Hi everyone.

So I am writing my first ever blog post and I thought that the first thing I should write about is foundation. My most asked question is probably … what foundation do you wear?

I will start with my skin type. I have oily combination skin – my t-zone is extremely oily and I have issues with breakouts. (Just as an aside, it’s important to note that skin care is an important step in ensuring that foundation goes onto skin properly AND stays in place.  I will write about my skincare routine in a separate post.) I also have lots of freckles!

When applying foundation, I like a flawless and full coverage finish. I generally go between two foundations, which I will discuss in more detail below.

In terms of applying my foundation,  I apply it with a normal latex sponge using a patting technique. For me this gives the most coverage. The sponge may soak up a little extra product compared to a brush, but I personally prefer the finish a sponge gives. However, I use a Beauty Blender when applying foundation on others. This also gives a lovely finish and soaks up a little less product.

THE FIRST FOUNDATION: I was introduced to Estee Lauder Double Wear at the age of 20 by my sisters when they bought it for me as a Christmas present. I loved this foundation from the first moment I tried it. It had everything that I could wish for in a foundation … good full coverage, longevity and it dries to a matte finish. I have tried many other foundations over the years, but I always return to this foundation as I can always count on it to never let me down.

My shade is Tawny (I wear fake tan every day). I normally buy this product from Boots or Brown Thomas so as to obtain store points (both run customer loyalty schemes), which I save up and spend at a later date. It is about €38.00, but worth every penny in my view.

THE SECOND FOUNDATION: I already owned a couple of Illamasqua products but it seems that everywhere I turned people were talking about the Skin Base foundation, especiallyJamie Genevieve,  one of my favourite makeup artists and You-Tubers. (If you haven’t already, check her out on Instagram and You Tube.)

I attended Jamie Genevieve’s makeup masterclass in London last year and Jamie kindly allowed me to try out some products in her kit, one if which was Skin Base. I loved it instantly!

The very next day, I popped into the Illamasqua store and got matched up to Shade 10. This foundation is quite comparable to Estee Lauder Double Wear … it gives the same full coverage, but with a slightly more dewy finish. It also feels lighter on the skin … so all the coverage of Double Wear without the heavy feeling.  I find that I am reaching more and more for this foundation, especially at weekends.

Irish readers can order this on debenhams.ie and it is about €30.50 with free in-store delivery. Unfortunately, Illamasqua is not stocked in Irish stores so colour matching can be a little tricky. However, if you can get matched, I definitely recommend that you try this foundation.

Hope you enjoyed my first blog post. I’ll be back soon.

Kat x