CREATING THE PERFECT BASE

promise I'm not on crack.

When it comes to perfecting the base of my make-up, there are two hero worthy products that can turn serious tricks. After trying various lotions and potions over the years, shopping for a foundation is serious business and something I don't take lightly. Over the past few months I have been trailing the Armani Luminous Silk and the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, with two different purposes and results - they have fast become my base perfecting duo...

the dream team duo

  Armani Luminous Silk Foundation        

Luminous Silk - Armani (£34.50)

As soon as I clapped eyes on the Giorgio Armani counter, I heard my bank cards produce a nervous sigh. Coming in at £30 it's certainly borders on the higher end of the market, but definitely on the same price range as many other high end offerings from Clinique, Chanel etc etc. With strong recommendations to wear to a wedding last summer, the SPF-free formula prevents the dreaded white flash-back in photographs. Popping along to Selfridges beauty hall, the lady was more than happy to give me two sample shades to try - instant brownie points were won. And the dreaded flash back in photos, was now a thing of the past.

The texture is light and slightly runny, only needing half a pump, I can distribute this over my entire face - doubling back in areas that need more coverage. The foundation plays true to it's silky name, as the foundation glides on, instantly smoothing and sinking into your face, fool proof application. The coverage is light on the skin, letting your true beauty (gag) shine through with imperfections covered.

As soon as I finished my sample, I hotfooted it back and snapped up a full size bottle. Worn to work (with my trusty Clinique City Block SPF) and on nights out, the Luminous Silk is foundation like no other. Believe the hype people.

  Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser      

  

Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser - Laura Mercier (£33.00)

I was never that girl who wore tinted moisturiser. I wanted to be, but never could in fear of showing my real skin. But times have changed. After glancing in my magnified mirror quite a bit, turns out my skin ain't that bad, turning out to be quite clear with a few troublesome patches (I can predict on slaught of spots forming after typing that sentence). I ditched my heavy coverage foundation and swapped in haste for the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturers. The blagger of many beauty awards - I can see why. The oil free formulation is a godsend if you are combination to oily skin prone, it neither slides off my face, simply offering a gentle glow. 

With a nice all round SPF of 20 and a whacking 40ml of product, the LM Tinted Moisuriser packs quite a punch on the coverage stakes. Softening out your skin tone and covering imperfections rather well, this isn't just a moisturiser with a dash of colour added. It really does add a decent amount of coverage and I felt comfortable slapping on concealer on my spots/eye bags and off out the door. 

It's perfect for the weekend or relaxed casual days (perfect for holidays), barely there make-up that makes you look polished and healthy - and that's what we all want right?

Have you tried either of these foundations? What are your current go-to products?