Although foundations are dropping left and right for 2016, I've decided to be a little more conscientious of my foundation obsession. After all, I've found several "HGs" to carry me through this winter without having to buy more foundation in the NC20-25 range.
The first sample I took home is the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint ($44) in Alaska, which matches NC20-23. It's very easy to spread in a creamy formula but don't be fooled as it dries demi-matte and tends to highlight flakes immensely. I didn't even know I had flakey skin between my brows and on my chin... but this tint brought it all out to play! This probably has to do with the fact that alcohol is the second ingredient...and my dehydrated skin HATES alcohol!
It has medium buildable to full coverage and decent oil control. I would say it reminds me of the Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation with a thicker consistency yet highlights dry skin. Not my favorite. I will not be purchasing a full size.
Here's a photo. You may not see any textural issues but trust me, my face is an oil slick AND crusty after 5-6 hours of wear time, and I can't afford to further dry out my skin with a setting powder.
The second sample I've taken home is the Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation ($48) in Dusk. Dust is a VERY olive green match for NC25 (amazing!) but again, the formula leaves something to be desired. The finish is gorgeous: soft and luminous but not too dewy with sheer-light coverage.
This first photo is sans setting powder with concealer under the eyes.
Its runny consistency blends like a dream with your fingers and doesn't settle into fine lines and pores. It also doesn't pool into the sides of my nose or cake up with several layers.
This is set with powder. With a great mattifying powder I can wear this for 7-8 hours with minimal wear. I don't think this foundation does well without a primer or powder even with my combination skin.
The reason I haven't purchased a full size is because of its sheer coverage and poor lasting performance on its own. When I wear it on its own, it looks gorgeous for...3 hours. When I put effort into priming and setting this foundation, it takes away the dew and gives me a satin finish that doesn't last past the 9-10 hour mark that I demand of my base products. Overall, you need very dry and very good skin to pull off this foundation. For the price tag this foundation left me a little wanting...
I'm glad I had enough cajones to ask for samples rather than purchasing full sizes with ragrets abound. The samples from Sephora were generous enough that I could test out each foundation 4-5 times before I could get a good feel for their performance.
xo Be
