The Foundations These Two Lifestyle Writers Reach for Daily

Ruby Feneley, Beauty Producer

Skin Type: Dry/Dehydrated  

As a dry-skinned girl with not too many blemishes (the pros and cons of Roaccutane five years ago), I need products that will keep my complexion hydrated, play nicely with sunscreen (an essential), and last. 

I find that many tinted moisturisers and skin tints are great for weekends, but disappear after a long day at the office. Additionally, since I’ve hit 30, blurring texture and pores is essential. 

I was so excited to try the Charlotte Tilbury foundation as I’m a massive fan of her Hollywood Flawless Filter Primer. I’m pleased to say, Beautiful Skin exceeded my expectations. 

Beautiful Skin packs COVERAGE — I would describe it as a medium-high. Beautiful Skin also has a slightly juicy balm that keeps my dry, dehydrated complexion comfortable and hydrated while sitting in a toasty office. It does this through a combination of barrier-supporting coconut extract — which improves skin’s ability to retain water — and hyaluronic acid, which binds said water to the skin and plumps out pesky fine lines. 

Even better, it’s long-wearing. This is attributable to a complex called Bix’Active, which — according to the brand — acts as a built-in sponge, absorbing oil throughout the day while smoothing pores and texture.  

I’d been mixing Beautiful Skin with Hollywood Flawless Filter on weekends and wearing it to the office daily over Ultra Violette, Queen Screen for weeks when — in an unrelated skincare mishap — I experienced the worst skin reaction I’ve ever had. This really put Beautiful Skin to the test.

My cheekbone was covered in raised, angry, purple and red welts. They were of the kind I’d typically place in the “impossible to cover, just give up” category, but, I had an unmissable event to go to, so I decided I’d have to swallow my vanity, do my best to tone it down and try to forget about it.  

I had zero expectation that any foundation would cover the disaster, but CT’s Beautiful Skin came to the rescue. The balmy consistency smoothed over the texture, creating a shield around the area, while the coverage perfectly neutralised purple and red tones without drying them out. 

While you can never make texture completely disappear, Beautiful Skin — topped up with a tiny bit of Shape Tape Concealer and Innisfree Pore Blur Loose Powder — sent me to the event feeling confident and comfortable enough to enjoy myself. 

Sangeeta Kocharekar, Lifestyle Editor 

Skin Type: Oily

I used Mecca’s colour matcher to find my shade of Beautiful Skin Foundation (entering in the details of the shade I use for another brand’s foundation) — and it came up with shade nine, warm.

When I first put it on, I was surprised by how orange-y it was (to be honest, my first thought was ‘Oompa Loompa’), but then, after blending it in, the orange subsided and I just looked really glowy with an even skin tone — exactly what I want from a foundation.

The foundation comes out easily in a pump and like many others, a little bit of it will go a long way in terms of coverage. I would definitely recommend it, and would say not to be put off if, like me, your shade is orange-y when you first put it on your face — it does blend in nicely.

I also recently started using KVD Good Apple Serum Foundation ($60) which has been described as a filter for its satin skin-like finish. It comes out in a thick consistency so is great for giving my skin full coverage. It also lasts from the time I put it on in the morning and throughout a day of work and an event usually after-work, to when I’m taking my make-up off in the evening.