It's fair to say the drugstore brands are really coming for their high-end counterparts: liquid lippies, contouring kits, colour correctors- you name it, the drugstore is coming out with it! As much as I love my high-end products, there's nothing better than finding something that works just as well or better that'll save a pretty penny! So, as well as raiding my drawers, I took a swift trip to Superdrug (and probably spent more than I should've!) on the search for the perfect foundation- care to see what performed and what didn't? Click read more or scroll down!
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R I M M E L M A T C H P E R F E C T I O N
First, we starting off with my very first foundation- Rimmel's Match Perfection. After hearing the hype about it on YouTube, from none other than Zoella herself, I was desperate to get my hands on it. Admittedly, I don't use this foundation anymore- though it's not dreadful, it's definitely not my favourite, and here's why...
On the plus side, this foundation provides an easy (thanks to the pump), streak-free application that lasts all day long- yes, even after a sweaty gym session! As well as this, it wasn't cakey and didn't dry my skin out- which is an essential for my dry skin. However, a big downside for me was the coverage- though branding itself as a medium coverage foundation, at times it blended to nothing and left a slightly heavy feel to the skin. To add to this, the paler shades are far too pink toned for my neutral skin tone!
Overall, I'd rate this foundation a 6/10- the shade range and coverage let this foundation down!
On the plus side, this foundation provides an easy (thanks to the pump), streak-free application that lasts all day long- yes, even after a sweaty gym session! As well as this, it wasn't cakey and didn't dry my skin out- which is an essential for my dry skin. However, a big downside for me was the coverage- though branding itself as a medium coverage foundation, at times it blended to nothing and left a slightly heavy feel to the skin. To add to this, the paler shades are far too pink toned for my neutral skin tone!
Overall, I'd rate this foundation a 6/10- the shade range and coverage let this foundation down!
R I M M E L L A S T I N G F I N I S H
This offering from Rimmel, however, I got on a lot better with.
Though, the paler shades remain too pink, it's something I can put past because of its amazing formula. The coverage is one of the best I've seen in the drugstore, full, buildable but not cakey- instead having a hydrating feel and leaving a dewy finish, something I'm obsessed with! Again, the longevity is impressive- lasting a full day at school as well as the gym session. The only downside to this foundation, in my opinion, is its heavy feeling on the skin (as well as the shade range).
I'd give this one a 9/10, because I can't ignore the shade range difficulties!
Though, the paler shades remain too pink, it's something I can put past because of its amazing formula. The coverage is one of the best I've seen in the drugstore, full, buildable but not cakey- instead having a hydrating feel and leaving a dewy finish, something I'm obsessed with! Again, the longevity is impressive- lasting a full day at school as well as the gym session. The only downside to this foundation, in my opinion, is its heavy feeling on the skin (as well as the shade range).
I'd give this one a 9/10, because I can't ignore the shade range difficulties!
M A X F A C T O R F A C E F I N I T Y
A L L D A Y F L A W L E S S 3 I N 1
This one is a bit of a mix, and if I'm being honest... I still don't know fully how I feel about it!
On the plus side, it again boasts an impressive, buildable, medium to full coverage that covers my acne scarring- though not quite my active breakouts. The consistency isn't too heavy and feels light on the skin, applying evenly and drying down to a matte finish. It lasts all day long, but here's where the bug bears begin... despite being marketed towards oiler skin, I looked like a greaseball within 3-4 hours of application and needed a lot of blotting throughout the day! It wasn't cakey, it looked nice, but it was a foundation I really had to work with- not practical on a schoolday! To add, the shade range is very dark for us paler girls- even the lightest shade is too dark for me- I'm an NW13 (MAC) for reference.
Therefore, I'd rate this foundation a 7/10.
On the plus side, it again boasts an impressive, buildable, medium to full coverage that covers my acne scarring- though not quite my active breakouts. The consistency isn't too heavy and feels light on the skin, applying evenly and drying down to a matte finish. It lasts all day long, but here's where the bug bears begin... despite being marketed towards oiler skin, I looked like a greaseball within 3-4 hours of application and needed a lot of blotting throughout the day! It wasn't cakey, it looked nice, but it was a foundation I really had to work with- not practical on a schoolday! To add, the shade range is very dark for us paler girls- even the lightest shade is too dark for me- I'm an NW13 (MAC) for reference.
Therefore, I'd rate this foundation a 7/10.
M A Y B E L L I N E D R E A M S A T I N L I Q U I D
After hearing a few bad words about Maybelline's foundations, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this one- but let's just say, I think I've found a gem!
Let me begin with the coverage, which I'd describe as medium- not full, but nonetheless buildable. Again, application was very easy, non-streaky and it dried down to the satin finish it described- it wasn't matte, but it wasn't dewy either- perfect for my dry skin. Speaking of dry skin, it didn't dry it out and seemed hydrating, if anything- which impressed me, especially seeing as they market this foundation for us dry skinned girls. As for longevity, it lasted throughout the day- though I did have to blot/powder twice, but that's fairly normal for me. Again, it wasn't cakey and I finally found a shade that's (nearly) perfect for me!
All in all, I'd give this one a 9.5/10- only for the blotting and powdering scenario!
Let me begin with the coverage, which I'd describe as medium- not full, but nonetheless buildable. Again, application was very easy, non-streaky and it dried down to the satin finish it described- it wasn't matte, but it wasn't dewy either- perfect for my dry skin. Speaking of dry skin, it didn't dry it out and seemed hydrating, if anything- which impressed me, especially seeing as they market this foundation for us dry skinned girls. As for longevity, it lasted throughout the day- though I did have to blot/powder twice, but that's fairly normal for me. Again, it wasn't cakey and I finally found a shade that's (nearly) perfect for me!
All in all, I'd give this one a 9.5/10- only for the blotting and powdering scenario!
M A Y B E L L I N E F I T M E M A T T E A N D
P O R E L E S S
Now, I wasn't quite sure whether I should pick this one up- because as you've guessed by its name, it leaves a matte finish which can be drying for my already skin. However, it was very cheap for drugstore foundation (around £5.99 I believe?) and there was a 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug- so I bit the bullet!
Surprisingly, mixed with a bit of oil to combat my dry skin, I got on well with this foundation! In my opinion, this foundation boasts a medium coverage that doesn't build- but that's okay, as it covers all my redness and spots I can deal with using my trusty Collection Lasting Perfection concealer. As expected, it left a matte finish but much to my surprise, it was comfortable to wear and non-drying throughout the entire day- I couldn't even feel it was there! It wasn't cakey either. Another plus point is the shade range, whose paler shades are actually pale! The downsides to this include oxidizing, nothing too major but not to be ignored, as well as unimpressive longevity- give it two or three hours and expect to need a blot!
Overall, I'd give this one a 7/10.
Surprisingly, mixed with a bit of oil to combat my dry skin, I got on well with this foundation! In my opinion, this foundation boasts a medium coverage that doesn't build- but that's okay, as it covers all my redness and spots I can deal with using my trusty Collection Lasting Perfection concealer. As expected, it left a matte finish but much to my surprise, it was comfortable to wear and non-drying throughout the entire day- I couldn't even feel it was there! It wasn't cakey either. Another plus point is the shade range, whose paler shades are actually pale! The downsides to this include oxidizing, nothing too major but not to be ignored, as well as unimpressive longevity- give it two or three hours and expect to need a blot!
Overall, I'd give this one a 7/10.