Foundation Exploration

Ongoing log of foundations I have purchased and my thoughts at the time.

 

I like change. No really. Built in to my personality is the ever needing trait to improve processes both for myself and whomever else is interested. Also, our bodies change over time and our “needs” change. Whether we like it or not. To that end:


Things that I look for in a foundation: In order of priority

Skin happy Ingredients
I want my skin to be happier after wear, not angrier.

Finish
I don’t want it to look like I am wearing makeup. I am ok with people knowing I have skin and am not made of stone, porcelain, glass, plastic, etc. Makeup should make me look better, not worse. BUT still look like me. I am not trying to mascaraed with my foundation. At least not at the present. I retain the right to change this in the future with or without warning (winky face)

Cruelty free
I think I have talked about this stance before so I won’t duplicate here. If you have questions, I am more than happy to discuss.

I am moving more and more toward clean products. There are long term affects throughout your body to some popular ingredients. I will share more as I learn. I imagine my routine will change as a direct reflection of my learning.

Ethics
This one is a difficult one. I am a big fan of inclusion as far as skin tone but also of gender and economic status, etc. etc. All cosmetic items should be available to anyone inclined to give them a try. Period. I say it is difficult because authenticating a brand’s stance on all of this is time consuming and I have to admit that I rarely am able to be as diligent as I would like. If this could be a full time endeavor, I would absolutely dig deeper in to this topic as I think it should be more easily available.

Packaging
Having a design background and an above average appreciation for aesthetics, packaging is a big pull. As my tagline states, form and function must co-exist, so I do not just want a beautifully packaged lump of useless nonsense. But the converse is also true. An adored product that is used on the daily should be lovely enough to sit out on display. I must say, in this category (cosmetics) I will bend slightly to product quality over packaging. My current favorite lip balm is ugly. I have tested out dozens of lip balms and this is by far my favorite, so I will cave and just keep the several I own in a drawer in whichever space makes sense.

Wear
My expectations are pretty high. I put in an 8-10 hour work day+ all of the other things going on in my life. My makeup has to be up for the challenge. I do not want to touch up creasing or separation between meetings. I am ok with a blotting or power top off during heat or humidity and of course after a workout or swim. Otherwise, stay put please and look effortless.




In alphabetical order:
Please note that this list will be added to and updated from time to time as my makeup adventures progress.

Hourglass
Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
My shade: Porcelain & Bisque

  • Skin Happy Ingredients - Vegan, free of mineral oil, paragons, phthalates, and has less than 1% synthetic fragrances. Gluten free.

  • Finish -

  • Cruelty Free - Yes

  • Ethics - TBD although shade range at time of writing this was 32 shades. I will give 5/10

  • Packaging - 7/10 Stick is very convenient and the triangular shape is unique as well as makes getting in close to under-eyes and around nose easy

  • Wear - Full Coverage claim, but for me to feel like pigmentation is covered, finish is greatly compromised. Will look caked. Claims to be waterproof but I have not yet tested.

  • Would buy again? Yes

 
 

Ilia
Super Serum Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen
My shade: ST 2 Tulum

  • Skin Happy Ingredients - Niacinamide, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid

  • Finish - 8/10 Very natural and quite buildable

  • Cruelty Free - Yes

  • Ethics - TBD current shade range = 30. 5/10

  • Packaging - 6/10 Dropper style bottle. These tend to get grimy really quickly. If this doesn’t, I will upgrade their rating. Color scheme and branding is lovely.

  • Wear - TBD. New purchase 01/10/2023

  • Would buy again?




IT Cosmetics
CC+ Cream Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+
My shade: Fair - however, it is too yellow. Should have gotten Fair - Porcelain as I have a neutral undertone. Not warm or cool.

  • Skin Happy Ingredients - Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide

  • Finish - Natural

  • Cruelty Free - Yes

  • Ethics - 22 shades 4/10

  • Packaging - Plastic bottle and quick to get goopy. 3/10

  • Wear - Claims full coverage but I do not like the finish once built up. However, if a thin layer is applied, it lasts a really long time and stays put. Even during average workout. This has been my go-to for years.

  • Would buy again? Yes

This is a great one for fuss free coverage. I recommended it to my mom and she loves it. It is a great every day wear as it is light weight and effortless.

Merit
The Minimalist - Perfecting Complexion stick
My shade: Silk

  • Skin Happy Ingredients - Vegan, gluten free, Fatty Acids (Condition skin and lock in moisture), Sea Daffodil Extract (Diminishes the look of dark spots and pigmentation)

  • Finish - TBD

  • Cruelty Free - Yes

  • Ethics - 20 shades 4/10, Recyclable packaging

  • Packaging - 9/10 Very beautiful. Round bullet nose will not stay round and that makes me sad. Yes. I am that fussy.

  • Wear - 4/10 This dried my skin and I had to mist several times. I will try prepping more heavily to see if that improves performance. My typical HA, Moisturizer, SPF base was not enough. New purchase 01/10/2023

  • Would buy again? TBD

Seint
IIID Foundation (pronounced 3D)
My shades: White Peach, …, …

  • Happy Ingredients -

  • Finish -

  • Cruelty Free -

  • Ethics -

  • Packaging - 7/10 Super unique-all makeup comes in tins which is nice because it easy to set up a custom to you pallet. Minus points because the product gets damaged or polluted easily.

  • Wear -

  • Would buy again?





Westman Atelier
Vital Skin Foundation Stick
My shade: Atelier N

  • Skin Happy Ingredients - Vegan, Silicon free, Vegetable derived Squaline (helps prevent moisture loss), Phytoshingosine (Skin-soothing and calming properties), Berryflux Vita (Hydration-boosting and youth-preserving properties)

  • Finish - TBD

  • Cruelty Free - Yes

  • Ethics - 21 shades 4/10

  • Packaging - 9.5/10 Gorgeous. Great color, hefty-expensive feeling container. Embossed name, magnetic lid. Negative half point for the smooshed top of the makeup on the lid.

  • Wear - Is not as forgiving to texture or dryness that I was hoping for. Otherwise the shade is gorgeous. I will continue trial and hope that my skin condition improves.

  • Would buy again? TBD