Cameron Diaz has battled problem skin in the past but you wouldn't know it looking at her flawless complexion here. Photo: Getty
Up until recently, full-coverage foundations had to be thick and creamy in order to last the distance, but this latest trio conceal like a dream and feel totally weightless on. Behold! Three investment foundations worth splurging on.
1. Clarins Ever Matte Foundation SPF 15, $60 (on counter May 21).
The rundown: Ideal for problem prone-skin, its oil-free formula boasts Tanaka powder, a clever ingredient that works overtime to absorb excess sebum on the surface of the skin. Unlike most matte bases, this one also contains added pearl particles to help bounce light off the skin for a more even-looking complexion.
The verdict: A serious-shine stopper. It’s got the same easy-to-blend consistency you expect from a tinted moisturiser, combined with the velvety-looking finish you crave in a compact foundation. If you’re serious about squashing shine, it’s worth checking out its sister, Clarins Ever Matte Mineral Powder Compact, that you can wear solo, or layered over the foundation for touch-ups on the go.
3. Laura Mercier Moisture Supreme Foundation, $59.
The rundown: Laura Mercier foundations have a cult following amongst makeup artists for their trademark creamy, pigment-strong formulations. Showing you can indeed improve on perfection, this latest addition to the line up boasts added nourishing ingredients, like argan oil, avocado and Omega-3 and 6 to keep the skin looking soft and supple.
The verdict: If you’re after coverage that lasts well into the night, then you’ve come to the right place. A god-send for dry skin, it also works a treat blended with face cream on days when you don’t feel like wearing any makeup at all.
3. Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup, $68.
The rundown: 100 per cent oil-free, it’s a lightweight liquid foundation boasting clever IntuiTone technology that’s designed to keep all 12 shades looking true to their colour. Hot tip: the air-infused technology is what keeps it feeling light on, so to get the most out of the formula, you’ve got to shake the bottle before applying.
The verdict: Perfect for the non-foundation wearing girl, it’s so lightweight, it makes tinted moisturiser seem like spack filler. Aside from being brilliantly buildable, the sheerness of the formula not only zeros out the need for a foundation brush, but it also makes it perfect for reapplying to trouble spots, like the t-zone and cheeks to conceal redness and shine – without ever looking cakey like a concealer can.
