Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 (Shade 4.5) – Review

For my oily skin folks the task of finding good base products is forever a struggle. I feel that most foundations on the market are aimed at normal to dry skin. Products for oily skin are just not up to scratch with the oil control and the only products that successfully mattify the skin are very thick and feel heavy on the skin. Now, in terms of full coverage I love my Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation which I’ve reviewed previously on the blog but day-to-day I prefer to look more natural. Recently this has meant settling for the fact that I’ll look like a grease ball by 12pm.

For the past year I’ve been using the Jouer Matte  Moisture Tint which is nice to use during the colder months and when I don’t have a tan, it’s even leaning towards being slightly too light for me. However, as soon as I get a bit of sun this product (the darkest one in the range) doesn’t match me. Nor does it control oil like I need it to unless paired with a primer, powder and setting spray. Far too much effort in my opinion.

I did a lot of research on foundations, BB creams and tinted moisturisers for oily skin. As  I said before many reviewers find that a lot of them fall short in terms of oil control. So, after a lots of investigating I chose the Double Wear Light (DWL) from Estée Lauder. After all, the foundation is my holy grail so theoretically the light version should work well for me.

This product retails between £27-£31. Unlike the Double Wear foundation which has an impressive shade range of 8 colour intensities from very fair to dark and warm to cool undertones, there is less of a colour range (6 intensities) in the DWL which I think is unacceptable, what’s going on Estée Lauder?! Anyway as I am shade 4N2 in the foundation I chose 4.5 in the DWL. This colour is absolutely perfect for me right now (NC44), it has a perfect blend of warm and cool tones and is quite forgiving as the coverage is light.

Packaging: This 30ml product comes in a sleek, opaque squeezy tube that you can control the right amount to dispense from. I LOVE this packaging, it feels perfect for travelling with. Also it is opaque so any light sensitive ingredients are kept stable.

Formula: This product, like the original version is based on water. It contains silica and silicones to help control oil and sodium hyaluronate making it more hydrating than the original version. It does contain SPF 10 (mineral sunscreen) but I would still wear an SPF underneath this product. This foundation is much more lightweight, gives lighter coverage (I’d say sheer to medium) and is not as drying as the original. For that reason anyone from normal to oily skin can wear this product. If you have sensitive skin I’d avoid as it contains alcohols and chamomile oil (potential allergen/ irritant).

Application and longevity: Personally I like applying this product straight onto my face with my fingers working on small sections at a time, I focus on my chin and nose areas as these require the most coverage. The product blends really easily and dries to a semi-matte finish. I really like the fact that it is extremely weightless on the skin, unlike the foundation, and it doesn’t settle into lines or highlight pores over the course of the day. I found that around the sixth hour my nose area became oily but nowhere as much as I’m use to. The oil control from this foundation is nearly as good as the actual foundation but if you have any dry patches it may catch on these.

As you can see from the images below this foundation does a good job of evening out my skin tone, especially the darkness around my chin. The second set of images was taken after I did my basic day-to-day make-up, as you can see there isn’t a lot of flashback from the foundation either.

Left: No foundation (concealer on under-eyes). Right: Estee Lauder Double Wear Light 4.5

Left: Natural light, no flash. Right: Artificial light, flash photography.

Overall I’m VERY pleased I’ve found a lightweight foundation that I can wear all year round which doesn’t exacerbate my oiliness, gives good coverage and doesn’t feel heavy on my skin. I really feel as though this is going to become a holy grail product for me!

Have you tried this foundation before? Comment below and let me know what your favourite day time foundations are.

Jay x

The BEST tinted moisturiser for oily skin – Jouer Matte Moisture Tint

Despite owning a plethora of foundation, I’m actually not a fan of wearing them on a daily basis. I’ve always enjoyed wearing BB cream and tinted moisturisers but having oily skin has meant that I haven’t found a formula that suited my skin… until now.

I heard about Jouer Matte Moisture Tint a few years ago and it’s been at the back of my mind for a while, so I finally decided to purchase it for myself. Unfortunately, if you live in the UK it’s difficult to get your hands on this product. I bought mine online from Cult Beauty and if you live in London you can get it from Blow Beauty Bar in Covent Garden, it costs £30 for a 50ml bottle. In terms of colouring there are just 7 shades to choose from with yellow and pink undertones, I did a lot of research and chose the darkest shade Hazel. For reference I’m a NC 42 – 44 in MAC and Syracuse in Nars.

I like the packaging for this product, it comes in a sleek matte brown, opaque and air-proof tube making it great for travel as it maintains stability of the anti-oxidants/sunscreen in the formula. This formula is oil free, fragrance free, contains Vitamins C and E, antioxidants and also contains SPF 15 (physical sunscreen – 4% Titanium Dioxide, 3% Zinc Oxide), it’s important to note that wearing this alone for sun protection won’t be enough. It is aimed at oily skin and due to the formulation it can be used on sensitive skin too.

I need around a pea size for each side of my face for a light coverage which may be built up. I’ve only ever used my fingers to apply this lightweight product and I find it blends in effortless. The moisturiser covers redness and blemishes whilst evening out skin tone, however it doesn’t completely conceal hyper-pigmentation which I have around my mouth, but I can live with that. It dries to a powdery, matte finish which doesn’t need setting and it actually smooths the texture on my skin. I did notice that if you look really closely at your skin you can see little specs of glitter in it but these are undetectable at a normal distance. If you have any dryness this product will cling to it, so avoid if your skin is so inclined.

Left : Without tint. Right: Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (Hazel)

I found that this moisturiser kept my oil at bay for a long longer than usual and didn’t fade until around the 6 hour mark. All in all I am SO happy that I decided to give this tinted moisturiser a shot, I’m definitely going to be wearing foundation less as a result of this. It didn’t break me out and looks and feels undetectable on the skin whilst giving me enough coverage and oil control for my work days. My only criticism is that Jouer should come out with more shades as this shade won’t match me when I have a tan, I had to warm it up with bronzer (see below) to really match my skin tone. Also I personally know plenty of darker skin ladies who would LOVE a product like this.

Left: Natural Light. Right: Flash. Lips: MAC Verve. Bronzer: ELF Los Cabos.

Have you tried this product before? What is your favourite BB cream or tinted moisturiser? Comment below and let me know.

Until next time!

Jay x

Dior Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation (400 Honey) – Review

When I first laid eyes on this foundation I knew I had to try it. Dior Airflash is one of the first spray foundations to enter the market. The spray mechanism is said to give the skin an airbrushed effect. It is meant for all skin types and is said to give a satin-matte finish with buildable coverage.

I popped into House of Fraser on Oxford Street for a colour match for this foundation. There are nine colours to pick from. The lady at the Dior counter used this cool attachment on an iPhone to find my match, she chose the darkest part of my face, which is my chin, and matched it to 400 Honey. It’s an okay colour match but I find the colouring a bit too cool for the warm undertones in my skin. A 70ml can of this foundation costs £33.50 and I got a free sample of mascara too, not to mention some amazing customer service!

Packaging: I believe the spray can is more than just a gimmick. The foundation doesn’t have light and air exposure and is hygienic as you’re not touching the nozzle. You also get 70ml of product in this foundation which is a lot more than the generic 30ml you get with others. I’ve read that if used everyday a single can will last up to 5 months. This foundation is not recommended for air travel as pressurised cans may explode.

Dior Airflash Foundation 400 Honey

Formula: This foundation is very thin and watery in consistency, it contains silicones making it feel slippery and extremely light on the skin. The formula seems like a decent one for combination or oilier skin. I wouldn’t say this is suitable for very dry skin as it doesn’t contain many emollient ingredients but if worn with a heavy moisturiser it could work. The only bad thing in my opinion is that like many perfume houses Dior insists on adding fragrance into the formula which can be an irritant for sensitive skin. There is also no SPF which means you will get no flashback from it but will have to wear a separate SPF if worn during the daytime.

With this being an aerosol can it contains Butane in the formula therefore it is really important to maintain a distance of at least 8 inches between your face and the nozzle to allow the Butane to dissipate into the air. I’m sure the levels of Butane are safe enough to use on the face but if this is a cause of concern for you it’s best to spray the foundation onto a brush and apply in that way.

Application: Application of this foundation takes less than 30 seconds. It can be sprayed directly onto the skin in a Z-formation or onto a stippling brush and buffed into the skin. Using a beauty sponge is not advised it will absorb all of the product. I find that when spraying directly on the face the product can go to waste and I need to protect my clothes and hair which can be a hassle, but the airbrush effect I get makes my skin look luminous and healthy. When applied with a brush the coverage is higher and more matte. The scent smells like expensive perfume and is quite apparent at the beginning but disappears after it sets. It also feels really cooling when applied to the skin.

Finish: When first applied the foundation appears very dewy and shiny on the skin. However it dries quickly to a luminous matte finish that is flawless and skin like. The coverage is sheer-medium but you can easily build it up without looking cakey. The texture and feeling of this foundation is the lightest I’ve ever experienced, it doesn’t sink into your pores nor does it look cakey. Below is a picture of a very sleepy me wearing this foundation without and with flash, no filters or editing. I am wearing SPF which is why there is ashyness / flashback in that picture and I hadn’t powdered my face yet so it looks quite shiny!

Longevity: I got some shine in the T-zone after the 5 hour mark and the foundation lasted around 8 hours with most fading around the nose, chin and forehead. I didn’t experience any oxidising of the colour. What’s nice about this foundation is that you can top up after a long day without it looking cakey. It requires an oil based cleanser to remove at the end of the day.

As a whole I like this foundation as I’ve been searching for a luminous glowy base that is suitable for my skin type. However, it isn’t one I would use every day due to the fragrance in the formula. I did actually experience a breakout on my cheeks after 6 days of wearing this but I can’t say it was due to this product specifically as I was testing other skincare as well. I think this is a great option for those with combination/oily skin who don’t suffer from sensitivity. It provides moderate coverage, oil control and a luminous finish without the heaviness of a full coverage foundation. I would say this foundation falls somewhere between Estee Lauder Double Wear and Nars Sheer Glow and in real life it doesn’t look like I have any make-up on at all, just healthy glowing skin.

I hope you found this review useful 🙂 Have you tried this foundation yet? Comment below and let me know!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation SPF 10 (4N2 Spiced Sand) – Review

I’ve been meaning to try Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation for ages because it has been all over the internet in the past few years. It is said to offer medium to full flawless matte coverage and is perfect for oily skin.

There are 30 different shades to choose from ranging from cool-neutral-warm tones which means your skin colour will most likely be catered to. The colour choice isn’t so straight forward however and the undertones are a little mixed up so I would recommend getting a few samples before purchasing it.  Initially I chose the colour 4W2 (NC45) which turned out to be a little too red/dark on my skin. 4W1 (NC42) was too ashy around my chin but matched my cheeks, so I opted for 4N2 which has a nice amount of yellow in it and it blends right into my skin. For reference I’m an NC44 in the MAC Studio Sculpt foundation or Syracuse in Nars Sheer Glow.

Packaging: At £29.50 this isn’t the cheapest foundation and I really expected there to be a pump on the top of this.  I hate using my fingers on foundation because it is so unhygienic! The bottle looks really nice nonetheless, it has that classic frosted glass with a gold top and for some reason reminds me of my mums foundations from the early 90’s.

Formula: This foundation is free of fragrance and contains a mineral sunscreen (Titanium Dioxide). The SPF isn’t high enough to be worn on its own so you will need to wear a sunblock underneath.

Appearance and Texture: When I first poured some of this on the back of my hand I couldn’t believe how lightweight it felt, it isn’t very viscous but provides a large amount of coverage. I do find that I have to apply small amounts at a time as it can set quickly. When I buff this into the skin or better yet use a beauty sponge, it gives such a smooth flawless finish! After one layer this foundation evens out my skin tone, covers blemishes, hyperpigmentation and scars. However, when I build it up it to full coverage it can look very cakey.

Longevity: The longevity of this product is probably its greatest selling point. It is one of those foundations that I can put on at 7 am and expect to look just as good as 7pm. There is a bit of fading around my nose area but overall it doesn’t move nor oxidise. I also find that it keeps my oiliness at bay, even my T-Zone isn’t as oily when using this. It’s important to note that if you have any dry patches this is going to cling onto those patches like a baby to his momma.

I love wearing this foundation for when I need my make-up to last all day and it has become a staple in my kit. It comes off only when I want it to, using an oil base cleanser. I’m really particular about trying out new foundations as they often break me out, but this hasn’t given me any reactions. If you would like flawless matte coverage that is long wearing and have oilier skin then this foundation is going to be a holy grail for you. The pictures below are of me wearing this foundation without and with flash.

Jay x

 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer (SX11) – Review

This product is the most expensive make-up item I have ever purchased, at £38 a pot it is something that I bought in the hopes that it would be a miracle product.

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer can be used in a number of ways, as a foundation, concealer, highlighter or tinted moisturiser when mixed with your day cream. I bought this product from Space NK solely for the purpose of concealing my under eye circles. The colour SX11 is a nice match for my NC44 skin. It is a bit lighter than my skin so it gives the highlighted effect and it has a very yellow undertone. For £38 you get a lot of product (18g) compared to other concealers. For example my Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer is just 1.4g and costs £19. Therefore this jar will outlive its 18 month shelf life.

Packaging: Packaging is fit for purpose. The small jar allows easy application of the product but I wish there was a mirror in the lid.

Formula: When reading the ingredients list of this product I wasn’t impressed. Not only does it contain Mineral Oil, it also contains Fragrance! Fragrance is not supposed to be used on the sensitive eye area as it is pro-ageing and pro-sensitising. It also contains Talc which I try avoid in my beauty products.

Texture: The best way to use this product is with a buffing concealer brush. The texture of this product is extremely thick and paste-like like therefore it needs the heat from your face to really blend into the skin. It sets very quickly and catches onto any dry patches so it is important to make sure the skin is very hydrated.

Appearance: Now I will say this much, this product is so incredibly pigmented it will cover everything and your sins. It literally camouflages your skin so you can’t see your real skin, I would go as far as saying this could probably cover up a tattoo. You need to use the tiniest amount of it as well. It is the one stop shop for undereye concealing, you do not need to layer any other products with it but it cannot be used on your eyelids. In the picture below I used a tiny bit of the product to blocked out my veins and freckles on the back of my hand.

 Sensual skin enhancer buffed into the right hand

Longevity: The longevity of this product is most disappointing. Even after setting the product it creased on me and set into fine lines. Furthermore it faded a lot over the course of the day. Not what I would expect from such a high-end product. There was no oxidising of the colour on me.

Overall this has been a really disappointing product for me, whilst it looks wonderful when it is first applied, I do not enjoy the creasing, fading and mostly the ingredients. My undereye area is on the dryer side and this product catches onto the skin making it look worse than it is, also it creases heavily into my expression lines. I will probably use it for any skin blemishes or if I need to clean up around my eyebrows or lips. Personally if you’re skin is like mine you’re much better off avoiding this product and using a liquid concealer and corrector together.

Jay x

MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 (NC44) – Review

Once in a blue moon I like to wear full coverage make-up. This is my favourite MAC foundation and for a good reason too. It makes my face look flawless without looking cakey and is perfect for photography. I chose the colour NC44 which is slightly warmer than my face but it matches my neck and chest.

Taken from the MAC website, Studio Sculpt is “a creamy, luxurious, gel-based foundation that provides medium buildable to high coverage with a natural satin finish. Hydrating, instantly revitalizes the skin while keeping it looking smooth, soft and plush. Long-wearing, water-resistant.”

Packaging and price: This foundation comes in a 40ml frosted tube and costs £25. I prefer tubes for foundation as this stops oxidising and is more hygienic.

Formula: This formula contains both chemical and physical sunscreen: Octinoxate 7%; Titanium Dioxide 2%. The sunscreen you get from this is not sufficient on it’s own and you will have to wear SPF underneath if worn during the daytime. I’ve also noticed that this formula feels less oily doesn’t give me comedogenic breakouts like a lot of other MAC foundations do.

Fragrance: This has no added fragrance making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Texture: When squeezed out of the tube this product is very thick. It is a gel based foundation which becomes easier to work with once it warms up. I find it almost impossible to blend with a beauty blender, so opt for a face buffing brush or stippling brush. It buffs out to a powdery finish.

Look: Studio Sculpt gives medium to full coverage depending on how much you use. I am obsessed with the satin matte finish this gives me, it is perfect for combination skin. It also looks awesome in flash photography as it doesn’t give any flashback/ashyness (brown girls rejoice!).

The only negative about this foundation is that when you first apply it you can feel it on your skin, it takes about an hour for the foundation to “settle” and allow some oil to come through.

Longevity: The longevity of this foundation is really impressive. It lasts around 12 hours on me and doesn’t oxidise nor fade. Over the course of the day I probably need to powder my T-zone once at most.

Removal: This product requires an oil-based make-up remover. I usually have to double cleanse after wearing this.

I personally rate Studio Sculpt above Studio Fix which oxidises and gives me breakouts. This product is perfect for those with normal-combination or combination-oily skin who want a full coverage natural looking foundation.

No flash, natural daylight

 Flash. natural daylight

By the way I’m rocking 100% heat free curls in this review. I will be doing a tutorial soon! If you found this review useful or interesting hit that like button 🙂 Until next time loves.

Jay x

Jane Iredale Amazing Base SPF 20 Loose Mineral Foundation (Latte) – Review

Spring/Summer is coming! This is my favourite time of the year but my skin doesn’t always agree with the heat. I have combination skin and even during the coldest weather my T-zone gets so oily you could fry an egg on it. During the summer any liquid foundation just melts off my face making my skin look and  feel gross.

A lot of oilier skin gals use mineral foundation during the warmer months.  I needed something that has a matte finish, fragrance-free,  contains physical sunscreen and doesn’t contain talc. Cue Jane Iredale Amazing Base!

I bought this foundation from Treat Your Skin for £29.95. There are 17 shades to choose from with cool/neutral/warm tones, I am an NC44 in MAC and I chose the colour “Latte”.  Luckily this is the perfect match for me.

Taken from the Jane Iredale website Amazing Base Loose Powder Foundation is:

“A loose mineral foundation that gives a sheer to medium coverage. Made from micronized minerals, free of synthetic chemicals, oil free and weightless. A foundation, powder, concealer and broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 20 UVB/UVA. Conceals redness and diffuses appearance of fine lines and pores with soft focus effect.”

Packaging: This is probably the worst part of the foundation. I poked holes in the top of the sticker like advised but find the product difficult to dispense. If I take the sticker off, too much product will fall out.

Formula: I am really impressed with this formula. The sunscreen components are Titanium Dioxide 14%, Zinc Oxide 6% which gives broad UVA and UVB protection. There is Dimethicone present to give the foundation a nice application.  Plankton Extract, Algae Extract which soothes and nourishes skin. Also the product is Vegan friendly, cruelty free.

Fragrance: There is no added fragrance in this powder making it suitable for sensitive/ acne-prone skin.

Texture and application: This powder has a semi-matte finish but is surprisingly pigmented, you can get between light and medium coverage. With mineral foundation it’s good to work in layers so dispense a bit of product and build up coverage.  I used my Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush (not a great brush by the way- too scratchy and falls out).

Finish: On the skin this powder feels dry on my cheeks within the first hour of use until the natural oils come through, then it looks and feels amazingly skin-like. This foundation doesn’t looks ashy on my skin but actually gives it a nice warmth.

Longevity: This product lasted around 8 hours on me before it started fading, it did allow oil to come through on my T-zone after 4 hours but not nearly as much as normal.

I must admit I was skeptical about the coverage I could get with just a powder but I am fully converted. During the day-time I want something to even out my skintone but not look heavy or clog my pores, especially in hot weather. I reckon this little tub will last the duration of the British warm weather ( which isn’t too long to be honest). I 100% recommend this to anyone who is oily/combination, acne-prone, sensitive and wants to use a light-coverage mineral foundation with natural and effective ingredients.

Below are some pictures of me wearing this foundation today.

Jay x

No flash

With flash

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 (Medium to Dark) – Review

Taken from the Bobbi Brown website:

“Moisturise, perfect and protect-instantly and over time. Now it’s easier than ever to get great skin with Bobbi Brown’s new BB Cream SPF 35. Inspired by a skincare/makeup hybrid that’s a cult favorite in Asia, this formula combines moisturiser, treatment, SPF and a lightweight foundation in one. Plus, it’s available in nine skin tone correct shades carefully formulated by Bobbi herself. Consider it your skin’s new best friend.

The secret to its multitasking magic: Water-attracting molecules boost hydration; light reflective pearls brighten dull skin; botanical extracts and caffeine reduce discolouration and redness; pore-reducing peptides minimise fine lines; and finally, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants fend off future damage.”

I purchased this BB Cream at my local department store for £29.00. BB Creams are great because they moisturise the skin, contain anti-oxidants and also SPF. I’ve been using this same tube since April 2014 and nearly a year on I still have a quarter of the tube to go which makes this great value for money. There are nine shades to choose from and the shade range is quite forgiving. I was matched to Medium-Dark. This shade matches best to those who wear between Honey and Golden in Bobbi Brown foundation.

Packaging: The packaging of this BB Cream means that there is minimal light and air exposure, therefore the anti-oxidant and SPF ingredients stay stable. I like products that come in tubes as they are more much hygienic too.

Formula: The active sunscreen ingredients in this product are : Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 4%, Oxybenzone 2.5%, Titanium Dioxide 1.1%. I’m not a huge fan of chemical sunscreens and would prefer to see more Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide in the formula, nonetheless this has decent UVB and UVA protection. The dimethicone present in the formula gives the cream a nice slip. Also the added anti-oxidants are a great to prevent premature ageing.

Fragrance: This product has no fragrance making it non-irritant and suitable for sensitive skin. This is a big pro for me when choosing skincare/make-up.

Feel/Texture:  This BB cream is very thick and moisturising. For my skin I need less than a pea size amount. I find that it is quite difficult to blend without streaks, it is best blended with a buffing face brush or fingers. The finish is dewy and looks skin-like.

I use this BB Cream sort of like a foundation for everyday use, meaning I wear it on top of my anti-oxidant serum and sunblock moisturiser. The reason being that in order to get all of the sun protection from a BB cream alone you would have to use a LOT of product and this cream is way too heavy for that.  The coverage is light, it won’t cover hyper-pigmentation or spots (I rarely get them), but it does even out my skin tone. I really like how this looks on my skin immediately after I  powder down the T-Zone, after first application.

I have combination skin and I find my T-Zone gets very oily within 4 hours  of using this. By the end of the day my skin is shiny and dewy, I don’t particularly mind myself but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re not a fan of the dew. Also this cream oxidises and separates a bit after 8 hours, less so if you don’t wear sunblock underneath.

I would recommend this BB Cream for daily use as it has some good moisturising and protective ingredients, it is catered to those with dry/mature, sensitive skin. If you’re oily you’re better off avoiding this one. Due to the low amount of coverage it should only be used by those who have good skin but just wants some extra protection and light coverage. I would recommend wearing an SPF underneath the cream for some extra protection.

http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/2573/21694/Skincare/Moisturisers/Face/BB-Cream-SPF-35/New-Shades/index.tmpl 

What is your favourite BB cream? Comment below and let me know 🙂

Jay x

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (Syracuse Med/Dark 1) – Review

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation Syracuse Med/Dark 1

Finding foundation to match my skin is a major pain in the butt. Despite my skin being in good condition I have the patchiest, uneven skin tone. My face is lighter than my neck and the area around my mouth is darker than everything else, which I know a lot of women of colour experience. However, my first Nars foundation hasn’t been a disappointment. I went into Space NK and was matched to the colour Syracuse.

Sheer Glow from Nars is a sheer, buildable coverage foundation with a satin-finish meant for dryer skin, it comes in 20 different colours. At £31 a bottle it is not a foundation I can personally afford to use every day. Furthermore, it doesn’t come with a pump making application a bit more laborious and unhygienic. Having said that the formula is very light and blends really easily. I like to apply this foundation with my Zoeva Silk Finish Face Brush.

The formula contains anti-oxidants to combat the free radicals in the atmosphere which can cause damage to the skin. As this comes in a see-through bottle and has an open top I’m not sure how stable the anti-oxidants are, as they can react to light and air. It is non-comedogenic and fragrance free making it great for sensitive skin.

Having combination skin I wasn’t sure whether this would suit my skin but it doesn’t leave me looking too oily. I would compare the feel of this foundation similar to a moisturiser as it doesn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable to use.

Now on the to the appearance. Although the coverage is said to be sheer, I would say that this is more medium coverage. The finish is definitely dewy so I need to apply setting powder on my T-Zone, but then again I have combination skin.

I find that this colour is a good match for my skin, the colour has a neutral-beige undertone (not too yellow or pink) which means if I wear too much of it it can look a little muddy (not good!). It is heavy enough to even out my skin tone and cover up imperfections, but it doesn’t cover beauty spots or look cakey, even after a second layer.

No make-up on Left. Nars Sheer Glow on Right. (Natural Light)

No make-up on Left. Nars Sheer Glow on Right. (Natural Light)

No make-up on Left. Nars Sheer Glow on Right. (Flash Photography)

Now unfortunately for me this foundation is going to have to go into the  “No Flash Photography” category. As you can see from the picture above there is an ashy appearance around my mouth with the flash, which is surprising as this colour matches me and even looks a little darker in real life and it doesn’t contain SPF. When I wear an orange corrector underneath the ashyness reduces a lot.

This foundation does oxidise a bit by the end of the day but nowhere near as near as my MAC Studio Fix Foundation. I do need to touch this up with pressed powder every 3-4 hours on my T-Zone but the coverage doesn’t fade over the course of the day. I would recommend this for people with drier skin and also if you’re sensitive/break-out prone. Also my mum who is in her 60’s LOVES this foundation.

Have you tried this foundation? What were your thoughts? Comment below and let me know

Jay x