what I put on when I really want a face and I don’t care who can tell. It’s not a subtle foundation, as my skin seems so flawless that it doesn’t move. This foundation is less drying than the first version, but it’s still leaning in the direction of someone with oily skin, which is not me. The biggest plus is that your face will look perfect, and with a fruit essence or face mist, you can make it appear more dewy. The line has a color match for my winter complexion and my summer complexion, and both stay put through long days.
07
PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15
This is another powder foundation that surprised and delighted me. The color match for my skin tone was one of the best and it didn’t need a touch up after a 10-hour stretch. I set it with a finishing spray to give my skin a dewy look—it will otherwise look dry and you will look like you’re wearing a powder. One of the best things about powder foundations is that they feel really light and you forget that you even have makeup on.
