I’ve tried a lot of foundation in my life as a beauty editor/writer/blogger, and have always held the belief that this is one makeup product you should spend a little more on. However, over the past three years, I’ve had to reconsider. There have been so many amazing budget foundations, BB and CC creams that have crossed my desk over that time that I can honestly say, sometimes budget can be best.
This is the case with the newly launched Yardley Even Complexion Foundation SPF 20 (R189). I got to try this beauty last week, just before it launched in-stores, and was bowled over by how well it worked for my skin. The formula provides medium coverage, but is buildable and works really well if you have pigmentation marks that you want to conceal, or even if you suffer with redness and rosacea. One can also mix it with a small amount of moisturiser to create a tinted moisturiser. Yardley Even Complexion Foundation is appropriate for all skin types: dry, oily and combination and, because there is no fragrance in this product, it’s great for sensitive skin types too.
The Yardley Even Complexion Foundation is available in 8 shades that I think are pretty representative
Now, I generally prefer foundation that leaves my skin with a bit of a glow, so anything billed as ‘Mattifying’, I tend to avoid. While this formula has Mattifying microspheres, it didn’t leave my skin with a traditional matte finish. Rather, I’d descried the finish as luminous with a healthy and vital glow.
How luminous and skin perfecting is the finish of this foundation? My colour is ‘Medium Beige’
I was also impressed to learn that the formula contains antioxidants. Without getting too scientific, antioxidants neutralize the oxidant (think of when you cut an apple open and it goes brown – that’s oxidation) effect of free radicals, which are molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine line, wrinkles and pigmentation. Vitamin C – one of the best antioxidants – has been added to the formula to help diminish the appearance of dark marks, while Vitamin E works hard to repair existing damage in the skin. Also worth a mention is that antioxidants have the ability to make sunscreen even more effective, and this formula has an SPF20.
My top foundation tips
There are two ways I like to apply foundation:
- The heat from your fingers warms up the foundation, allowing it to melt into the skin giving the complexion a dewy look.
- Using a foundation brush ensures a perfect, professional finish. The easiest technique when using a foundation brush is to work in a crisscross motion all over your face.
I always use a blending sponge after application to ensure my foundation blends seamlessly into my skin.
Here is a short video I shot on how to find the perfect foundation colour for your skin tone.
Do you have a favourite budget foundation, BB or CC cream? I’d love to know which it is and why you love it.
