On the Search for the Perfect Foundation: Korres Antiageing Foundation

Korres’ Antiageing Foundation

Note: Sorry it took longer to publish this post. I had written it and prepared everything earlier but I had to get to work and I couldn’t access my blog from those ancient computers, lol. I wasn’t really allowed to use my phone either. :(

Cost: $39.00 US Dollars

Available exclusively at your local Sephora.

In shade 25 "Tan"
In shade 25 “Tan”

Description: “Uncover a youthful radiance with this comfortable, crease-proof foundation that promises a soft-focus finish. Quercetin and oak is the first natural, clinically proven alternative to retinol. An ultra-powerful antioxidant derived from the oak tree, it works fast to help minimize the visible signs of aging. The medium-coverage, crease-proof formula helps blur fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful complexion, while a blend of moisturizing ingredients keep skin smooth and hydrated. ”

First Impression: The fact this foundation is supposedly all-natural is a great thing. Peter is always getting on me to stop wearing cosmetics and everything because of all the chemicals in them but I think if something is natural, then maybe he’ll feel a little bit better about it. I honestly don’t buy it though or at least not until I do some research on this product. The foundation has no scent (a plus!) and doesn’t feel tacky after it sets. Although it doesn’t really make my dry patches start to flake, it does dry the area a bit, and it’ll feel rougher to the touch. The finished look from this foundation is one of the prettiest I’ve encountered so far.

SPF: Not listed. I was surprised that it didn’t have any but after looking at the ingredients list, it does have titanium dioxide hidden in there so I am going to assume that it does have sunscreen in it.

Shade: Korres offers 8 shades in this line and they all appear to either be mostly golden or pink in tone. I am currently wearing 25 Tan and it’s a pretty good match. I want to try 20 Golden Beige but I am afraid it may be too warm in tone. It doesn’t hurt to try though.

Finish: The finish is natural (almost “slightly powdered’) and stays that way since it is a long wear foundation. It looks radiant when first applied and sets within a matter of minutes. When you take photos wearing Korres’ Antiageing Foundation, it looks very airbrushed and give you this soft-focus glow.

Texture: The texture of this foundation is slightly denser although I wouldn’t call it a cream. It does need to be worked in though and blended in thoroughly. Otherwise, it will look very noticeable. I’d say that it almost feels like a gel-cream.

Coverage: The Antiageing Foundation from Korres has a medium finish. I would say that it is buildable but nothing beyond medium coverage. It did cover my redness but my broken capillaries still peeked through. So either I didn’t put enough foundation on or it really doesn’t go further when it comes top coverage. I think using a concealer is probably needed if you have a lot of problem areas. I rate this foundation an 8 when it comes to coverage.

Workable: Since it is dense, it does need a little elbow grease in order to be properly blended into your skin. Having dry skin prevents me from being able to micro-exfoliate my skin but I still managed to work the foundation in by warming it up on the back of my hand prior to application.

Longevity: I think this foundation lasts a standard work day. Anything over eight hours, the wearer will find the foundation looking quite pasty. The foundation does get stickier when you’re in a humid environment but I will have to say that it goes back to being extremely smooth once you’re in a cooler environment. I think the foundation settles into those dry spots at the two-hour mark and like I said earlier, it doesn’t show but you can still feel it.

Application: I used my mineral powder brush to blend the foundation in. I also used my flat foundation brush to layer on more foundation underneath my eyes.

Type of skin: I am going to sound like a broken record but I think it’s suitable for all skin types but if you have dry skin, be sure to moisturize and exfoliate before application. I would also recommend a setting spray (resetting as well) such as the one from MAC (MAC Fix +) to help soothe the dry patchy areas. This foundation does keep your skin hydrated but I don’t feel like it’s genuinely enough.

Packaging: Korres Antiageing Foundation comes in a small, frosted glass bottle with a simple white pump.

The Verdict: I think I am able to overlook the fact that it dries out my skin because it does photograph amazingly. I do have to stock up on MAC Fix + (that setting and refreshing spray) if I am to use Korres’ Antiageing Foundation. I would use it for spring and summer and for camwhoring (most definitely). All in all, I think I will buy it even though it’s only good for one thing in my opinion. This foundation also makes any color I apply to my face pop for the most part and so I end up having to use less blush and etc.

It is priced at $39.00. I hope everyone gets to at least try this foundation on once and snap a photo of themselves as well to see how well it makes your skin look.

The last foundation review of my foundation testing marathon will be about Stila’s Illuminating Foundation. It’s been a great run and I’ll see you all tomorrow.

On the Search for the Perfect Foundation: Smashbox Studio Skin

Smashbox’s Studio Skin

Cost: $42.00 US Dollars

Available exclusively at your local Sephora.

s1349430-main-Lhero

Description: “Stay flawless for 15 hours with this photo shoot secret for picture-perfect skin. This long-wearing, hydrating formula blurs imperfections using light-diffusing, encapsulated pigment spheres, and delivers natural-looking, buildable medium-to-full coverage. Its sweat-free, transfer-proof, humidity-resistant formula keeps skin hydrated and shine-free all day.”

First Impression: I like that the foundation shades are yellow-based and not pink. Foundations used to be pink-based and they always looked unnatural and pasty on any wearer (think of foundation from the 60s). Studio Skin smells like sunscreen and also has another chemical-based scent that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s a liquid foundation that falls between watery and creamy when it comes to texture. It is highly pigmented, buildable, and does produce a very natural finish. I found that when taking photos while wearing Studio Skin, this foundation photographs very well and does give you that airbrushed effect.

SPF: None. (One of the reasons why it photographs so well. Be sure to wear sunscreen though.)

Shade: Smashbox has 12 shades available and since they are yellow-based, there is a bigger chance that you’ll find something that matches you perfectly. I matched myself to be a 2.4 Natural Beige although if given more time, I can find a better match. This one is nearly perfect but I may have to go one shade higher. I’m crazy about having the perfect match and I literally won’t wear a foundation if it doesn’t blend in with my skin tone and look good with the rest of my body.

Shade 2.4
Shade 2.4

Finish: Natural. Smashbox’s Studio Skin emulates skin at it’s natural state. There is no excessive shine or glow. It just looks like healthy skin. This foundation is great because sometimes you don’t want all the bells and whistles. You just want a foundation that covers everything without looking like you’re wearing anything.

Texture: The texture is normal when it comes to what a liquid foundation feels like. It’s not thin and watery like Chanel’s Vitalumiere nor is it dense like Lancome’s Photogenic Lumessence. I dotted the foundation on my cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin and that was enough for me when it came to full face application. It is blendable until it sets. Remember, this is a 15-hour wear foundation so you know whatever it is that is in there is going to make it stay all day. So work fast and work diligently.

Coverage: Smashbox, like MUFE, are known for creating products that look good even in HD. Their products are camera-ready so I am not surprised to find how pigmented Studio Skin is despite the fact that it still has the ability to look like skin. It has medium to full coverage although I’ll say you easily end up with full coverage at any rate. It covered all of my blemishes and even my broken capillaries (facial veins).

WP_000570

Workable: Very workable in my opinion. Like I said earlier, just make sure you do it before it sets (it’ll set in about five minutes so you have a lot of time).

Longevity: It’s marketed as a foundation that will last 15 hours so there is definitely no need for any setting powder (I think that would actually dry your skin out). It is sweat-free (I don’t sweat), humidity-resistant (a must for anyone who lives in Atlanta), hydrating (I hope so!) and keeps you shine-free all day. It does not transfer at all once it sets so I’m actually quite happy about that. I’ll update on how this foundation did by the end of the day in the postscript.

Application: I applied this foundation with my fluffy mineral powder brush and with my fingers as well.

Type of skin: This foundation is oil-free and hydrating so I think it’s suitable for all skin types. It does tend to lift at the edges of those flaky patches so I think a hydrating mist will be needed throughout the day. I actually have the worst skin today because of the foundation I tested yesterday (Dior Skin Nude … I’ll update on it’s review article and explain everything). I have a terrible dry patch in the area between my nose and my lips (usually my problem area) and Studio Skin is doing pretty well with not drying out or irritating that area. It doesn’t feel tight around that area, but it’s just that if you look really close (like an inch from my face), you’ll see faint outlines of those patches of skin. I think Smashbox is doing a great job keeping my skin hydrated because NARS Sheer Glow always dries out my dry patches of skin. Anyway, I think this foundation would be great for any skin type as long as you thoroughly take it off at night. Also, once it sets, it doesn’t feel tacky like Dior Skin Nude does. It makes your skin feel really smooth and cool.

Packaging: Smashbox Studio Skin comes in a cylindrical glass bottle with a black pump.

The Verdict: Smashbox Skin Studio is a definite yes for me. I will be purchasing this foundation after the marathon and I’ll use it for those hot, humid days, on days when I need all day wear, and probably on days when my skin is feeling better (I recommend never wearing foundation when your skin is feeling bad. However, I have to work and see hundreds of people every day so I don’t really have an option). Since there is no excess shine, I find that my blush, lipstick, etc. really pop and stand out. Studio Skin reminds me of MAC Cosmetics and MUFE so I am glad that this foundation does actually deliver what it intends to do. I’ll test the shade that it one shade lighter than this one to see if I like it more. If I don’t, 2.4 will be the shade that I stick with. I highly recommend Smashbox Studio Skin.

WP_000574

It sells for $42 and this is worth. I honestly can’t stop looking at my face!

For more information on Studio Skin, check out this link below:

http://www.sephora.com/studio-skin-15-hour-wear-foundation-P292403?skuId=1349380

Tomorrow’s review will be about Korres’ Antiageing Foundation. The cast member at Sephora highly recommended it so I had to try it. Take care and see you all tomorrow. :D