All Nighter Liquid Foundation, Urban Decay
Tested by BeautyHack editor-in-chief Karina Andreeva
“I’ll be honest: finding the perfect foundation is very difficult - my requirements are too high. Firstly, I need the lightest possible shade (I’m a real snow white), excellent durability (touching up makeup several times a day is not my thing) and the product should not dry out the skin (otherwise it will emphasize flaking, which will momentarily cover up all previous achievements in case they are fulfilled). As soon as I find “my” cream, I use it for a long time. For me, foundation, concealer and gloss/tinted balm are the three most important beauty trophies that I would take with me to a desert island, which is why I always take each of them seriously.
This winter's discovery is a foundation with a playful name All Nighter from Urban Decay with a waterproof formula. The staying power is truly incredible: I applied it at seven in the morning on one of the busy days - what was my surprise when at five in the evening I realized that even if I didn’t update my tone now, I would still look good at the party. Shade 1.0 was perfect for me and didn't make my face look too pale. In general, All Nighter Liquid Foundation is especially recommended by manufacturers for owners of oily skin types - the product will not clog pores and will give an excellent mattifying effect. I applied it after the moisturizing primer, so the cream was evenly distributed on my skin prone to dryness, without emphasizing flaking (which I was incredibly happy about!). Once again I was convinced that the brand’s products are responsible for the “persistence” - be it my favorite Eye Shadow Primer Potion, which holds shadows in any texture like reinforced concrete, or waterproof eye pencils Glide-On 24/7 Eye Pencil, which have been around for a long time won the love of real makeup gurus (one of our beauty hackers, Victoria Moiseeva, told us about them in a selection of products for long-lasting makeup).
I will use it every day when I need to look good early in the morning, at lunchtime, and late in the evening. For better distribution, I recommend applying with a flat brush.”
Price: 2,750 rub.
Sketches on Water Tinted Moisturizer, Rouge Bunny Rouge
Tested by BeautyHack editor Anastasia Speranskaya
“I love the Rouge Bunny Rouge brand because the description of each product is like a fairy tale. For example, the Sketches on Water foundation is presented as the waves of a magical lake, washing the roots of trees and leaving a barely noticeable veil on them. Beauty?
But when it came to testing, I understood why the foundation has such a legend behind it: the skin with it becomes moisturized and fresh, and there really is a feeling of a light veil on the face - which, by the way, no one will notice. Firstly, you can tell everyone that this is just your flawless skin, secondly, there is no need to layer a thick foundation to even out your complexion, thirdly, you can apply it with your fingertips and not be afraid of orange, unshaded borders.
And a bonus that cannot go unmentioned is the composition. The ingredients include vitamins A and E, antibacterial kelp extract, hyaluronic acid and even shark liver oil, known for its anti-aging properties.”
Price: 3,920 rub.
BB cream Nourishing Beauty Balm Black Label+ SPF 25, Dr.Jart
Tested by BeautyHack editor Yulia Kozoliy
“This product began my love for BB creams, which gradually replaced foundation creams from my cosmetics bag. I don’t have problematic mixed skin, so I don’t see anything wrong with applying only BB cream every day (the only caveat is that it’s not as long-lasting as foundation, so correction is needed in the evening). I use Beauty Balm from the Korean brand Dr.Jart in summer and winter. In summer, it is quickly absorbed and does not leave an oily sheen, and in winter, it effectively moisturizes and protects the skin from wind and frost, provided that you have used a day cream before.
I apply the product like a regular cream, spreading it over the skin with my fingers (including around the eyes). Beauty Balm is absorbed in a minute and leaves a light, radiant finish. It literally adjusts to the tone, so there is no “mask”. It contains extracts of camellia, purslane, snowdrop, pomegranate and black caviar, which nourish the skin from the inside, smooth it and create that same “sleek” effect. A product with a volume of 40 ml is consumed on average in a month and a half, this is not the most economical BB cream, but the result is worth it! Now I’m on my second bottle.”
Price: 4,310 rub.
CC Cream Correcting Complete Super Active SPF 50, Chanel
Editor-in-chief's choice Karina Andreeva
This product appeared in the Skincare Chanel line relatively recently, but it has an impressive army of fans. Complex cream that corrects skin tone CC Cream Correcting Complete Super Active SPF 50 is a godsend for hot summer days and beach holidays. And the word “complex” in the name fully lives up to expectations.
Firstly, the product works as an integral part of the care. It nourishes, moisturizes and makes the skin even - all thanks to the optical pigments in the composition, which visually smooth out pores and reflect light, evening out the tone.
Secondly, the cream works in the deep layers of the epidermis, strengthening the “framework” and promoting the production of collagen and elastin. The composition contains a special ingredient - kakadu plum extract - an active substance that, in combination with hyaluronic acid, smoothes out expression lines.
Price: about 5,000 rub.
BB cream “Precious Immortelle”, L'Occitane
Tested by BeautyHack editor Daria Sizova
“This is ideal for light and weightless coverage. BB cream easily illuminates the skin, smoothes out imperfections, and removes unevenness and redness of the skin. Bonus - the product is long-lasting and universal: with it you will not need concealer and primer, the cream can withstand an 8-hour working day perfectly without them. The caring components (immortelle flower essential oil) in the composition protect the skin from frost and wind, and in summer they provide excellent protection from the sun. In addition, the cream moisturizes the skin very well. You can also replace your day cream with it. This is what multifunctionality means!”
Price: 3,790 rub.
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Contains zinc, vitamin E, bioflavonoids, panthenol, talc and tea tree oil. Thanks to them, you will cope with local rashes and inflammations without giving up foundation. Reddened areas and acne spots on the face can also be hidden with a thin layer of toning.
Clarifying Spot Treatment, Dr. Barbara Sturm, 4890 rubles
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Foundation Fit Me, Maybelline
Tested by BeautyHack special correspondent Anastasia Lyagushkina
“I have fair skin that is prone to dryness, so shade 105 suited me perfectly. Since the foundation is matte, I moisturize my skin well beforehand so as not to accentuate flaking. Girls with oily and combination skin will definitely like the cream, otherwise they will have to use a moisturizing primer or cream as a base, and apply the tone with a damp sponge.
Personally, before applying Fit Me to dry parts of the face, I mix the tone with a moisturizer (you can choose the ideal one for yourself here). Then it becomes completely invisible and perfectly evens out the complexion. The cream itself is also weightless and light, lays down in a thin layer and is evenly distributed over the skin. When I need to extend the longevity of my makeup throughout the day, I set it with translucent loose powder, but with Maybelline foundation this technique was not necessary - the makeup lasted at least ten hours, and the cream stayed on flawlessly. The density is a separate plus; the cream perfectly covers imperfections and redness.”
Price: 410 rub.
What do makeup artists advise?
- Before buying a cream, if you find it difficult to choose a shade, first buy several samples and do a test at home on a cleanly washed face and neck in daylight. Wait 10-20 minutes and evaluate the result. The foundation should emphasize the natural beauty, and not change it, so choose a product that is as close as possible to the natural complexion.
- Before adding beauty, first apply moisturizer to your face, then foundation, powder and only then decorative cosmetics. Don't forget to pause to allow your cosmetics to dry well and set.
- The foundation is shaded from the center of the face to the periphery. Apply a small amount of cream (no more than a pea) on the forehead, nose, chin, cheekbones and spread with light movements over the entire face, as if drawing dotted lines.
- In the summer, choose products that contain sun protective filters.
- If you didn't sleep well at night and your skin looks pale, then mix your foundation with a special white foundation to the desired shade and apply to your face with a damp sponge.
- If you have a serious event ahead of you, when you won’t be able to correct your makeup, then use a long-lasting foundation that stays on the skin unchanged for more than 12 hours. You need to learn how to apply it correctly, and most importantly, quickly - literally in a minute it “sticks” to your face, like a second skin. It should be used rarely, since it does not allow oxygen to pass through well.
- Many people dream of getting rid of the flaking that often accompanies dry skin. Try applying a very rich cream to your face in a circular motion first, followed by a moisturizer five minutes later. After the skin is saturated with moisture, you can use foundation.
- “Volatile silicone” is the latest development that allows you to easily distribute the cream over your face in an even layer. Recently, many manufacturers have begun to add it to their new foundations.
- If the cream could not mask any defects, then use a corrective pencil and be sure to powder yourself.
- After you have completely “done your face,” you can spray your makeup with mineral water from a spray bottle with the smallest nozzle - this is what professional makeup artists do to fix the makeup and give the face naturalness and tenderness.
Les Beiges Teint Belle Mine Naturelle Healthy Glow Foundation SPF 25, Chanel
Tested by BeautyHack editor Natalia Kapitsa
“Even though most days I stick to CC cream, Chanel foundation has taken pride of place in my makeup bag. Dense texture and durability are its main advantages. I apply it with a brush - it makes blending easier. For those who like light consistencies, I advise you to add a few drops of moisturizer to the base - this way the tone will lie more evenly and provide care throughout the day. Glow Foundation provides SPF 25 protection - ideal for a ski holiday and the beginning of spring, which I hope will come in a couple of weeks.”
Price: 3,590 rub.
Foundation Studio Fix Fluid, NW10, MAC
Tested by BeautyHack editor-in-chief Karina Andreeva
“This winter turned out to be especially successful for me in discovering the best foundations (with all the above strict selection criteria!). I heard a lot about Studio Fix, but never got around to trying it. Didn't disappoint! It's a little lighter than Urban Decay, but it doesn't make my face look too washed out. I decided to use it on those days when I need the perfect tone for photographs. The cream does not have a dispenser; the texture of the fluid allows you to “pour” the required amount of product onto the palette or directly onto the beauty blender. I applied it wet and using tapping movements, after wetting and squeezing the sponge. It spreads well on the skin, does not roll off during the day, withstands snowstorms and blizzards and does not dry out. As a bonus – SPF15 filter.”
Price: 2,370 rub.
Modeling stick 2 in 1 Studio Skin Shaping Foundation Stick, Smashbox
Tested by BeautyHack editor Anastasia Speranskaya
“Foundation sticks are now available from almost every brand, but finding the perfect one is not easy. Firstly, not all of them are creamy enough to not stretch your skin when applied and turn you into a leopard with spots that can't be blended out. The stick from Smashbox is good in all respects: it has a delicate creamy texture that can be easily blended with a sponge, brush, or fingertips. The product also has excellent covering ability – it will cope with minor imperfections with a bang, without the effect of a dense mask. And a bonus that elevates the stick to the “you will always be in my makeup bag” category is a convenient creamy contouring product that turns into powder with the lightest touch and creates a very natural shadow. The shade of the modeling product is perfectly matched to the foundation, so when purchasing, be guided by it.”
Price: 2,990 rub.
BB cream “Secret of Perfection”, Garnier
Tested by BeautyHack editor Daria Sizova
“I tried this product for the first time several years ago. The second time I got acquainted with the cream, I was pleasantly surprised. Firstly, it does not yellow the skin at all and adapts perfectly to its natural color. Secondly, the cream has a very small consumption, but it is better to apply it with your fingers - this way the texture is better distributed and application becomes more convenient. Those with dry skin will really like the product, but for better durability it needs to be powdered.”
Price: 262 rub.
Moisturizer with a light tone Creme de Soins Multi-Hydratante Teintee from Clarins.
The manufacturer promises long-lasting skin hydration, as well as a velvet effect. The product covers the skin with a transparent, uniform tone, restoring its radiance of freshness and health.
Protects against ultraviolet rays (mineral filters SPF 6), environmental pollution and the harmful effects of free radicals. Available in several shades and suitable for all skin types.
The cream contains a complex based on sea minerals and plant extracts (echinacea, horsetail, mallow, sea kritum), which help maintain water balance in the upper layers of the epidermis. As well as corrective pigments - they optically reduce wrinkles, remove minor skin imperfections and signs of fatigue.
Long-lasting foundation Haute Tenue Everlasting Foundation, Clarins
Tested by BeautyHack editor Natalia Kapitsa
“Long-lasting foundation suitable for all skin types. Mine is oily, and it responded perfectly to the new product in my cosmetic bag. The product lasted throughout the entire working day. Even dance training turned out to be a feasible task for Clarins Haute Tenue - the tone did not “float away”. The composition contains matting bamboo powder, thanks to which the T-zone begins to shine slightly only in the late afternoon (the issue can be solved with one matting napkin).
The cream perfectly masks imperfections without creating a mask effect, so in daylight it seems that smooth skin is a gift from nature, and not a miracle created by decorative cosmetics. The product has a thick, dense texture that is gently blended with a brush. A strong A for durability, good mattifying ability and lightness – it’s practically unnoticeable on the skin.”
Price: 3,199 rub.
Properties of foundation for winter
First of all, foundations for the cold period differ in consistency. They should create a denser coating that will last longer. Therefore, foundation for winter is always oil or silicone based. Light water-based creams are best left for warmer times, as they will not protect the skin and the durability will deteriorate.
Another main function of foundation is moisturizing. The work of the sebaceous glands slows down in winter, causing the skin to lose part of its natural protective layer. Therefore, you should abandon matte textures until spring. They will only dry out the skin more, and this leads to increased production of sebum.
Those with enlarged pores should not worry about the concentration of oils in the cream. Modern foundations are made in such a way that they do not disturb the hydro-lipid balance of the skin, and also do not clog pores. On the contrary, the cream easily masks any skin imperfections. The coverage density of the foundation can be adjusted by choosing the application method: sponge, beauty blender, etc.
There is an opinion that sunscreen components are necessary only in summer creams. This position is fundamentally wrong.
In winter, ultraviolet radiation does not go anywhere. Moreover, it is enhanced by the reflective properties of snow. Therefore, the foundation must contain sunscreen components in order to prevent premature aging.
Derma Blend Fluid Corrective Foundation, Vichy
Tested by BeautyHack editorial assistant Karina Ilyasova
“The foundation from Vichy is from the category of “heavy artillery”. It stays on the skin for an honest 16 hours and copes with such serious problems as post-acne, hyperpigmentation and even scars.
The lightest shade of foundation is ideal for Snow White, but you shouldn’t bother with it for a long time - shade it right away until the product “sets.”
The fluid is ideal for oily and normal skin, but it may not work well with dry skin and will give anyone an unnecessary feeling of tightness. It really covers everything - the face becomes like a blank canvas on which you can easily draw all the curves and lines. Contouring lovers take note!” Price: 1,591 rub.
What to look for when choosing
First of all, impartially assess the condition of your face. Stand in front of a mirror in bright daylight and look at all the problems and defects. Decide on your skin type. It is from this factor that you need to start when choosing the most suitable foundation.
Tone color
After you settle on the products of a certain manufacturer, you need to choose a shade. It should match your natural complexion as closely as possible. To do this, you need to purchase several samples and do a test at home. Every foundation darkens over time, so you should wait ten to twenty minutes before assessing the result.
You should not apply test products to your hands, wrists or the inside of your elbow - the skin there is far from the same as on your face.
Durability
Foundations are available for daily use, they stay on the skin for up to six hours, and are also long-lasting. The latter are intended for exceptional occasions and events when you need to look your best for a long time and not worry about the condition of your makeup.
Effects
Each foundation contains components that affect the skin in a certain way.
- Hydration. A must for dry epidermis. Basically, hyaluronic acid or glycerin is used, which creates a barrier to moisture - it is “locked” for a long time and prevents the feeling of tightness.
- Nutrition. “2 in 1” product - pigments and substances that mask flaws are added to the caring nourishing cream.
- Matting. Microscopic particles of powder absorb sebaceous shine and make the skin matte.
- UV protection. Such creams must be used in the spring and summer, when the sun's evil rays dry out the skin and expose it to the risk of premature aging. Contains sunscreen.
- With a lifting effect. Designed for mature and aging skin. Contains anti-aging ingredients that help maintain youthful appearance of the face and décolleté.
- Shine. Reflective particles reflect and scatter light, making the skin appear to glow from within.
Texture
Foundations can be light and transparent, as well as denser. The thicker the consistency, the more pigments, and therefore the opportunities to disguise defects.
