Even when I find foundations that I like, there is always the call from the counter to try a new one (or two, or three!). This week I am pleased to share my opinions on several foundations I've experimented with lately. Enjoy!

Lancome Photogenic Ultra Comfort SPF 15 ($33.50)
For the most part I have been happy with the foundations I use (Cover Girl Aqua Smooth, Sonia Kashuk Hydro-Tint, Jane Iredale Amazing Base), but I kept hearing good things about Photogenic Ultra Comfort. It's not often that I find a foundation I like that also suits my dry skin.

After using Photogenic Ultra Comfort for a few weeks, I find I really like it. It glides on easily (I prefer a sponge or thin layer with a foundation brush), doesn't settle into fine lines, keeps my skin hydrated all day, and at the same time doesn't cause breakouts; having both dry skin and a tendency toward cosmetic acne creates a challenge with most foundation for dry skin. The coverage is on the sheer side of medium and is slightly buildable. It has decent staying power even without powder (which I never do) but feels completely natural on the skin, like there is nothing there (only better). The SPF 15 sunscreen protection comes from octinoxate 2%.

I found a good color match with Ultra Ivoire 2, a cool shade that is the second lightest shade; there are 10 shades total to choose from. You can learn more or purchase online at Lancome.com.

Almay Nearly Naked Touch-Pad Liquid Makeup SPF 12 ($8.99)
If you have ever tried Stila Sport Pivotal Skin, this is the same concept; the fluid foundation is dispensed from a shallow compact by touching your finger on a foundation-soaked pad (like an ink pad for stamping). When Stila did it, it was unique, and the foundation inside is pretty nice, but I didn't have very good luck with this version from Almay. Aside from the unflattering shade selection where I found the lightest Nearly Nude was much too dark (and I'm not that pale), the product itself was disappointing - streaky, little to no coverage of any kind, and cosmetic acne after just a few hours of wear. To be honest, I don't know if the breakout was caused by the pigment and filler ingredients, or the sunscreen (titanium oxide 10.3% and zinc oxide 2%), which I find I am sometimes sensitive to. Just keep in mind, if you are the sort of person who is sensitive or acne prone, that you may have a reaction to this foundation. All in all I found it to be a complete waste of money and I would not recommend it. If you like the concept, try Stila Sport Pivotal Skin because at least it gives some coverage and comes in a much better range of shades.

Sally Hansen Fast and Flawless Airbrush Makeup ($8)
After hearing amazing feedback on how marvelous Classified Cosmetics ERA Face spray on foundation is (which I currently have on order!), I was interested to see how this less expensive version would deliver on the spray foundation concept. For this review, rather than making a comparison, just standing on its own, I did not like Sally Hansen's version. First, according to the package directions, you aren't even supposed to spray it directly to your face! It says to spray it in your hands and then apply it! Isn't that the whole point - to have the ease of spraying it right on your face? I tried both ways and neither worked. The aerosol can spritzes the foundation all over everywhere, and the makeup feels greasy on the skin, like it's lightly pigmented oil. I couldn't get natural-looking coverage even with diligent blending, and when I did actually wear it for a full day, I got a nasty bout of cosmetic acne on my chin (sodium chloride can be a culprit, which is fairly high on the ingredient list). How about another negative? The color selection - or should I say, what color selection? There are only three shades: creamy natural, natural beige, and "no color" which is actually another medium-dark sort of shade that can turn orangey. By this point I am thinking, yes, I will shell out the $55 for ERA Face because anything can be better than this. We shall see...

You can find both Almay and Sally Hansen at a drugstore near you.

agnes b.
I had a discount coupon for CCB-Paris.com and decided to try a few of the agnes b. foundations, but they were mostly unremarkable. First I tried Non-transfer Foundation Stick ($20). This is a thick stick makeup, like the pan stick formulas from years ago. The application is thick and cakey, it creases on fine lines, especially under the eyes, and I didn't find it to be transfer resistant at all; after just a few hours my T-zone was noticeably lacking in makeup coverage. I would not purchase this again.

My second stab at agnes b. was the Aqua Compact ($24). I would compare what this is supposed to be with Vincent Longo Water Canvas, Cover Girl Aqua Smooth, Awake Hydro-Touch, Shiseido Liquid Compact, etc. - a water-based, light textured makeup with sheer to slightly medium, weightless coverage. Well, this is not in the same league as those. Instead of the light and fresh feeling you would expect from a 70% water makeup, I found the texture to be more chalky and dry, and what a terrible choice of colors! The lightest shade, "luminous beige," was so dark on me that it looked like a fake orange tan. Don't waste your money.

You can find agnes b. at CCB-Paris.com.

I hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cosmetic Report!