Max Factor Ageless Elixir

Oh I love this foundation! I picked up the Max Factor Ageless Elixir ages ago in some big discount offer at Priceline. I chose it because I'd been impressed with a combined moisturiser/serum product and I can find that foundation catches in any dehydrated patches on skin so I figured the serum aspect would help with that. The fact that it's also SPF 15 is just a plus.

The coverage is light to medium and I like that it's really easy to build up without looking like you've caked it on. The foundation has a lovely, subtle rose scent and my only criticism of the pump pack is that it's hard to tell how much you've used. I love the black lid (no dirty foundation smudges visible!).

I have found that, as usual on my skin, this doesn't work so well on top of dimethicone/silicone rich moisturisers but if I use a good standard moisturiser (and allow it to soak in) then this works a treat. 

Because I favour such a light foundation, this has lasted me for absolutely ages, making it also excellent value for money.

I have reasonably fair skin and bought it in 45 warm almond which has been perfect.  I did spend some time choosing the colour before purchase (it only comes in 5 shades) and I've subsequently bought another Max Factor foundation in the same colour which is also a good match - so it seems the shades are consistent.

I'm quite disappointed I bought a different Max Factor foundation (always have to try something new!) because this is unequivocally a product I would both recommend and use again.

This is widely available and RRP is $32.95 but you will most find it discounted somewhere along the way!

Clinique Even Better Foundation

So, my tiny make up bag, complete with my foundation, has been stuck at work for a week and a half.  Long story.  And while I can (mostly) live without things like mascara and make up brushes (and it's been raining so much even going out make up is pared right down!), a lack of foundation causes problems.  Especially as I am increasingly falling out of love with my BB cream.

As I did actually have to go out somewhere other than the shops I had a ferret through my bags of samples and pulled out one for Clinique's Even Better foundation.  The sample was in shade Neutral (05) which was an OK but not great match for my skin.

However, I really liked this foundation and I'd definitely consider buying it.  Coverage is a bit more than I'm used to (Clinique describes it as 'moderate to full' and that's spot on) but it wasn't cakey at all and I found that it lasted quite well and faded gracefully (it didn't settle into wrinkles and creases).

Being me, I also love the fact that it has a proper SPF.

At $50 from a Clinique counter it is ~ $20 more expensive than the foundation I'm currently using (which I also like, but less coverage) but when I'm next in the market for a foundation I hope Clinique has a gift with purchase on as I'll be heading along to get a good colour match.

Available at a Clinique counter. $50.

Clinique.

Source: sample.