We got through a lot of make up, and if you wear it every day it’s hard to justify spending a lot of money on a foundation – sure you’d be buying one every week. I’ve been researching foundations this month to identify my favourites that won’t break the bank. So here are my top five foundations under €20:
MAYBELLINE DREAM URBAN COVER
This landed on my desk last week and I have been wearing it ever since. It has amazing coverage without being heavy AND it has SPF 50. Ticks all the boxes if you ask me. I have been using shade 116, Sesame which is suits the various tones in my face. You can get this at Boots (here is a link) and it’s RRP is €14.99.
BEST FOR: All round value for money that delivers a quality coverage and shade range
COULD BE BETTER: Not really a could be better, but it does need a good foundation brush to blend, blend, blend. I use Sarah Keary’s Make Up brush set or the Real Techniques range.
RIMMEL MATCH PERFECTION
An old reliable from Rimmel and one of the best things is you can find it everywhere. It’s worth getting two shades in this; one for daytime wear, and one that’s a shade warmer for night time. That’s what I do for my pale skin anyway. It creates a dewy look, and is build-able. This is an oldie but a goodie and thankfully they haven’t changed the formula in a while. Boots have it for €9.49.
BEST FOR: Daytime dewy-ness and goes on the skin very easily and evenly.
COULD DO BETTER: Needs a good powder to set it; I like loose powder to do this so you don’t cover the lovely glow from it.
Ps. Watch out for 3 for 2 deals on Rimmel products in Boots, they have them a lot. So nab the matching concealer.
CATRICE HD LIQUID COVERAGE
This one has gained a lot of publicity as a firm MUA favourite. If you want fuller coverage then this one is for you. On my skin it gives a more matte finish for some reason, but with a bit of highlighter then that solves that. It lasts ages so it’s a super all nighter. Prices vary from €8-11, but it’s generally always in Primark stores.
BEST FOR: Long wear – ideal if you have a wedding and you need your make up to stay put all day long.
COULD DO BETTER: Only has six shades which limiting.
NOTE LUMINOUS MOISTURISING FOUNDATION TUBE
I got a hold of this last year when I was having a lot of dryness on my face. The moisturising properties meant that it didn’t go patchy which I was so impressed with. Also, a little of this product goes a long way. It has SPF15 also, and just to note it’s paraben free as well as dermatologically tested. Note is a pharmacy brand; I checked various stockists and found it in McCabes, Meaghers and Sam McCauley pharmacies.
BEST FOR: Super for dry skin with two ingredients tackling this -sweet almond oil and Macadamia Oil
COLD DO BETTER: Have to mention the shade range again with just 7.
KIKO COSMETICS LIQUID SKIN
This one reminds me of holidays, as Kiko hasn’t made it to Ireland yet. So when I’m in Spain or elsewhere in Europe I spend about an hour in here rummaging. There is an amazing Kiko in Milan btw. I’ve tried nearly everything and this foundation is similar to Catrice, but it has a large shade range. Also it’s unique selling point is that it contains Hyaluronic acid which I adore for my skin. Medium coverage which leaves skin looking hydrated too. It costs about €14 and they do ship to Ireland here.
BEST FOR: Blends so well and sits on your skin for a day. If you use concealer, you may find that it also blends in well.
COULD DO BETTER: Kiko should so open a store in Ireland.
