Is it just me or is shopping for foundation is bizarrely similar to dating?! Quite often you’re looking for perfection where it really doesn’t exist. Of course I mean that in the most realistic terms, as for months now I’ve dabbled in a menu of drug store foundations, some of them close to being a keeper whereas others are best left on the shelf. Okay, it’s only makeup so maybe that’s exactly why my expectations need to come down to earth just a teeny bit. Am I expecting too much from yet another little 30ml bottle of face base?
One things for sure, I’m done with matte foundation. Actually my skin is done with matte foundation, well at least for the time being anyways. After weeks of smearing an assortment of creams, lotions and potions on my face to combat the dryness and itchiness seemingly caused by a selection of matte foundations I finally succumbed to admitting defeat. So after drifting into Boots with a complexion resembling the Gobi desert, a kindly consultant took me under her wing and offered me wonderful pearls of wisdom amongst the perfectly arranged shelves of the No 7 counter. In fact, can I just take a moment to say how blooming fabulous the No 7 staff are?! There’s a few ‘high end’ makeup brands that could really learn a thing or two from their customer service. However, without climbing aboard my soapbox, get yourself settled for my thoughts on the No 7 Lift & Luminate Foundation…
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What’s The Hype?
“Let your skin be luminous and lovely, with a gorgeous, natural glow. No7 Lift & Luminate Foundation is specially formulated to lift and firm your skin at the same time as giving you a smooth and even coverage.
A facial in a foundation… containing three key components (moisturisers, firming and brightening complexes), this foundation visibly firms, lifts and brightens skin, leaving you with a youthful complexion.
The foundation has been developed to be used alongside the New No7 Lift & Luminate Skincare Range for great results.
It’s unique brightening complex works to boost your skin tone, to help even out and reduce the appearance of age spots, making skin look younger. Skin looks and feels instantly lifted, minimising pores and imperfections.
Plus, it contains SPF 15 to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.”
*Taken from Boots Website*
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Application Results
As you can see from above, here’s half my face with the foundation applied and half without. I find the colour I opted for (Warm Ivory) is great for my skin tone as it’s slightly warming without being too yellow toned. It doesn’t leave any harsh lines around my jaw or hair line, isn’t patchy and applies reeeeeally well when using fingers lightly to blend. It feels incredibly hydrating and moisturising which is exactly what my skin needs right now after feeling so tired & dull.
Stippling Brush: Didn’t work out for me – personally I find a foundation brush better suited to heavier formulas, but that’s just my preference.
Blender Sponge: Again, if you like a slightly lighter coverage then a sponge will definitely be better suited for you. Blends lovely however just retains a little too much product for my liking.
Finger Application: Perfect. The foundation smoothed out like a dream and the lighter the strokes the better it looked. Built a beautiful base and covered the flaws seamlessly.
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Formula
If you like a stiff formula that isn’t going to run down the back of your hand as soon as it’s dispensed then this will undoubtedly impress. It’s firm straight from the bottle yet blends like butter. Really impressed with the coverage, not patchy and worked incredibly well with concealer on top or underneath.
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Staying Power
Okay, so it’s not a 24 hour fool-proof formula, but then who wears their foundation for that length of time anyway?! Combined with a great primer and setting spray expect this foundation to last approx 8-10 hours, which is long enough for me. And, it stay’s beautifully dewy and moisturising right to the end.
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A Few Freebies
Considering that my face was quite patchy, dry and dehydrated, the consultant was quick to suggest a few key products that would “work wonders” for helping to even out my skin tone and clam the red areas which are pretty much confined to across my cheek bones, bridge of my nose and chin. Having offered me a few testers to take home I jumped at the chance in hope they just might help my face adapt better to the foundation.
I’m my honest opinion I was absolutely flabbergasted at the difference both these primers made in such a short space of time. The Airbrush Away Primer (the green one) has been outstanding at camouflaging my red patches whereas the Colour Corrector Primer has been fantastic at evening out my entire complexion and prepping it for the base.
On days’ I’ve chosen not to wear these there has been a significant difference in how the Lift & Luminate reacts on my skin as it doesn’t tend to stay put quite as long nor does it do such a seamless job in covering my flaws.
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Pros
Dewy
Hydrating
Lightweight
Buildable
Moisturising
Great for young or mature skin = evens out skin, firms & brightens
Impressive range of colours for fair-medium tones
Pump action bottle pushes all product up from the bottom = no wastage
Quality feel to the packaging, a great compromise from over spending on high-end.
Easy to repurchase with so many Boots stores on the high street.
Consultants have all been friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.
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Cons
At £16.50 its a little more expensive than most drugstore ranges (but worth the extra investment)
Needs a great primer and skin care routine to really see benefits… then again doesn’t most?!
Wouldn’t recommend for oily skin
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The Final Verdict
What do you think? Personally I love it, though it doesn’t surprise me as No 7 have never disappointed me on any of their skincare or makeup range. It’s a great compromise for high-end without the eye watering price tag, and of course easily accessible with Boots stores being so widespread. Most definitely a winner – I’ve found a new favourite foundation staple! *woo hoo*
Have you tried the No 7 Lift & Luminate foundation? If so, what’s been your final verdict? Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so do stop by for a quick chatter
Cheerio Chums…
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