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Best Foundation Brands
Thierry Mugler Palacinka Product Rating Guide *Just Added!
Thierry Mugler Teint Glacis - Cooling Effect Compact Foundation in #40
Tester: Multi-Ethnic (Japanese/Hawaiian) about Nicole Scherzinger’s complexion with combination/oily skin and some uneven skintone.
“Every regular Palacinka reader knows that no two foundations are alike, and Mugler has once again redefined what some might consider one of the less “exciting” beauty product categories, foundation.
This is not the first foundation to give a cooling water effect, but this is definitely one of my favorites. The formula felt like I was giving myself “mini spritzes” of water all over my skin as I applied it. I used it with a slightly damp sponge. It smoothed my skin and made it feel like silk, providing excellent light/medium semi-matte coverage, while not exacerbating my more oily parts, such as my t-zone. The staying power was excellent as well. The color stayed true and it didn’t rub or melt off, even during some very hot days wearing it.
The mirror packaging is devine and lux and of course offers the opportunity to check out the final result of the application from every angle with the compact itself. A welcome luxury that is worth the price. This is a keeper for certain!” A.T.
Note: Compact and foundation refill sold seperately
Go-->Thierry Mugler Teint Glacis - Cooling Effect Compact Foundation
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Thierry Mugler Teint Glacis - Cooling Effect Compact Foundation?
AWAKE Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Awake Hydro Manage Makeup in Chestnut
Tester: West Indian (Trinidadian) about Kerry Washington’s complexion with dry skin and occasional break outs.
“I have never been a big cream-to-powder foundation person (no particular reason, nothing really caught my eye before). However, after trying the Awake Hydro Manage makeup I’ve been converted!
When I applied the cream with the sponge, it actually felt like I was spritizing my face with cool water as the formula settled into my skin! At the same time it felt weightless and silky smooth. It was super quick to apply (with either the sponge or with my foundation brush). An hour after applying the foundation my skin looked flawless, natural and had an unbelievable glow and was moisturized as well. It gave me a sheer, smooth look, but did not look mask like or caked on. I also had no breakouts or dry patches. Note: This foundation gives light to medium coverage, so a fairly good skintone is ideal for this formula.
I recently took some pictures at an event and was really pleased with how great my skin looked with this foundation on. You can keep the case and simply purchase a new cream refill, which is also great for the environment and avoiding waste! This is one of the star products from the Awake line and any woman who wants a natural polished look with skin care benefits needs this. Worth every penny!” A.T.
Editor’s Note: It is very important that the case is locked (lid/lock mechanism with dial closure which clicks when it’s sealed) after EACH use, or it will dry out due to air exposure.
Compact (includes sponge) and foundation must be purchased separately.
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Awake Hydro Manage Makeup?
Dr. Hauschka Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Translucent Bronze Concentrate 1 oz *Perfect for warmer weather!
Tester: West Indian (Jamaican) about Nia Long’s complexion, some slight discoloration with combination skin.
“This is one of those “quiet” products within the Hauschka line, which is absolutely amazing! It is now my must have face product each and every morning – and here’s why.
This product can, in fact, provide a “tanned” effect for lighter brown skin, however, with my skin tone, since I don’t really need tanning, what it was replaced with was a fantastic evening out and enhancing of my complexion and an amazing glow (not shine or shimmer) that I have yet to see in any other product I’ve tried.
Each morning I use two pumps of the product mixed with a little non-oily sunscreen. I then pressed/patted the product on to my skin. Within a minute or two the product dried down completely. I didn’t experience any breakouts or clogged pores, which is another huge plus. It is scented like most Hauschka products – an herb/flower mix which is very pleasant and does not linger very long. My face was hydrated, but did not get too oily in my T-Zone either – amazing!
Another fantastic effect is that I found that on many days, my skin was enhanced so much; I didn’t really find the need for other makeup like blush/bronzer. This is an awesome product.
While I was using the product I went away and got a tan and the product still worked with my skin tone and gave me that same great effect.
Another plus is that it is chemical free, which also made me feel really great about using it. This bronze glow/tint is so completely natural and beautiful that I can't believe I ever used anything else – and now I won’t!” S.D.
Go-->Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Translucent Bronze Concentrate 1 oz
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Translucent Bronze Concentrate 1 oz?
SKII Palacinka Product Rating Guide
SKII Airtouch Foundation BR6 - Neutral (Dark)
Tester: Hispanic (Cuban) about Rosario Dawson’s complexion with combination skin.
“The SKII Airtouch foundation is a product that will require that you learn new “rules” of foundation application – but once you've gotten the hang of it like I did -- you might never want to use another foundation again.
The foundation is actually battery powered (included) and will require that you read all the enclosed instructions very carefully so you learn how to begin the spray nozzle flow and the technique for spraying on the face. However, once I grasped it (does not take long!) I found the results were truly fantastic.
I can now see that the luxury price tag of this product is not just for the makeup but for the delivery system, which delivers flawlessness. Yes, I said it! The sprayer is like no other if you think you've tried spray on makeup before. The spray was so fine I could not feel even it. And better yet, nothing got on my hair or sink as the product only adheres to the skin!
The first time I used this, I ended up spraying the device several times because I thought it wasn’t working--nothing seemed to be coming out. But then I realized that my face was indeed a little damp so I stopped. My face looked just like I moisturized, but with no pores, no uneven coloring, and my light under eye circles completely erased!
My face looked just like I always dreamed it could look. And the makeup was weightless! It was covered but felt like nothing was on my skin (this really is a miracle). I am in awe of this product.
As recommended by SKII, I applied my eye shadow and blush FIRST, and then the foundation straight on to my moisturized skin and THEN added mascara and lipstick afterwards (A little topsy-turvy I know). I also applied concealer before the air touch. I sprayed the Airtouch (held 4 inches from my face) and it set fairly quickly. By the way, I found applying blush and eye shadow beforehand to make things quicker and there does was no problem with blush or eye makeup being masked too much, if at all.
The final verdict? This is SO EASY....anyone can apply perfect makeup, with total ease. It was so nice not to need my hands or foundation brushes. This kept my skin free of all those bacteria and oils that can sometimes cause me to have a little break out. The coverage is also buildable so I really applied what I felt like I needed day to day. I am going to two months of everyday use and the tiny pouch still seems mostly full. This can very easily last about 8-9 months which makes the price seem very reasonable.
The container itself is a little on the heavy side to carry round in a bag, but so convenient for re-applying if I was having a long day at work or out all day. On most days however, I found that I didn’t even need another touch up because it wore so well throughout the day.
If you too have been chasing an amazing perfection and would like flawless glowy coverage with a weightless feel then this is the product for you!” T.R.
Editors Note: BR6 is the darkest shade so we hope that SKII will expand their color range to include darker tones since this is such an amazing product!
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about SKII Airtouch Foundation?
Bobbi Brown Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Tint Balm in Dark *For sheer/light coverage
Tester: African-American (about Nia Long’s complexion) with normal/dry skin and good skin tone with occasional breakouts and unevenness.
"This super rich and creamy moisturizer is fabulous for my skin. On good skin days, I don't need any additional coverage with it, either. On bad skin days, all I need is a dab of concealer and a pressed powder and I'm ready for the day. One of the nicest benefits to this balm is that it is very soothing and cooling to the touch. I loved the smell of this too -- very clean and crisp.
Even though it’s concentrated, it feels very light weight, and the finish made me feel like a glowing, sunshine goddess everyday! For those of you with more mature skin, it also works well because it won’t settle into expression lines and is virtually undetectable. This provides light/medium coverage.
Note: I found the best results by taking a little of the balm on my fingertips and rubbing together a little to warm it up before applying. If you have VERY dry skin or are in a very cold, dry climate, you will need to apply a light layer of moisturizer or primer for best results." J.B.
Goà Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Tint Balm in Dark
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Tint Balm in Dark?
Philosophy Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas - Bronze
Bronze, pictured left.
Tester: West Indian (Barbadian) about Sanaa Lathan’s complexion with combination skin and some slight discolorations, with good skin tone.
“I’ve never tried a powder foundation before and was eager to see what kind of results I would get. After trying it I can honestly say that I love it! It goes on so softly and made my face appear dewy and not powdery or ashy looking. I did find that the application worked best by using a light moisturizer first, and then the supernatural went on like a dream.
The color match was beautiful as well. I also love the container is a very nice size and shape for handheld use, with the mirror on the lid and super easy for touchups during then day (e.g. when I would inadvertently wipe off some by blowing my nose, etc. The powder doesn't leak; it only comes out when you're pressing down the sponge onto your skin. The coverage is sheer to medium depending on application technique (By using a foundation brush I found I could get a much heavier coverage, and using a concealer brush it worked well for spot coverage).
The coverage was very good throughout the day as well and continued to look fresh and keep its color. I don't think I'll ever be going back to liquid foundation again. Applying foundation takes less than a minute now! This is now my “Must Have” foundation. The color selection for this line is fairly small, but it does have 4 browns ranging from light/medium to very dark (Serena Williams) complexions” D.F.
Go-->Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas - Bronze
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Philosophy The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas - Bronze?
Laboratoire Remède Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Remede Translucent UV Coat Tinted SPF 30 (dark) (Pictured, bottom)
Tester: Hispanic (Dominican) about Gina Torres’ complexion with normal/dry skin and occasional breakouts in t zone.
“What a great product! It has the perfect light touch of color, isn't oily, and can be worn under foundation or alone with a little concealer. It’s also fantastic that it has SPF 30 in it and doesn’t leave a white or grayish cast as some sunscreens have a tendency to do on my skin. In addition, it also wore very well during the day, not causing any oily patches or my other makeup to change colors. This was not designed to provide heavy coverage, but if you have pretty good skin, this is a good alternative to foundation.
I did not know much about this line before this test, but I am amazed that this is really what I have been looking for my entire life! It absorbs the oil where it needs to, does not dry me out, and leaves my skin looking polished, finished, and protected! I can’t wait to explore more Remède.” M.V.
Note: Shake well before using. Apply a thin layer over your moisturizer, if you find you need more coverage then apply additional thin layers until you achieve your desired look.
Go-->Remede Translucent UV Coat Tinted SPF 30 (dark)
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Remede Translucent UV Coat Tinted SPF 30 (dark)?
Jane Iredale Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base in Maple
Tester: West Indian (Jamaican) about Aiesha Tyler’s complexion with normal/combination skin and some hyperpigmentation spots from previous breakouts. Good skin tone.
“This is really a product that can do it all (concealer, foundation and powder) and do it WELL. It’s opaque enough to work as a concealer, very natural looking and matte, provides a natural foundation coverage and the finish is just like a powder. The color match was excellent – just the right amount on yellow/orange to match my shade. It just made my skin look so polished and fresh every day. For my normal skin with occasional breakouts, this was the best thing for making my skin look great. It is just like bare minerals but less messy and lasts much longer...also great to carry in my purse, and it is also very easy to apply! The coverage was great, and it didn’t irritate my skin at all. During the day it keep my t-zone fairly matte, the color and coverage stayed true.
I like it because it gives you as little and as much coverage as you want and you don't have to use a liquid foundation with it. (I don't like to layer my face with tons of makeup). Now this is the only product in my makeup bag that I think I wouldn't be able to live without. I get beautiful, smooth and even skin and it looks so natural. For me, no other mineral makeup comes close to Jane Iredale. My search is over. More great pluses are that it contains all natural ingredients, it’s natural feeling, gives a natural appearance, talc free and No Animal Testing!!” V.A.
Go--> www.Janeiredale.com
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base in Maple?
Paula Dorf Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Paula Dorf: Perfect Glo Foundation in Cocoa
Tester: African-American, mid-twenties with oily and occasionally sensitive skin. * Special Guest Reviewer!
"Finding the perfect foundation is like looking for the Holy Grail. Every woman lives for the day when she finds that perfect match... I think my day has come. My requirements are simple; I want staying power, evening of skin tone, and sheen-free finish. This foundation provides all of the above. I love that I only need to use a small amount to reach the desired effect. Of course using less makes it kinder to my skin and doesn't make my pores feel ‘clogged.' After using this foundation I'm definitely interested in trying other products by Paula Dorf." SK
Check out Sylvia "Angel" Kerali @ I Like Her Style!
http://stealstyle.blogspot.com
Go--> Paula Dorf: Perfect Glo Foundation in Cocoa
This product gets 3 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Paula Dorf: Perfect Glo Foundation in Cocoa ?
Creme de la Mer Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Creme De La Mer The Treatment Cream Foundation SPF 15 - Golden
Tester: Asian (Filipino) with dry skin about Jada Pinkett's complexion
"As a big fan of the La Mer line, I was super anxious the day I got this sample to try. I used the Golden shade and found that like its other products, this La Mer foundation is silky, creamy and luxurious in consistency. I used just a pea sized amount and it gave me coverage over my entire face. It glided on my skin super smooth (almost like melted butter) and was not difficult to blend in. I was able to apply a second application (under the eye to cover darker circles there) without it getting tacky and it didn't just sit there on top of the first layer. It absorbs nicely into the skin, giving a smooth finish.
This is truly everything a foundation should be! It is not matte, but highly moisturizing. After applying it the first morning and then taking a look in my rear view mirror later that day, all I could say to myself was "OOHH La La...is that my skin? My skin was super smooth, as well as radiant. Is it worth it's price ? Yes! Yes! Yes! As any woman (and especially a makeup junkie) knows, the best makeup finish makes it look as if you have amazing skin, but like you are NOT WEARING MAKEUP. This is exactly what the La Mer foundation does. Every day it just looked as if I had amazing, glowing skin but it never looked that I was ever wearing makeup! I also experienced NO breakouts or dry patches whatsoever. As for the durability, the color stays true and it didn't turn orange or ashy on me like some foundations can. Find a way to buy this product! A little goes a long way, so you will not have to make this investment multiple times over the course of the year. La Mer c'est magnifique!" T.Y.
Go--> Creme De La Mer The Treatment Cream Foundation SPF 15
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Creme De La Mer The Treatment Cream Foundation SPF 15?
L'Oreal H I P Palacinka Product Rating Guide
L'Oreal Flawless Liquid Makeup Henna #828
Henna #828 pictured left
Tester: African-American, about Serena Williams' complexion with normal to oily skin. Suffers from occasional break outs.
"FINALLY, a drugstore foundation which has enough of the RIGHT yellow and red undertones, as well as deep shades that are flattering! I really love this product. It has a great texture (with just enough of a liquidy feel but not at all oily or watery). The feel on the skin was very light and silky. I was also very impressed with the great coverage and the fact that my skin looked so natural because it was not obvious that I was wearing it. The coverage is medium and buildable (you can use this to layer on problem areas instead of concealer). The finish is not too matte, and has very good staying power. I had some minor oil breakthrough during the day, but just used a few oil blotting papers and my skin was fresh again. This is a fantastic product from L'Oreal at a great price point too" L.M.
Go--> L'Oreal Flawless Liquid Makeup
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about L'Oreal Flawless Liquid Makeup?
Tester 2: Pakistani, about Padma Laskmi complexion with dry skin which is sometimes sensitive.
"I've never used a drugstore foundation before, but I have the L'Oreal HIP foundation displays and noticed how many yellow and red toned darker shades they had, so when I was asked to give this a test, I was very intrigued. My perfect shade was 812 Cappucino I mean it was amazingly dead on. This shade has just the right amount of yellow in it for my skin tone. It went on great, blended well, was quite sheer, but still gave a good amount of coverage. It's very smooth and looked natural on my skin. This foundation is great for Asian skin with yellow undertones. I usually used my fingers to blend if I wanted lighter coverage, but when I wanted medium coverage I patted with a sponge on my skin. My only recommendation would be to replace the glass bottle it comes in with with a non-breakable material.
P.S. I recently had a big photo session for a wedding and my pictures came out great because my skin had a nice even tone, but looked very natural. I received so many compliments on my skin that day. This is a great product and the HIP color selection is fantastic for us darker women!" G.R.
Go--> L'Oreal Flawless Liquid Makeup
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about L'Oreal Flawless Liquid Makeup?
Mally Beauty Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Mally Beauty Visible Skin Adjustable Coverage Foundation Rich
Tester: Hispanic (Dominican) about Zoe Saldana's complexion with normal to dry skin and some darker areas on the skin.
"I've known about Mally for a while and LOVE the looks she gives to Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, but had not tried any of her products until this test. Now I can say I truly love this product and Mally is a force to be reckoned with in the cosmetics industry!
I used this in the Rich color as I have a bit of a tan right now. The packaging is slightly heavier than I expected, but the upside is that the very cute metallic pink case holds a HUGE mirror and a very good amount of product, a long with a foundation sponge. It is a very light powder that melted into my skin and it did a nice job of covering my little discolorations. The shade was very natural and soft looking. It was also a great match for my skin tone. As continued using it, I found that I didn't have any problems with breakouts or irritation. This foundation can be used wet or day, and I had very good results with both, although I preferred using it dry. Just a few little swipes on the sponge in the morning and my skin looked completely "done".
Throughout the day my skin remained looking fresh with a beautiful finish and the foundation stayed put almost the whole day. Even though in the past I have preferred liquid formulations, I really like this powder foundation and find myself reaching for it everyday now." P.L.
Go--> Mally Beauty Visible Skin Adjustable Coverage Foundation
This product gets 4 "Palacinka Points" *
Don't you think your friend would love it if you told her about Mally Beauty Visible Skin Adjustable Coverage Foundation?
Sue Devitt Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation
What we loved: This is a beautiful foundation. With a texture that is so light and fluffy it's like whipped cream! It feels really light going on and blends impeccably. Even our testers with more oily skin had very good results, as well as those with dry patches on the cheeks. The coverage is sheer/medium. It makes your skin appear soft and supple and looks like you have no foundation on. This product does not come in very dark colors, but the darker colors in her range had just the right amount of yellow, orange/ or red to really match darker skin tones.
Our only complaint is the jar. We would prefer a squeeze tube to prevent contamination and messy fingers.
Darker colors we tested: Nullarbor Plain, Summer Monsoon, Kimberley's Plateau, Tirari Desert
Go-->Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation
Wouldn't your friend love it if you told her about Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation?
CHANELPalacinka Product Rating Guide
Chanel Teint Fluide Universel Foundation
What we loved: Very smooth application, good buildable coverage, lasted well, and stayed quite fresh. It also consists of a blend of vitamins and SPF. Our testers noted how their skin looked flawless and radiant. Many got comments on how pretty their skin looked when they were wearing it! We think this is one of the best products that Chanel makes. There is also a very good range of darker colors in this line that matched our testers skin tones very well.
Darker colors we tested: Caramel, Sunlit, Almond
Go-->Pick yours up today at Chanel.com
Wouldn't your friend love it if you told her about Teint Fluide Universel Foundation?
Scott Barnes Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Scott Barnes Cream Foundation
What we loved: This is another winning foundation. Especially for our testers with very yellow/golden/orange undertones, this product mixes right in and was undetectable. Our testers still get that bright look plus med/heavy coverage without looking cakey at all! No matter how much our testers put on it still looked quite sheer.
Note: We also found that this is great as a spot concealer as well because it stays put and it actually conceals. Scott Barnes' line is making all of us here at Palacinka even giddier about makeup!
Darker colors we tested: Chestnut, Caramel, Toffee, and Topaz
Go--> Scottbarnes.com
Wouldn't your friend love it if you told her about Scott Barnes Cream Foundation?
Amazing Cosmetics Palacinka Product Rating Guide
Amazing Cosmetics Velvet Mineral Powder Foundation
What we loved: This powder formulation is super pigmented and finely milled to produce a really nice, matte, flawless finish. The product also has great staying power. Like all of their products, a little goes a long way, and the product did not cause oil slicks or dry patches on our testers. (Those with very dry skin found that the product worked equally well after a heavy duty facial moisturizer was applied first). This is truly a product that combines the coverage of a medium coverage foundation and a pressed powder in one!
Darker colors we tested: medium, golden dark, dark
Go-->Amazing Cosmetics Velvet Mineral Powder Foundation
Wouldn't your friend love it if you told her about Amazing Cosmetics Velvet Mineral Powder Foundation?
To see the original six foundation brands that made our list please scroll down
Guide to Palacinka.com's Best Foundation Brands™
|
Cost |
Coverage |
Deeper Shade Range |
|
|
=Full |
=Lucy Liu to Alex Wek* |
 = Medium |
= Medium |
=Lucy Liu to Iman* |
| =Low |
=Low |
=Lucy Liu to Queen Latifah* |
Real Cosmetics Liquid Foundation
Real Cosmetics was founded by a women of color, (Pakistani-American) and this line has gotten a lot of well deserved press over the last year. Their makeup line currently consists of foundation, pressed powder and lipstick. The philosophy behind the foundation is that many other cosmetics companies create foundation that usually derives from only two shades: pink and yellow. But women of color come in all shades and undertones: yellow, olive, golden, red, pink, brown, black. As a result, many women can choose makeup that looks artificial.
The water-based foundation contains light-reflective properties and protection against the drying effects of the sun. The colors are named after the cities of the world; in honor of the richness of culture B and women B those cities produce. The foundation seemingly "melts" right into the skin, and is incredibly light.
Note: The coverage is sheer-medium, so if you need heavier coverage and/or need to cover a lot of blemishes/skin discolorations, you may want to try some of the other foundations listed in this report.
The shades are grouped in the following color families:
-
N = Neutral. Means yellow/orange undertone. Color Family: Golden
-
N/W = Neutral Warm. Means red/orange undertone. Color Family: Red/Gold
-
W = Warm. Means red undertone. Color Family: Red-Brown
-
N/C = Neutral Cool. Means yellow/green undertone. Color Family: Olive
Our testers used the following shades with great results: