YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation
Promise: “The light of Touche Éclat foundation targets shadowy areas and highlights the contours of the face. With no opaque powders, its perfecting texture evens the complexion and helps conceal your imperfections, while enhancing your skin’s natural beauty”
Price: £29.00/$55.00 30ml
Purchase: www.yslbeauty.co.uk, www.yslbeautyus.com, Saks Fifth AvenueYSL's Touche Éclat foundation is the latest addition to the Touche Éclat family and, for this reason, it was one of the most anticipated beauty products of 2012. Available in a wide number of shades, this medium coverage foundation has a runny, gel-like texture that helps it glide onto the skin. However, what makes this foundation exceptional is the beautiful finish. Unlike some illuminating foundations, the Touche Éclat is able to brighten the skin and promote a natural glow without leaving skin looking greasy or too shiny. In addition, this foundation is long lasting, has a SPF19 and smells amazing. The only downside is the pump - it is almost impossible to control exactly how much comes out when you use it.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
Price: £30.50/$44.00 30ml
Purchase: House of Fraser, narscosmetics.co.uk, narscosmetics.com
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is a much-hyped foundation for good reason. It provides a beautiful satin finish that helps to even-out skin tone and brighten skin. Although the foundation is named 'Sheer Glow', the coverage is medium and is easily buildable. It is non-comedogenic and fragrance free, however it is lacking in a SPF. This foundation's greatest strength is that it is incredibly hydrating - a real plus for those with dry skin. The only downside is that this foundation has no pump, which is surprising when you consider how much it costs.
Chanel Vitalumiére
Promise: “The light texture of Vitalumière gives a slightly satin finish, for a radiant, natural, youthful–looking make–up”
Price: £34.00/$55.00 30ml
Price: £34.00/$55.00 30ml
Vitalumiére is a real hero in the foundation world. It has won numerous beauty awards and is one the best illuminating foundations on the market. Though on the pricey side, this easy-to-apply foundation provides medium coverage and builds incredibly well without caking. It leaves a beautiful dewy finish to the skin, helping to reflect imperfections and give a youthful, fresh appearance. It is the perfect foundation for dry skin and also has a SPF15. The only downside to this foundation? It has to be set with loose powder as it can often make skin appear too shiny in photos.
Stila Illuminating Liquid Foundation
Promise: “Never heavy, chalky, or dull, Illuminating Liquid Foundation glides on weightlessly for sheer-to-medium coverage and a silky semi-matte finish that evens out flaws while letting your skin's natural luminescence shine through”
Price: £25.00/$38.00 30ml
Purchase: Boots, Sephora, BeautyBay.com
Stila's Illuminating Liquid foundation, unlike other illuminating foundations, actually contains tiny particles of glitter. Some people love this aspect, whilst others see it is as a huge downside. I personally think its a benefit, however it does mean that I only wear this foundation during the evening. Although described as having a semi-matte finish, I would consider the finish to be quite dewy. The coverage is sheer to medium and is buildable and easy to apply. This foundation's greatest strength is that it does not aggravate the skin, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Even when heavily built-up, this foundation feels lightweight and soothing on the skin. The downside to this foundation is that it is lacking a SPF.