Hit or Miss: Foundation Samples

While going through my bathroom cupboards trying to find my Clarisonic which had apparently grew legs and wandered off with my bobby pins and hair ties, I found what looked like a rats nest of different samples from magazines, beauty counters and subscription boxes that I had chucked in a box and thrown in the back of my bathroom cupboard. So with a bare face and a packet of makeup removing wipes, I decided to go through some of the foundation samples I had stashed away.

Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup N01 Ivory

The last time I was at Mecca, the girl at the counter threw a handful of Hourglass foundation samples in my bag. I was really excited to get a chance to try this product as it’s a bit on the pricier side. But oh man, this was not at all ivory. I would say this was more a bright orange when applied to the skin. A lot of lighter foundations turn a bit orangey once applied to the skin due to oxidization, but this was straight up orange. It is light-to-light medium coverage that has an SPF 15. This product smelt like SPF 30+, and boy was it a strong smell. So disappointed because I usually love Hourglass products. So glad I didn’t shell out money on this and tried the samples first. MISS

Clinique Anti Blemish Foundation in 01

If you’re having problem skin, this is the foundation for you. I was given a sample of this at a Clinique counter that lasted me well over a week. As much as I love my Doublewear foundation from Estee Lauder, I do find it leaves my skin feeling a bit congested and angry after a while. This product did the opposite. It kept breakouts at bay while not irritating the existing PMS patch that erupted on my chin. It is very full coverage but once applied doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin. It is non-irritating, oil free and contains medicated ingredients for acne prone skin. I really loved wearing this foundation; the only downside being that the lightest shade 01 was a bit too dark for my skin. If you’re not as lilywhite as me and occasionally suffer from breakouts I would REALLY recommend this product. HIT

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF 15 in 30 Beige

I am OBSESSED with this foundation. Holy crap, I hit the sample jackpot. It is a very watery formula but with a medium to full buildable coverage. Covers redness and spots without feeling heavy or looking mask like and no need for primer as it glides over pores and fine lines. Soft velvet like finish with no SPF smell, even though it has the same SPF level as Hourglass. While the sample shade was too dark for my skin, I am desperate to find out if they have this in a lighter shade because I would buy and never let go. HIT

L’Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint 150 Beige

I was surprised at how much I loved this product. The L’Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint is very watery and almost like a serum in consistency but it covered redness extremely well considering its light formula. It is a light-to-light medium coverage and works well on oily skin. HIT

Dior Nude Air Serum Foundation

This was probably the water-iest out of all the formulas I tried but is deliberate due to being a serum foundation. It is very light cover and would be perfect for people who don’t wear too much makeup. Similar to Chanel with a velvet finish but has a higher SPF level at SPF 25.  When applied it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing makeup. HIT

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Effect Natural Beige

This is a very heavy coverage with a semi matte finish. It is great for oily skin and would be ideal for going out or if you need a long wear product. I wouldn’t say it’s a complete airbrush effect, as you do need to use a primer with it if you have a problem with enlarged pores. HIT.