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Foundation Review: For Combination, Breakout-Prone Skin

makeup, foundation review

I have combination (oily in t-zone), acne prone skin so it’s no surprise that I’m very careful with which foundation finds a home on my make-up table. For many years my absolute favorite foundation was the Giorgio Armani ‘Luminous Silk’ Foundation, but the one problem I had with it is that none of the shades were an ideal color match, either a little too dark, too yellow, etc. Recently I tried some different foundations based on the product being suitable for combination and breakout prone skin as well as the brand’s reputation. I specifically chose products without an SPF since I already use an SPF (La Roche Posay, buy it here) that is incredibly lightweight and is, so far, the only sunscreen that does not irritate my face after regular use.

Below is my review of the 3 foundations I considered in addition to my thoughts on the Giorgio Armani ‘Luminous Silk’. 

1. Giorgio Armani ‘Luminous Silk’ Foundation (5.0): Pro– This is a lightweight foundation with sheer to medium buildable coverage. It really is silky. Due to its fluid consistency, I find it very easy to apply and blend upon first application as well as touch-ups throughout the day. It illuminates my skin and does not make me break out. Con– Available in limited shades and it’s at a higher price point.
2. NARS ‘All Day’ Luminous Weightless Liquid Foundation (Santa Fe): Pro– This oil-free foundation feels light after application, provides full coverage, and really does last all day relative to many other foundations. Best of all, I found my ideal color match. Con– It was difficult to apply since it does not blend well(you really have to work it in), it seemed to accentuate my larger pores, and I think it made me break out… 🙁
3. Make Up For Ever ‘HD Invisible Cover’ Foundation (118): Pro– I had high hopes for this oil-free medium-to-full coverage foundation. It is lightweight, easy to blend, and was available in an extensive range of shades which promised to create a flawless finish both onscreen and off. Con– Unfortunately, the coverage was too light, it seemed to accentuate my larger pores, and it slid, a lot, as the day progressed.
4. Trish McEvoy ‘Even Skin’ Foundation (2.5): Pro– With its lightweight and watery texture, this oil-free formula is sheer yet somehow camouflages discolorations and imperfections. Con– The color choices are limited, so my closest match was a shade a bit darker than my true color. Also, it does not build coverage relative to the other foundations, the watery texture takes some getting used to, and it’s at a higher price point.
So the upshot is that I will be sticking with Giorgio Armani, but will also use Trish as an alternative, especially during warmer weather. Neither made me break out, they both enhanced the look of my skin, and the color, close enough. As far as the price, they last me at least a few months and the quality is worth it.
note: For all the foundation trials, I did not use a primer. Although primer may help, I believe and have heard from many makeup artists, as well as my dermatologist, that a good foundation does not need one. Since I’m acne-prone, I like to keep my routine as simple as possible. If it doesn’t need a primer…it’s good.
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