Over the past few months, I’ve put four luxury foundations to the test to thoroughly discover if each one is worth the hefty price point, and for which occasion each is best-suited. Here is my breakdown of each (spoiler alert, I love them all for different reasons).
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place may cover it all, but the texture is shockingly thin and water-like. I have found myself reaching for this option when 1) I want my makeup to last all day and 2) I want to cover all redness and discoloration on my face without it looking like a mask. This stuff does not break in the heat or humidity, and it remains feather-light on the skin. It’s also been around since 1997 and is an instant classic. This is the perfect foundation for you if you work outside the home and want your base to last all day, but don’t want it to feel matte and cakey. I love this for nights out, too, because it genuinely does last forever on the skin (I haven’t tested the 24-hour claim, though). Double Wear is a fool-proof option that I already know I’ll be repurchasing. Just note that this does not come with a pump, so you’ll either have to purchase that or pour the makeup onto your hand (what I do). As for application, I like to apply this with a damp beauty sponge in very small sections because it can dry down quickly.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear comes next; the coverage is similar to the Estée Lauder option, if not a hair less full. I find the finish of this to be more “perfected satin” – not that it’s less skinlike at all. This would be gorgeous for a black-tie wedding, or if you’re ever invited to the Met Gala. There is no glitter or shimmer in this, but once set on the skin it seems to give a slight lit-from-within look. It’s also incredibly long-wearing; I wore it in Manhattan one summer and looked into the mirror at the end of the night fully expecting my makeup to be half off my face, but it still looked airbrushed. Some users might find it slightly less everyday-friendly than the Estée Lauder just because it’s so glam, but I love it nonetheless. This one also works well with a damp beauty sponge.
The third contender is Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow. This one is truly undetectable on skin when blended carefully; it’s less matte than the first two, but I wouldn’t call it dewy. It seems to melt right onto the skin like skincare, simply blending away imperfections. While perhaps not as full coverage as the first two, it’s still medium coverage and could be built up; you can also pair it with the Luminous Silk Concealer, applying it under the eyes and on blemishes and redness. Anytime I wear this, I have people asking if I’m even wearing makeup on my skin – it’s that good. I like to use a brush for this one (specifically the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Brush) and tap a beauty sponge onto the skin afterward.
Finally, Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow is a stunning option for those who want the extra sun protection. I think this will be an absolute staple in the coming months, as it has a surprisingly high SPF of 30. It’s quite creamy, and I find it best to apply this with your hands, like you’re putting on sunscreen. Be careful to use a separate SPF first and not apply too much of this as it does offer a lot of coverage. It provides a healthy-looking glow to the skin that, for me, does need a light dusting of powder. I’d apply this one, too, with the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Brush. I can’t wait to wear this during the summertime!
While you certainly don’t need to purchase all four foundations, I’ve (un)fortunately decided that they’re each individually worth the price tag. Investing in your base is so important, and sets you up for the best makeup day possible.
