BEST OF BASE : CREAM & LIQUID FOUNDATIONS

Two weeks ago I embraced 2015's penchant for a solid foundation; detailing the ins and outs of three of the latest launches [see here]. Today however, I'm going old-school [without straying into Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse territory]. The liquid foundation may be the mainstay favourite of most, but it is by no means going out of fashion. Brands are savvily updating existing formulas and releasing products formulated with the best ingredients and latest technological advances.

Foundation is the one area of makeup that I will always invest in. I've only ever tried two budget foundations, and they resulted in two of the three worst breakouts I've ever had in my life; since then I've remained contentedly oblivious to the latest drugstore launches. Sensitive skin and a scrupulous skincare routine dictate that anything applied directly to my skin must be of the highest quality, and being picky has paid off. I'm also fortunate enough to be sent products to try on a regular basis, and I only filter through into my stash those that make it through weeks of rigorous patch-testing. This post has been months in planning, so finally, the crème de la crème [literally]...

SUQQU Foundation*
SPF : 17
Coverage : High
Formula : Cream

Without a doubt the best foundation I have ever had the fortune to use; it's essentially flawless skin in a jar, and I love everything about it [except maybe the price tag, a jar could near enough pay my week's rent]. That said, a jar of this will easily last you at least a year. Its formula is thick, creamy, and extremely pigmented, meaning that you only need the tiniest amount to get a really good coverage. This is not a 'no-makeup makeup' base; apply it and you will look 'made-up', but in a polished, sophisticated sense. I find that it comforts and hydrates my skin, and doesn't result in any unwanted gleam; nor does it cling to dry patches [therefore I'd recommend it to any skintype]. Like most high-coverage foundations, I find it best applied with a sponge [such as the one provided] in order to perfect a fresh, dewy finish.

RMK Creamy Foundation*
SPF : 15
Coverage : High
Formula : Cream

It's no surprise that [from the sister company of SUQQU], this foundation is incredibly similar to the above. The difference is almost indiscernible; I would say only that this is a little more powdery and velveteen in its texture and in terms of coverage is thicker and feels slightly more 'present' [but not with an oppressive or mask-like sensation]. This is the kind of product which sits on the skin for a few minutes before sinking in, but once it does so the finish is quite simply radiant.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
SPF : None
Coverage : Medium
Formula : Liquid

I wore this foundation religiously for two years, which I think says it all really! The formula is demure, polished, and odour-free, with a noncomedogenic formula that renders it in an ideal pick for anyone with acne-prone or uber-sensitive skin. Do not be put off by the name if you're after coverage - it feels sheer [completely weightless] but cancels out redness and covers imperfections effortlessly. I'd recommend this to those with normal-oily skin, it lasts incredibly well and prevents shine, but clings easily to dry patches. Falling somewhere in between 'natural' and 'done-up', this is a great everyday foundation and works for both day and night, summer and winter - hence its lengthy reign in my makeup bag. Its only flaw is the lack of SPF - although if [like me] you always wear a dedicated SPF then this omission is easily remedied [and means that by night you can get flash-happy with your camera].

KIKO Unlimited Foundation*
SPF : 15
Coverage : Medium
Formula : Liquid

I rarely wear a matte foundation for fear of dull skin - this is the one exception. The kind of product that arrives looking fairly unassuming, proffering no hint of any exceptional perks, before applying with a wow factor. Its finish amazing - texture-wise it's velvet and there's absolutely no hint of a sheen. Despite this, it somehow still manages to omit a subtle radiance for a second skin effect. This I attribute to its colour, which, for a relatively affordable foundation has serious quality and is incredibly natural. You can often tell when someone is wearing a cheap foundation as they tend to lean either too pink or too orange, but this has the balance and neutrality usually afforded of a much more expensive product.

GUERLAIN Météorites Baby Glow Sheer Foundation*
SPF : 25
Coverage : Light
Formula : Liquid

This is a gloriously comfortable base, and provides a serious moisture boost whilst it's at its radiance-boosting capabilities. It has a velvet finish, which satisfyingly doesn't leave you looking like an item of upholstery [as many foundations going by that description do] and blends seamlessly for a natural finish. The kind of product that enhances rather than conceals skin, it automatically adds life to a lacklustre complexion. My only criticism is its smell, which though not offensive, is certainly strong and lingers throughout the day.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser*
SPF : 30
Coverage : Light
Formula : Liquid

Everyone needs a tinted moisturiser in their stash; ideal for days when you have neither need nor desire to sport a full face of slap, a tinted moisturiser [+ a little concealer and powder] proffers a fresh, natural base which will allow a bold lip or brow to rule supreme. This one spreads on like fondant, sinking into the skin without leaving a trace of product, bar a delicate tint of colour and a slight sheen that provides a healthy boost of radiance. I've previously found that tinted moisturisers tend to lean heavily on the orange end of the spectrum, but Nars can always be counted upon to present a broad colour spectrum with finesse. This is no-makeup makeup at its best.

CHANEL Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation
SPF : 15
Coverage : Light
Formula : Liquid

Water-based and with a wonderfully delicate, fluid formula, this has much the same effect as the above. I adore the scent - in typical Chanel style it smells exactly what you imagined chic Parisian women to smell like when you were 15 and desperate to take up residence on the Champs-Élysées. It melts into the skin, requiring minimal buffing action, and leaving a fresh, subtle glow. Whilst the coverage is in no way powerful, this does really help to reduce redness and balance an uneven skintone.

EVE LOM Radiance Lift Foundation*
SPF : 15
Coverage : Medium
Formula : Liquid

I adore this foundation. It's a good-all-rounder that also goes that little bit further than your average base. Good coverage, a radiant finish, and serious lasting power; this is the one product you can apply at 6AM and expect to look exactly the same when you tumble in giddily past midnight. It gives a solid coverage in one layer, yet sits feather-light and with an almost sheer effect, resulting in a reassuringly skin-like finish, which more than lives up to its name.

What are your favourite cream and liquid foundations?