January 7th, 2014

Finding the right base can at times feel like you are searching for the Holy Grail. Too often a formula can seem perfect on paper, but, like Goldilocks, it often turns out too cakey, oily or yellow. Warpaint delves into the world of liquid foundation to bring you our favourite complexion correctors. Possibly the most important make-up product ever been invented, it unifies skin tone, conceals imperfections and creates a flawless canvas for the rest of your look. Liquid foundation perfects places powders cannot go. Easy to apply and to blend using fingers, sponge or brush, the finished look is more polished compared to powders and cream compacts. Wear time is longer, the base can be tailored to your desire for a sheer, medium or full coverage look and the finish can range from dewy through to matte. As foundation absorbs into the skin, companies have now added skin benefits as well as antioxidant protection so that you are left not just with an even tone, but plumped up fine lines and wrinkles, refined pores and moisturised skin. Warpaint picks the best liquid foundations for every skin type and concern. BEST FOR DULL SKIN: Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Treatment Foundation (£32) The latest release from Bobbi Brown is designed to provide a lit-from-within-glow and is definitely of the new foundation meets skincare variety. Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and muru muru seed butter boost skin’s moisture instantly. The formula utilises Light Reflecting technology instead of traditional pearls to give skin natural radiance. Milk Thistle extract and natural collagen stimulators leave skin smooth while the colour-true shades cover and perfect for flawlessness that doesn’t look cakey. BEST FOR DRY SKIN: Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation SPF15 (£35) This creamy, nourishing formula is fantastic for dehydratated skin when you don’t want the product to absorb immediately. A cocktail of anti-ageing plant extracts including Organic Argan Oil, Brown Algae and Acacia gum form an effective hydrofilm to seal in hydration. Skin is left plump, illuminated and supple whilst delivering 14 hours of long lasting medium to full coverage. BEST FOR MATT FINISH: Guerlain Tenue de Perfection Timeproof Foundation SPF 20 (£37) Three volatile oils combine in this foundation along with absorbent powders and corrective pigments. These unique textures create a highly desirable velvety finish, thanks to the two soft-focus micro powders which soften fine lines and imperfections. The absorbent silica beads are coated in a polymer that preserves the colour pigment throughout the day and roll evenly over the skin capturing excess sebum, setting the foundation hour after hour. BEST FOR LUMINOSITY: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (£30.50) The Nars complexion brightening formula in Sheer Glow means skin is left hydrated, soft and luminous. Despite the name, coverage is easily buildable and powerful antioxidants protect against damaging free radicals. The addition of turmeric extract improves skin’s radiance and tone when used daily. For skin that has a naturally glowing finish, this should be your foundation of choice. BEST FOR OILY SKIN: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation (£32) Needing an oil-free base combined with high coverage ability, blemish-prone oily skin can be a challenge. MUFE HD Foundation has an innovative formula that provides medium-to-full coverage whilst remaining invisible on-screen and in real life. The Sericite ingredient heightens the diffusion of light and intensifies the glow of the skin. Oily skin can still be dehydrated, and this invisible cover foundation is enriched with moisturising agents to give a smooth and supple finish. BEST FOR FULL COVERAGE: Kryolan HD Micro Foundation Smoothing Fluid This micronised foundation has unique light reflective particles, which optically significantly reduce the shadow effects of wrinkles. Pore minimising coverage is fantastic for HD work, while the liquid formula is very light and extremely blendable and thanks to the anti-ageing complex and protective UV filter, the finish stays very natural. BEST FOR LONG WEAR: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup SPF 10 (£28.50) Estée Lauder has built up a loyal cult following for their Double Wear line thanks to its serious all day staying power, even through heat and humidity. Despite being long wear, the formula has a lightweight texture, is non-drying, oil-free, oil-controlling and won’t clog pores. The 15 hour plus wear time, 30 shade line up and buildable coverage makes it a great option under studio lights and for all day editorial shoots. BEST FOR COLOUR RANGE: Sleek MakeUP Skin Revive Foundation (£7.99) New from Sleek, this oil-free, weightless formula with SPF 15 is available in 30 shades meaning that there is one suited to every skintone. Coverage is light-to-medium abut can be easily built up thanks to the smoothing silicone base, which leaves a beautiful natural finish with a healthy glow. BEST FOR MULTIPLE BENEFITS: COLLECTION 6-in-1 Lasting Perfection Foundation (£5.99) Launching this month, this affordable six-in-one foundation primes, conceals, covers, smoothes, protects and mattifies whilst keeping skin protected outdoors with an SPF 20. Skin-lock technology helps it to last all day on skin whilst feeling completely weightless. Available in six shades including Vanilla, Ivory, Biscuit, Natural, Beige and Golden for a flawless finish. BEST FOR HD: MUD HD Air Makeup Specially formulated to be applied as either a flawless airbrush make-up or as a liquid make-up with a foundation brush or sponge, this light and sheer silicone-based formula offers a dewy appearance. It can be layered to provide more coverage and blended with other colours to create the perfect shade. Recommended uses include bridal make-up, fashion, television and avant-garde looks, as the silicone base makes it extremely long lasting. BEST ON THE HIGH STREET: Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation (£9.99) The award winning Healthy Mix Foundation is loved by many MUAs. The fresh, melting texture corrects blemishes and leaves skin glowing and flawless. Rich in apricot, melon and apple fruit extracts, Bourjois has created a foundation with a high end feel at an affordable price. Crystalline pigments even out the complexion whilst letting natural skin shine through, so that skin is supple, hydrated and comfortable for up to 16 hours. BEST NEW RELEASE: Lancôme Miracle Air de Teint (£29.50) Due for release on the 12th February, the newest foundation from Lancôme is a pioneering generation of nude, lighter than ever thanks to a blend of volatile and semi-volatile oils alongside Miracle Particles composed of 90% air. The perfecting fluid transforms into a powder on contact with skin, where the Miracle Particles become transparent to create a blurring effect. Skin is left weightlessly mattified with that perfected ultimate bare-skin result under a supple, airy light veil of coverage.