Foundation : A Story Of Denial

When I was younger, I was not into makeup. I must add, I was proudly not into makeup. Things have changed, I now am passionate about the beauty industry, and I strongly believe that it’s not frivolous and it actually means a lot to me. It’s how you present yourself to the world, it’s taking care of yourself and others, it gives power to know how to use them…  Anyway, there will be an article on this topic coming soon for sure because I have a lot to say about my beauty journey.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve bought BB and CC creams, concealers, skin tints, but never a product that is actually called foundation.

I’m telling you this because, the fact that I was so proudly not into beauty, meant that I eased my way into it slowly, and still to this day, have never purchased a foundation because, meh, I like a natural makeup, I never know what shade to choose…

These are all lies. You know why ? I think it’s because I still can’t completely accept that I wear proper makeup. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ve bought BB and CC creams, concealers, skin tints, but never a product that is actually called foundation. It feels like a big step. Buying foundation would definitely mean that I’m not wearing some sort of skincare item which improves the skin and color corrects it. It would definitely mean that I’m not pretending to wear minimal makeup. It would definitely mean that it does not have any benefit for the skin, it’s simply makeup.

Foundation, to me – and I can’t stress this enough, in my opinion – used to be something you’d put on to hide your skin, and let’s be honest, it took a turn a few years ago but I grew up thinking it was simply not good for the skin, and definitely not looking good either ! It sure has changed : now it’s all about the dewy, natural, healthy look. But back in my days, when a friend or someone on the tube wore foundation, it’d be looking dry, somehow orange, and would accentuate fine lines, pores, blemishes… I thought it was terrible !

This feeling stuck with me for years. Now it’s time for a change. I still love BB creams, but with the rise of glowy/light coverage foundation, I’m sure there’s something in the market that would suit me. As a matter of fact, the other day I really wanted to buy my first ever foundation, which I’ve decided is going to be the Chanel Vitalumière Aqua, because it’s so cult and sounds right up my street, but they did not have the shade I wanted (B10), so I’ll have to try again soon !

In the meantime, here are all the bases I wear at the moment :

Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme CC Cream : This is a funny one. I like it because it gives the most insane glow. It feels really luxurious, has a gorgeous smell and is super hydrating. Unfortunately, having quite fair skin, it is a tad too warm for me at the moment. It’s a cream that changes color when you rub it into the skin, and because winter’s been dragging on, I feel like it might work better when I’ll have a bit more color on my face. But if you have dry, dehydrated skin and desperately want glow, this product is for you ! It’s lovely in lieu of a moisturizer. The item provides a super sheer tint, has SPF 10 and claims to improve your skin. I don’t wear it often enough to confirm it does but it certainly feels like skincare.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream in 31 Ivory : I like this drugstore CC Cream because it’s a light coverage base that you can easily build up. I apply it with a beauty blender if I want more of a sophisticated look a.k.a, full face of makeup. I recommend you watch this tutorial by Lisa Eldridge. That’s how I discovered it because it looked gorgeous in the video which is all about fresh, well slept beauty makeup. Who would not want that ? It did not disappoint when I first got it. This is my second bottle ! I just spread it with my fingers for a more natural finish. It’s not expensive, lasts for ages and I enjoy how versatile it is.

Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer in Ivory : Sometimes, when my skin’s being good, I apply concealer where needed and blend it with a brush or a beauty blender. This one is not good for spots because it looks dewy and really brings light to where you apply it. Does exactly what the name suggests !

Glossier Skin Tint in Light and Glossier Stretch Concealer in Light : I use these two together because the Skin Tint really does not have much coverage, and having quite dark circles under my eyes, I often find that I need some kind of light otherwise I really look super tired. The concealer is my favorite at the moment. I just bought a new one and completely finished the previous pot. Hydrating, illuminating, great to apply on the go. Full review of these products here, but I thought I’d mention them in this article, because I use them all the time !

Do you wear foundation ? Or, are you in denial ?