Trying to find the perfect liquid foundation makeup is not an easy task, especially with so many brands making outlandish promises ranging from erasing pores and offering airbrushed finishes to those lasting all day and beyond, and even those brash enough to claim that they're anti-aging.
Most of us are looking for a natural finish that won't rub off on our clothes, and a foundation that doesn't have any adverse effects on our skin, well, that's also on our wish list.
I put a trio of liquid foundations to the test. All were applied with a damp sponge and worn over several weeks. Different skin types will react to various makeup formulations, I have combination skin, which is pretty average. None of these companies test on animals. Results follow.
Clinique Superfit makeup
$20.50 at Sephora stores and Clinique counters
The rundown: This formula, according to Clinique, uses new technologies to wick away sweat and excess oil, keeping T-zones fresh, fit and free of midday shine or 5 p.m. fadeout. Formulated to wear eight hours, and it's oil and fragrance free.
Upside: Goes on smoothly and gives off a nice reflective light that doesn't come off as glittery or iridescent in any way. Doesn't feel heavy, nor does it rub off easily. Offers medium coverage and comes in 15 shades. Doesn't dry skin.
Downside: The screw cap holds some of the foundation, so the tip of the dispenser is always messy. Not as bad as Maybelline, but some of the Clinique foundation settles into fine lines after a few hours. No SPF factor.
Bottom line: Good but not perfect foundation.
Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse
$8 at most mass merchandisers and Ulta stores
The rundown: This liquid foundation is billed as offering airbrush perfection with a 100 percent poreless finish. It's oil and fragrance-free and comes in a glass bottle with a pump and a small snap-on cover. All of the liquid foundations tested came in 1-ounce bottles.
Upside: Dream Liquid Mousse offers 12 shades from light to dark. Much more affordable than the other two tested.
Downside: Feels tacky all day, even with a finishing powder. Settles quickly into fine lines and pores, looking heavy and almost chalky. The makeup rubs off fairly easily. No SPF factor. Doesn't feel natural. Looks paint brush finish rather than airbrush.
Bottom line: More pudding than mousse.
Lumene Premium Beauty Rejuvenating makeup
$19.99 through www.amazon.com
The rundown: This liquid foundation features peptides that are formulated to improve skin. The naturally covering makeup revitalizes and nourishes mature skin giving it a fresh look all day long, according to Lumene. It comes in a egg-shaped glass bottle and is dispensed with a pump.
Upside: No animal testing. Doesn't sink into fine lines, so it gives a smoother look with more even coverage. Offers SPF20. Colors aren't too pink or orange. Isn't heavy and doesn't feel sticky. Good, natural look and feel. It isn't drying. Long lasting and doesn't rub off. Clear snap-on cover makes it easy to travel without spills or leaks.
Downside: Harder to find than the other two foundations tested. Only five color choices, all of them pretty fair.
Bottom line: Love it. Worth tracking down.
Got a product for a pro to test? Let us know at ajc.com/buyersedge
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