How to fake flawless skin ... foundation reviews

Right I know it's exam period and we all look haggard/drained/zombie-fied (well I do), but with the invention of foundation this is no excuse! We're not all part of a Cullen clan that can pull of the half dead/ blood drained look.
So I've done the leg work and reviewed some of the big brand versions of the push up bra! From cheap to no so cheap *cough* the reviews are here...(No excuses ladies) ;)

Star Product! 1st place goes to ;)
 Mac Studio Fix fluid
Price: £20.50

Now I am sorry to say that in this case splurging those extra few pounds pays! I have wanted to try Mac make up for years but have been put off by the price tag. So luckily I got Mac credit for my birthday (thanks boyf) ..hoorah!
This foundation is by faaar the best I have used, it covers up dark circles, spots, freckles and general uneven skin. It lasts all day unlike pretty much every other foundation I've used in which I come home looking a hell of a lot worse than I left the house!
However due to the full coverage you might assume you look 'overdone', but because the make up is so good you only need to use the smallest amount. So if you put it on properly you wont look as if you dunked your face in a pot of make up!
The only downside is it does smell pretty industrial! Kind of like paint! At the moment I only wear it very sparingly because of the cost and I don't think I could recommend for daily use as I think it would dry your skin out and cause more blemishes. And then you'd be hooked!
But I have to admit it is the best foundation I have used by a mile!
Oh also they don't sell the pump with the foundation so you have to add an extra £3.50 for the pump... bit of a con! But once you buy it once that's it if you stick with this foundation.

2nd place...
Maybelline Fit Me foundation
Price: £7.99

Now I've always been a Maybelline fan when it comes to foundations, I was once a die-hard matte mouse fan until I decided liquid foundations gave better coverage! (But if you're looking for very very natural foundations and don't plan to use much powder or blusher I would recommend matte mouse!) And this foundation did not disappoint! Firstly it feels really soft on your skin, not heavy or greasy! As long as you get your shade right (a faux pas I'm sure we've aaallll been guilty with) it blends evenly to your skin and gives great coverage. However, this foundation isn't great for long wear! It comes off as the day goes on... which isn't great if you're on the go! However, for value for money it is a great product and my day wear foundation at the mo!

 

 



3rd place...
No 7 Stay Perfect Foundation
Price: £14.00

Now I tried this product because of the cool machine thing they use to match your skin tone! After going on several holidays during the summer I had a mix-match of different foundation shades that were all either too sun kissed or winter bare for my fading tanned (wah) skin. And this foundation does match your skin perfectly! It's so weird how they make it match perfectly.. your skin really does look like your not wearing foundation (except much better than barefaced skin!) So it gives a really nice natural finish. However, I have horrible dark circles (alas) and this foundation didn't cover it as much as I wanted! And although it didn't look 'shiny' exactly... as the day went on it did come off quite easily! Which for £14 (big bucks for me) I'd expect better! However, in saying that if you want a foundation that actually matches your skin and isn't too heavy this is your go to bottle!

And finally 4th place...
(By putting this 4th does NOT mean it is bad or the worst foundation here, as I am only reviewing my favs on here... collection foundation you know why you're not on here!)
Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow
Price: £25.50

This is another product I got courtesy of a present (thanks Nan!) and I re bought this one so it must have been pretty good! It has no oil in it and has factor 25 in it, so it's a great summer make up and unlike the Mac foundation I don't think it will cause any unwanted blemishes! It has a very light coverage, but you can put extra on to give a more 'night out' look. I loved this product in the summer because it was so light and I didn't need to wear suncream! However, it is pretty shiny so for day time every day wear you need a good powder. Also because it's so fine you need to use loads and as usual Benefit never give you enough in the bottle! I think it's a good holiday foundation or good for people that like light coverage, but other wise it's not worth the extra cash!

Two other products that are not foundations but are definitely worth mentioning for anyone who has blemishes/ tried/dull skin but doesn't want to wear a foundation...

1. Benefit Boi-ing Concealer
Price: £17.50

DO NOT LET THE PRICE PUT YOU OFF THIS PRODUCT.. IT 100% WORKS! This is my go-to survivor product which I literally cannot live without! If you have relatively clear skin like me and your main problem is dark circles... this is the product for you! Anyone with dark circles nos the pain of trying to find a concealer that A) Actually covers them up! and B) Does not make you look like a pre-maturely wrinkled freak! This product works like a dream and completely covers up my dark circles. I often just use this product during the day and mascara... ideal and low maintenance! Especially if you've got a post summer hol tan and don't wanna cover it up! 5 *s! My only disclaimer is that it is industrial strength! So if you don't suffer from dark circles don't waste your money because of my persuasive review ;) I've heard good things about Garnier's concealer!





2. Mac Strobe Liquid Lotion

Price: £22.50

 

Another pricey product! It's not an essential but if your not a fan of foundation this is a good investment as it will last foreveeerrrr ... you only need to use the tiniest amount. It's not a BB CC or any other double lettered type of cream! But it does help revive the appearance of dull, stressed out skin... and again another perfect product for a tan! Especially on holiday when you don't really want to wear foundation. It can also be used on top of foundation for a highlighter/bronzer effect. (Well I don't know if it's recommended but I use it like that!) Definate 4* if you have the money! If not a good tinted moisturiser should be fine!



I hope this is helpful and I now expect all students to stop moaning about their examination skin (me included) and start rocking flawless skin ;)