Top 4 Foundations ( at the moment )
Easy Lunch Ideas
If you follow the fun on Snapchat or Persicope (I’m K8_smallthings on both), you may know that I’ve been trying some new foundations this year. And I have a few winners to tell you about today!
First, let’s go back a couple years and refresh our memory on Arbonne’s Perfecting Liquid foundationΒ ($42) (I’ve worn both Fair and Soft Blush). This was a game changer for me. It’s full coverage, works beautifully with my skin, wears like a dream come true, and is always what I reach for if I know I’m going to be on camera. I love it! It’s not easy to get your hands on, but worth the hassle in my opinion!
Next up, I tried Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic FoundationΒ ($44). I had to–I mean, the word “magic” was in the title for crying out loud. And as it turns out, it is magical. I think the shade I wear, 2, is a little bit too light so I’ve actually been mixing it with Arbonne’s Perfecing liquid as you can see I’m running low on it. There is no need to do this unless you are weird like me or just need a little bit more time with a certain foundation. Anyway, the coverage is more natural than Arbonne’s Perfecting Liquid and would fall into the “pretty much full coverage” range. If you had a scale of 1-10, 1 being the most sheer and 10 being the fullest of full coverage, I would say that the Charlotte Tillbury Magic foundation is about 8.76 on that scale. Arbonne Perfecting Liquid is a 10. The Magic foundation, though, is the kind of foundation that looks more realistic, especially if you are outside. Between the two, I think Magic foundation is more of an everyday kinda thing, where the Arbonne Perfecting liquid is for that “perfect flawless skin” look.
Next I tried Maybelline Dream Velvet foundation ($11). I had been eyeballing this on the end cap at Target for a long time, and was surprised to find a package from Maybelline on my doorstep with this inside! So, I gave it a go! The first shade I tried was too light, but Ivory is perfect for my skin color. I was very impressed by the coverage and wear of this drugstore foundation! The texture was a bit different, it’s sort of mousse-like, but it blended in pretty darn well! On the coverage scale, I’d put this at about a 7. This one wore off a bit more throughout the day, but not a dramatic amount. I think all it would require is a little touch-up at lunch or something. Perhaps only some translucent powder and a touch of fresh blush.
Finally, my latest test was with the It Cosmetics CC+ foundationΒ ($38). I should note that I did not use the one with illumination, I just used the original. I had heard a lot of great things about it, and my sister is a huge fan too. I anticipated light to medium coverage, but found it to be quite full actually! Not “flawless perfect skin” but perhaps 7.67 on the scale? My favorite thing about it is how well it blends into the skin. It’s almost invisible actually, in the best way possible. I wear light, which might be slightly too dark but I’m okay with that as we are getting closer and closer to summer.
I often get asked “Yes, but which one is your favorite?” and I can’t really answer that. They all do really different things. So I hope my explanations above help if you are considering any new foundations!
More about Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Foundation here, and my favorite foundation brushes here!
comments
These all sound lovely especially the Arbonnes Foundaton! I use the Charlotte Tilbury and I loooove it, I totally agree with what you said about the coverage it’s full enough but not too much for everyday use! xx
http://www.shayholly.co.uk
I would love to help you get some Arbonne foundation!
Can you tell me how I would go about figuring out my color and getting a sample of this foundation. I live in Alabama. I have wanted to try it for a while and no one around my area seems to sell it. Fingers crossed you see this!
HI Catherine!
If Alex doesn’t respond, I would love to help you! I can give you my email address or you can give me yours and we can touch base about everything that way π let me know!
Best,
Jillian
Hi Catherine. Here is my email. I’d be happy to help. greeneggsnhamman@gmail.com
yay! glad she can help you!! good luck your going to love it! π
Awesome! I am emailing you now!
Do you still offer Arbonne samples? Been wanting to try this foundation but donβt want to buy before I know what color I am.
Thanks!
I tend to enjoy Tarte foundations. I’ve tried Arbonne, and liked it, but like you said, it’s hard to get your hands on. I tan very easily…with sunscreen, and I’m outside a lot with 2 Dtrs who play softball, so my color changes often. I need to be able to just go get what I want. I just got the Smashbox CC cream. I was going to try IT but honestly sooo many youtubers have said its particular In the way you apply it. So I opted out. I’m not a fan of using my hands, I like to use a brush and they all said with the IT, the only way they got it on well was with their hands!
I’m an Arbonne Consultant and am sorry to hear you have difficulty finding our foundation – I’d be happy to help you. My website is http://www.lyndaturton.arbonne.com May I recommend the Preferred Client option to receive 20% discount. Please contact me if I can help you further ~ Lyn
The problem isn’t actually finding the foundation…I have an old high schools friends website. However, she lives in TX and I’m in TN. I don’t like to buy foundation on line unless I’m reordering the same color. And, as I mentioned, I change colors often d/t tanning very easily and being outside a lot!
I have samples I could mail – although if you have a friend who’s a consultant you should liaise with her for sure. Arbonne have a 45 day money back guarantee so if you select the wrong shade you can return it within the 45 days. Hope this helps! ~ Lyn
I used Tarte as well. Then I tried smashbox and love it. You should give it a try. A lot of stores will let you return it if you aren’t happy with it. It’s a lighter feel. I apply it with a damp sponge. Tarte seemed thick to me but I did like the look.
Hey, Kate- a question.
After I saw your snapchat review of the IT Cosmetics CC cream, I ordered it because it looked impressive. π Do you wear a setting powder on top or will that ruin the “glow”? Which way do you go with that?
Thanks!
I love the It CC cream – and they also have a lovely illuminating powder to dust on top.
Thank you! I’ll have to look for that!
I also use the It CC cream (the illuminating one) and I think powder goes very nicely with it. The cream blends wonderfully, and since it can be a little shiny, the power tones it down a bit and helps it stay put. My face definitely still looks glowy. π
I’m curious if you ordered the Charlotte Tillbury foundation online and guessed at your color? It’s only in a handful of stores so not easily accessible.
I love the IT foundation but felt it applied best with my Real Techniques sponge. Using a brush was okay but I don’t care for the finish with it. But I tried a light dusting of powder & that seemed to do the trick. It also might depend on what type of brush.
I am just diving into the world of makeup.. My name is Jayne and I have been a plain Jane all my life LOL. But at almost 40 my face just isn’t flawless and I needed to try something to make me feel good about myself. I live in a small town so I didn’t have a lot of choices but after seeing your Maybelline Dream Velvet foundation post and watching you on snap chat I decided to give it a try. Walgreens was running a sale! Buy one get one half off and I am a VERY VERY fair skinned girl (Red head) So I got Porcelain Ivory and Ivory to give it a try! I find that mixing the two gives me a great natural look! I am really excited about it and even got it for my 14 year old π Thank you for all of your great posts that help the make-up challenged person π
Hi Jayne. I have some great tutorials I can share. I have 2 girls myself and I have been teaching them about the importance of skincare.
Klucchese23@gmail.com
Arbonne foundation is very light and airy but provides full coverage. I have Melasma on my upper cheek bone area and this foundation makes my face look flawless. Plus, its chemical free. It is a must try for you and your daughter. Learning to become a label reader is important for health.
I just recently ordered the IT Cosmetics CC+ and I have been looking forward to trying it. Your review makes me even more excited for it to get here!
Fizz and Frostingβ
Where do you guys get the IT foundation? I’ve been wanting to try their under eye concealer and haven’t been able to find it. I’m thinking ULTA must carry it because I can’t find it at Sephora. A few nights ago I saw an infomercial and was tempted. Any ideas?
Qvc has it, and ulta store and website has it!
I got both the cc cream foundation and the under eye concealer at Ulta. I love both! I am going to add the Bye Bye pores powder as soon as it arrives. I ordered it on amazon.
You can buy at Ulta the travel size which is like $10. I just bought it last week and even though is tiny it will last me for several weeks. Just a little goes a long way. I love how it brightens my under eyes. It’s definitely my favorite right now.
I ordered the IT+ from the infomercial and unfortunately I did not like it. I sent everything back, even the free items. I felt like the containers were cheap plastic (not for the price I initially paid but definitely for the price it would cost to purchase again). I was also frustrated that it was an auto-ship product, meaning if I hadn’t read the packing invoice I would not have known that they would autoship the product to me every so many days (I can’t recall if it was 30 or 60). I just don’t recall that being mentioned on the informercial but maybe it was at the end but I was sold midway in. I had a hard time washing the foundation off my hands. I know some people love it but I didn’t feel like it was flawless. I just didn’t love the finish on my skin.
You can get in the store at Ulta. You can order directly from it cosmetics. Shipping is free with a $25 order. Also, QVC carries it and from time to time has bonus size specials. BTW, It Cosmetics tight line mascara is a way better deal on QVC. You get two per order.
This is super helpful! Going to try the Maybelline one out.
I got the it cosmetics CC+ this weekend at ulta and I have been a bare minerals fan for 8 years, this however it possibly my new favorite! And that’s a lot coming from a die hard bare minerals girl. The coverage was truly shocking it isn’t a normal CC cream it really is a pretty much full coverage and your skin can still breath! If your think about trying it, TRY IT!!!
Would you ever consider trying and reviewing all natural make up products? I was diagnosed with a melanoma several years ago and I’m afraid to use makeup ilunless it is on the EWG site and co sidered safe. Would love to hear you do a review of more organic products!
I use the Beautycounter brand and love it! Kate did a review on the tint skin foundation and didnt love it. I use mostly all of their products from shampoo to sunscreen to makeup and kids stuff too! I would definitely read about it. Its a little pricey compared to ulta/sephora stuff but I wont compromise on health.
The Arbonne Foundation is a plant based, chemical free, natural product as are all their product lines (makeup, skincare, hair care, and nutrition).
I had a trial size off the IT Cosmestics CC cream, and I was going to throw it away as I didn’t really use it. After seeing you review it on Snapchat, I pulled it out to try again! I can’t remember why I didn’t like it, so it hopefully I’ll like it more this time around!
What’s a good basic powder to use?
I love a translucent. That way it sets the foundation, but it won’t effect you color.
My mom uses the It CC+ and she loves it. I might have to get her to let me try it out some time.
http://thenewoldfashionedgirl.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the review Kate it is very helpful!
I’ve been using it cosmetics cc cream for a while and depending how you apply it, you will get different coverage. for a full coverage, I like to do it with my hands and then With my beauty blender I press on to my skin like bouncing not rubbing to get a flawless finish. Because the finish is very glowy and hydrating I always have to apply powder so I don’t look like Too oily. I think this will suit more dry to normal skin. For my combinacion skin is too much. After reading your review I really want to try the maybelline, I usually don’t buy drugstore because they mostly have parabens, mineral oil, etc but this one seems to have not so bad ingredients.
Hi Priscila,
If I sent you a sample of Arbonne’s foundation, would you give it a try?
Klucchese23@gmail.com
Out of the 4 you recommended, does it matter on your skin type? I have dry skin and foundations end up cacky or flaky on my face. Also, sometimes foundation brings out imperfections of aging skin and ages the appearance of my skin.
Make sure you use a good light moisturizer before applying any foundation, also you can get a primer to help fill in the lines and help set the make up so it doesn’t build up in those places through out he day (;
Thank you for the great tip!
You need a good moisturizer with no mineral oil to get the full benefit. A hydrating mask and serum help as well. Message me for more info on Arbonne products which could be the last skin care and make up you will buy.
You and I are kindred makeup spirits! Haha π I love the CT Magic foundation and the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream too! Now I’m going to have to try and hunt down the Arbonne out of curiosity π
Hi Katrina I’m an Arbonne Consultant and would be happy to help you try our foundation. We offer a 45 day money back guarantee and I have samples I could send you if you’re unsure of which shade to select. If you’re interested please contact me via my website http://www.lyndaturton.arbonne.com ~ Lyn
Not to mention the long list of skin care benefits that come inside every bottle of CT’s Magic foundation. That’s what prompted me to try it. I should receive mine from Nordstrom.com this week. I’m done covering up my skin problems: leathery patches from sun exposure, fine lines, oily skin, redness, acne scarring and huge pores from the teen years. I’m 34. I need to fix my skin! I’m hoping the CT foundation will help me accomplish this. Since having my son 2 years ago, I’ve had a tough time finding a foundation that looks good on my skin, because of all the problems I have; everything just emphasizes what I’m trying to cover up! I tried the IT CC cream as well, but the result looked like I had literally painted my face. It so didn’t look natural. Sigh. Fingers crossed, my new Clarins products and CT magic foundation will give me some results at last.
I feel you girl! I’m 34 and have the same frustrating issues. I still have the skin of a teenager. It’s ridiculous. Hope you find something that works.
Erika and Sarah – Arbonne provide a skincare range designed to reduce redness, acne scars etc. They are gentle but effective, botanically based and free from harmful ingredients.
Foundation would then be use to enhance your skin not cover it up.
If you’re interested in finding out more please contact me via my website http://www.lyndaturton.arbonne.com ~ Lyn
Sarah and Erika,
Have either of you tried any of Arbonne’s skincare products?! I am a consultant and I would love to help you! The difference it has made in my skin has been incredible. I started using Arbonne 6 years ago for stretch marks, then moved to make up (which has been the only thing I can use!) and then skincare. I feel so sorry that Kate has had a hard time getting her hands on any Arbonne products. Now a days once you know a consultant you can order online whenever you need anything completely on your own which is great. I would love to send you both some samples to try! if you love it, great and if not at least you tried something π Shoot me an email if your interested in trying, I just love sharing these amazing product! Jcosgrove525@gmail.com and my website is http://www.jilliancosgrove.arbonne.com
xoxo Jillian
Great post! But, I’ve never heard you say what skin type you are. I would love to try some of the high end products but don’t want to buy products that don’t work for my (dry) skin type.
Thanks for your great work, Kate! I love your site!
Hi Jane
Arbonne foundation would be a great option for you as the botanicals in it nourish skin. We offer a 45 day money back guarantee you would not lose out by trying it. If you would like more information please contact me via my website http://www.lyndaturton.arbonne.com ~ Lyn
Do you often get free make-up at your door
Question: You gave a coverage score for all the products except the Maybelline. Can you give a rating for that one? I prefer more full coverage but have to stay on a budget. ?
Thanks Kate! Love your website! It has gotten me to branch out and experiment more with my makeup than I ever had before.
Just updated that section!
Thanks so much Kate! ?
This is really helpful. I’m searching for a decent foundation for my wedding and I’m overwhelmed by the options. My combination skin doesn’t work with matte foundations because it sticks to my dry patches, but I also don’t want to be too dewy. Thank you Kate! (If anyone sees this and has a suggestion, please let me know!).
Hi Alyssa!
When is your wedding? (congratulations!) I am an Arbonne consultant and I would love for you to try our foundations. We have both liquid and mineral powders and they work so well! we have a 45 day return policy, money back no questions asked even if the product is completely gone. (to decrease the “graveyard of products under the skin”) Send me an email if your interested in learning more, no pressure at all, I would love for you to try π Jcosgrove525@gmail.com. My website is jilliancosgrove.arbonne.com
again congratulations on your upcoming wedding and if we dont connect I hope you find something that works for you!
xoxo, Jillian
I love this run down and summary of your favorite foundations. After a very sunny and warm weekend in the Chicago area, I am going to need to be looking for a darker foundation soon. This helps me get a start.
Hi Patti, what color do you currently wear? If I sent you a sample of Arbonne’s foundation would you try it?
Klucchese23@gmail.com
Just wondering if you have tried Younique’s Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation. Wanted to know how it compares to Arbonne’s Perfecting Liquid Foundation.
I’m curious about the airborne one I’ve heard good stuff! Not that I want to share my favorite foundation?, because well if I can’t find it at target when I go I’ll be really sad! But if your interested in trying it out the No. 7 brand, beautifully matte… It is really really good stuff.. I lived in TN and now in NC and the humidity in the summer basically melts off your make up no matter what prepping you have done of how well set it is and this foundation so far is the only one I have found that with stands the humidity! It’s a bit thick going on but doesn’t feel heavy and has awesome coverage all by itself! Just a suggestion of your out there trying new things!
Hi Shawna π I am an Arbonne consultant and I would love to help you learn more about Arbonne! send me an email and we can touch base with any questions you may have, jcosgrove525@gmail.com and my website is jilliancosgrove.arbonne.com. hope to hear from you!
I just ordered IT Cosmetics CC cream. I can’t wait to get it!! I’m actually impatient about it. lol.
Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com
I ordered IT CC cream recently but sent it back after I read the ingredients – one of the first ingredients was “snail secretion filtrate”. I just couldn’t handle that. Are you familiar with this ingredient?
Oh, wow. I wrote a paper on snails in a bio class once. Never heard of that.
If I sent you a sample of Arbonne’s foundation would you try it?
klucchese23@gmail.com
Any suggestions for ladies with freckles, I generally use tinted moisturizer, can you suggest any great ones? Also any advice on picking a shade, I fine when I match to my skin tone it looks too pale because my freckles make my face look darker…..also once I’ve been out in the sun for a few days my freckles become so much brighter.
Hi Catherine! I have freckles all over and I’m super self conscious about them so I use the Arbonne mineral powder foundation as well as the perfecting liquid which both work so well! But I also love our cc cream for a lighter look that’s not as full coverage but more of a medium coverage since your currently using a bb cream. I would love to help you discover some new products! Let me know if I can help you I would be happy to send you some samples and more information. My website is Jilliancosgrove.arbonne.com and my email is jcosgrove525@gmail.com. Xoxo Jillian
I love your product reviews! I’m always on the quest for the perfect foundation and tend to mix a few to get exactly what I want. I also use and love the IT foundation. I have a little melasma (skin discoloration) and prefer a full coverage with a high SPF for that reason. For my everyday, I bounce back and forth between IT and Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream. When I need a flawless finish, my go-to’s are Tarte maracuja miracle foundcealer oil and EstΓ©e Lauder Double Wear Maximum. Or I use a dab of those on my trouble spots.
Hi Rose. If I sent you a sample of Arbonne’s foundation would you try it.
klucchese23@gmail.com
If anyone’s from northeast Arkansas and would like to purchase Arbonne, I’m now a consultant! http://www.arbonne.com/pws/kristinaknight/tabs/home.aspx
I’ve always agreed with you on foundation, arbonne is my absolute favorite. I know you like the tarte full coverage powder, I’m currently using the amazonian clay foundation and feel like it’s a close second to my arbonne foundation. You should give it a try and see what you think!
I LOVE the It Cosmetics CC cream. I won’t go a day without it, and I firmly believe that it has improved the quality of my skin. Plus, it mixes well and enhances other foundations. I’ve heard great things about the Magic foundation. I’d love to try that next!
I want to try the Maybelline! I wasn’t completely crazy about the It CC cream. Can anyone speak to how it wears in humidity? It’s gonna be sticky and hot this summer in AL and I don’t want my face to slide off am hour after I go outside. π
I couldn’t stand the Dream Velvet! It caked like crazy on me. Glad you’re liking it though!
I just got the It Cosmetics CC Cream and I LOVE it! I, too, got the shade light – it looked great on you on Snapchat, but I agree – it’s a tad dark for me, too – and will deal with it and just get a tan when the weather starts to warm up. It seems like it will be a great summer base.
http://www.jenniferpeer.com
Kate! Have you tried Born This Way froundation??
Kate! Have you tried Born This Way foundation?
I absolutely love your videos! I have been trying to get out of my comfort zone of the mom bun or ponytail, and your videos have helped so much!
I love Mother’s Day because we take time out of our crazy schedules and just have some fun family time.
I tried it cosmetics the day, literally, the day you snapped about it. Ah-mazing!!!!
I love Mother’s Day because I kind of get a free pass to my daily household chores and the kids try harder to get along and help out.
Hi! I am so glad to see you blogging about Arbonne’s foundation. It is awesome! Please contact me if you have any questions or if you have a hard time finding it! I will gladly assist you. I would also recommend trying Arbonne’s Makeup Primer, the best primer on the market, as well as the CC Cream which is so good at concealing and hydrating the skin for a beautiful dewey complexion. My website is http://CarlaBoring.Arbonne.com. My email is CarlaBoringArbonneConsultant @gmail.com
Hi,
I loved the review you gave on the Arbonne liquid foundation. If you every have any problems getting your hands on the cosmetics please get un touch. I’m an Arbonne Independent Consultant (maimieyelland@myarbonne.com)
Thanks and again, I loved the review xx
I really love Laura Mercier Silk Crème foundation. Been using it for years!
I’ve been using Arbonne for 5 years and have yet to try the liquid foundation. All of their other products are fantastic (especially the primer, OMG). I used to sell Arbonne (only for about a year), but now I just maintain a consultant’s account just for the discount. It’s so worth the $25/year, or whatever it is, in order to get 35% off everything. Anyway, I’ve been looking for someone with similar skin tone online so I can try and match my skin color before purchasing. I have to say, your skin looks freaking amazing, and you’re similar to my skin tone. Thanks for the blog! It helped me decide on getting the soft blush. I already love the light colored mineral powder foundation, but it’s not dewy enough for me. It’s gorg, but I want more of a liquid foundation these days. The older I get (41 yesterday!!), I find that the powder foundations make me look older or dried out!!!
It’s not a pain to purchase if you know a consultant. And while I don’t sell anymore, and won’t even make a commission if you purchase from my website, let me know if you want it. I have friends who all buy from my account so that they don’t have to go through the hassle of finding a rep….and you don’t have to worry about getting annoying emails/junkmail!! haha
Anyway, your skin is glowing and you’re gorgeous! Thanks again for the great info!
Have you tried their nutritional line yet? I was amazed by it. I did the 30 days to healthy living challenge and documented my experience here:
https://youtu.be/O2QWd24rBRo
Thanks for sharing your experience.