Five foundations, at five different price points and five unique formulas. If you’re finding it hard to find the perfect product for you, one of these will certainly work.
Bobbi Brown Even Finish Foundation is a gel-based formula that glides onto the skin as if it were an oil. It manages to be hydrating enough to smooth over dry patches, but the formula also holds up so well against natural oils, that I would definitely recommend this to people with normal to oily skin. With 30 shades in the range, and medium coverage, it’s pretty easy to find a match. Because of its gel-based formula, it is also super easy to use, but I find it works best when buffed into the skin with a brush and then patted in with fingers for longevity. At ₹4,350 on myntra.com.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is another cult classic that make-up artists and bloggers rave about constantly. If you happen to own it or use it, the hefty price tag makes sense. For one, the texture of this foundation is unlike most I have come across. It’s a creamy liquid that glides on the skin and sets very quickly (I would caution you to work fast), but once it sets, it does not move. This is the perfect product for those long days when you don’t want your make-up to budge. The finish is similar to its name — luminous, like you drink four litres of water a day. At ₹4,440 on sephora.com.
Milani 3 in 1 Conceal and Correct is a matte finish, full coverage foundation that can be sheered down with oils or moisturisers or used as is. While I personally prefer using this with a wet sponge, it works just as well with fingers. What I love about this formula is that it mixes very well with other foundations, so if you happen to find this too matte, or find another one of your foundations too dewy, mix it and create your own unique formula. My only gripe with drugstore brands such as Milani and Maybelline is the lack of options in India. This foundation has 19 shades available in the US, but only seven in India — and they are all some shade of beige which doesn’t suit 80% of the skin tones. At ₹1,325 on nykaa.com.
Cover FX Custom Cover Drops are easily the most versatile on this list — it isn’t technically a foundation, but so much more. The drops are a highly-pigmented formula created to be used with other products. If you find your foundation not warm enough, not the right tone or even not full enough coverage, it is the perfect solution. Play mad scientist and create your own base products! Mix it with primers, moisturisers, oils or even other foundations to determine what finish, coverage and how long you want it to last. At ₹3,900 in Sephora stores.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation is my idea of the perfect foundation, and having used it for over five years, it’s easy to understand where its cult status has come from. With 20 shades, and undertones that include olive, yellow, brown, red and pink, it ensures a match as close as possible to the skin. Long lasting, with a natural finish, it’s perfect for weddings and events. But it’s also lightweight enough to be worn everyday. Easy to apply with fingers, sponges and brushes, it is a solid medium coverage that can be built to a full and layered one with ease. It imparts a subtle almost satin finish which manages to last even on the oiliest of skin types. If you were to pick just one from this list, let it be this. At ₹3,050 on sephora.com.
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