THE BEST FOUNDATIONS UK 2016

It's a fact universally acknowledged that foundation can make or break a makeup look. With the best smokey eye and brows in the world a dodgy foundation will ruin any look.

Here's a run down of the best 5 foundations I've used, both drug store and higher end.


1. Estèe Lauder Double Wear

 This foundation is undoubtedly the best I have ever used. I have slightly oily skin and this foundation works a treat, blended with a beauty blender gives an almost photoshopped finish.
It is full coverage and extremely long lasting, meaning I only wear it on nights out or to big events. If you're looking for a foundation that wont budge all night and give you a flawless finish, go for this one!
RRP £31

Coverage: *****
Price: ***
Shades: *****


2. L'oréal Infallible 24 Hour Matte 

I originally got this in a shade far too dark and hated it, but after persevering with the right shade I found this foundation worked a treat! If you're into a matte look it's worth trying out this foundation as it really leaves a matte finish. I would call it medium coverage easy to wear on a day to day basis. Not quite as long lasting as double wear but a great foundation none the less. RRP £7.99

Coverage: ***
Price: ****
Shades: **

3.  Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

The hype online over this foundation was what spurred me on to buying this, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. It has a lightweight feel on the skin, something that can't really be said for Double Wear, yet it can also be built quite easily to a medium/full coverage if required. Naked Skin is easily blendable and works a dream with the naked skin concealer too!

Coverage: ****
Price: ***
Shades: ****





4. Rimmel Wake Me Up 

I have loved this foundation for YEARS. Despite venturing out into the drugstore foundation market quite frequently I always seem to end up back with this foundation. It matches perfectly to my skin, isn't too heavy or thick and works perfectly on me for day to day wear.

Coverage: ***
Price: *****
Shades: **






5. Revlon Colour stay

This foundation is a new edition to my foundation collection, but a firm favourite none the less. If you have dry skin I wouldn't recommend this but for combination/oily this foundation is great. The bottle claims it lasts up to 24 hours, however I can't say I entirely agree with this, when I use it alone I notice it patching and rubbing off after about 8 hours wear which is still impressive with no base, but with primer and setting spray it potentially could live up to it's 24 hour promise!

Coverage: ***
Price: ***
Shades: ***







Thanks for reading! XO

Holy Grail: Mary Lou Manizer

My next few posts will be a number of holy grail products which are undeniably some of my favourite purchases - it will come as no surprise to many that I am kicking off my holy grail products with Mary Lou Manizer by 'The Balm'

I am a huge fan of the balm in general, in particular their eyeshadow pallets and over shadows - but without a doubt my favourite of their products is the famous Mary Lou Manizer.

Some have compared it to a 'drugstore' version of Jaclyn Hill's Becca highlighter in champagne pop, yet having tried both I have to say regardless of price Mary Lou takes the highlighting crown for me.

I know many people are unphased by packaging but personally for me it is a huge factor in if I pick up and purchase a product! Perhaps this is a judging a book by its cover approach but I can't help but be drawn in by intriguing stylish packaging, something the balm certianly achieves in. All their branding and packaging is to die for and certainly makes opening balm deliveries the extra bit exciting.

credit - beautynbest.com

The product itself does not disappoint either, its pigment and shimmer is outstanding and looks incredible on the top of cheek bones for a glam makeup look. For extra pigmentation I have also found that applying setting spray to either the upper cheek bone OR your highlight brush then applying mary lou works amazingly well, the highlight is extra strong and looks incredible when you apply it this way.

Mary Lou Manizer works amazingly as a highlight but it is also multi purpose - it can be used effectively as a gorgeous eyeshadow colour too. Birchbox.co.uk (which sells the product) describes it as a "Three-in-one highlighter, eyeshadow, and all-over shimmer" which is certainly true. Many beauty gurus over on youtube have amazing tutorials in how to use the product as not only a highlight but also a general shimmer and eyeshadow. 

Don't let the hype surrounding this product put you off - it really does live up to it's expectation!

You can purchase it on superdrug, feel unique and debenhams among other places. 

Have you tried out Mary Lou Manizer? Let me know if you liked it as much as I did :)

L x