Buying a new foundation is a big commitment and there is nothing worse than buying a fresh new bottle only to discover it isn't as great on the daily as it looked at the make-up counter. How many times have we been fooled by the lighting, or the sales person, into thinking that the shade is a perfect match, that it gives us what we want in terms of coverage, or that it's just comfortable and easy to apply? I can't speak for you all, but I'll throw my hand up and say this has happened to me numerous times.
I find that I'll use different foundations for different occasions. For a night out I adore Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24hr because its coverage and staying power is unparalleled, but I find it a little heavy for during the day.
I've found it harder to find that perfect day foundation – Urban Decay's Naked was a go-to there for a while but I got bored with it, and my Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua doesn't really cut it in terms of coverage, and if you have a dry nose good luck to you. Of the countless brands I've dabbled with over the years, I never found The One.
I don't want to speak too soon but I think I may have found it with Aqua Glow.
When I was being sent in Aqua Glow to review, I was a bit iffy about selecting my shade by name alone – I opted for Fair Light because I'm quite pale but not quite ivory-skinned – but it worked out so well and it ended up being a perfect match.
I instantly fell in love with the bottle – as you unscrew, a button pops up on the lid and an inner tube is filled with the product. You then press the button and the foundation comes out. While there is nothing wrong with your average pump dispenser, I find it really easy to control how much comes out with this dropper so I'm hoping that equates to less waste.
The foundation itself has a great consistency – not too thick but not too runny – and it spreads really well. It feels ultra-light to touch and the finish is very natural. My complexion was evened out and my blemishes covered without looking as though I was too done-up.
In terms of glow, the foundation claims to be hydrating and radiant and it really is. I do find, however, that I need to use some translucent powder on my t-zone because it makes my skin a little bit too shiny. One dusting was enough though to last the day.
The product, which comes in ten shades, is pricey at €43 a bottle, but I genuinely haven't found a day foundation that I've liked as much as this so I would say it's worth paying that bit extra to get what you really want, and you need to use so little of it because it spreads so well that it should last a long time. The 'serum' element in the title pays off too as this nourishes the skin and makes it ultra-gentle.
Stila cosmetics can be purchased through the following locations in Ireland: Harvey Nichols, Dundrum; Sam Mc Cauleys, Fairgreen, Carlow; Sam Mc Cauleys, Redmond Square, Wexford; Sam Mc Cauleys, Tralee; Cara Pharmacy, Quayside, Sligo.
