Let’s Talk High-End Foundations

If you know me at all, you’ll know I’m a foundation junkie. I can’t leave the drugstore or Sephora without buying a new one. And, for a good foundation, price isn’t a problem. I have sensitive, acne-prone, and textured skin, so if a foundation will cover all that, I’ll shell out the cash for it. But, don’t worry. I have some drugstore foundations and products I love too. That’ll be part two.

I love foundation so much that when chatting with my mom a few days ago, I counted that I had 15 foundations, 9 foundation primers, 6 different concealers, and 4 setting powders. Yeah, I might have a problem. But, that also makes me the perfect person to review them for you. Because believe me, I’ve tried them all it seems. So, in order to save you money in the long run if you’ve been eyeing a pricey foundation at your local Sephora, I’m here to spend my money for you and tell you if it’s good or not. So, without further adieu, here is a review of my most recent high-end foundation purchases.

Yves Saint Laurent All-Hours Foundation – $58

If we’re going to talk about expensive foundations, might as well start with the most expensive. This is the most expensive foundation that I own, and at a whopping $58 for less than 1.0 fl oz. of product, it’s hardly worth it. Don’t get me wrong, I like this foundation. It goes on smoothly, blends out easily with both a brush and beauty blender, and it leaves a satin matte finish that I love on my dry skin. But for a foundation that claims to be full-coverage and a 24-hour wear (*eye roll*), it just doesn’t have it. This has medium to full BUILDABLE coverage, but you’re not getting full with one layer. And, every pump I use hurts my wallet. This is good for those days when I’m sitting in the office and not going to be outside. The first drop of sweat and humidity and this is melted. I’ve tried it with different primers, setting powders, and setting sprays as well. I’ve found that with any primer, it settles into my skin and the pores on my nose.

Verdict: don’t waste your money.

Diorskin Forever Perfect Foundation – $50 

Second in line is the Diorskin Forever Perfect Foundation which retails for $50. This is my newest foundation purchase and one that I’m still testing out. But, so far, so good. I do really like this foundation, and my husband even complimented my skin when I was wearing it. I will say, this does oxidize slightly, so if you’re very pale, you may want to test this out in a sample before buying the full size. This is a very smooth foundation and blends out quickly. It has high medium to full coverage with one layer and I usually do a small spot conceal after. I have no trouble blending out other cream products on top. I do set this with a powder because it has a demi-matte finish. Not sure how it will hold up with humidity and hot weather, but since it’s going into fall and winter it should be fine. This doesn’t emphasize my pores or my lines and I think gives me a more youthful and fresh look.

Verdict: If you have the extra money or want to treat yo’self, buy it! 9/10 would recommend.

Nars All-Day Luminous Weightless Foundation – $49

Next up we have the NARS All-Day Luminous Weightless foundation. This is a foundation that I’ve had in my collection for a while and I go back to it every few months. I just recently texted my BFF and told her to remind me that I like the foundation. But, there’s a catch. By midday, I texted her again to remind me that it rubs off my t-zone really easily. This is one of those foundations that gives effortless full-coverage, goes on beautifully with a beauty sponge, blends out like a dream, and looks great for all of about 3 hours. If you’re going out to dinner or to a show and you only have to have this one for a few hours, you’re going to look flawless. If you’re going to work, bring backup. This breaks down really badly with the oils on my face and essentially spreads away from my t-zone by about five hours of wear. I love the finish and I am not giving up on it since it’s literally beautiful, but I have to figure out the correct way to wear it longer than a few hours.

Verdict: If you have dry skin, YES YES YES! If you’re oily, I’d pass.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation – $47

This is my favorite out of the entire group. If I could get a bottle big enough to use this all over my body, I would. This is moisturizing, matte, long wearing, and gives amazing coverage. I actually love mixing this foundation into some of my super drying and matte foundations for an extra something, something. I love how this foundation glides over my skin but leaves it looking perfect and airbrushed. It doesn’t fall into my fine lines or acne scarring. And, it lasts all day. I can put this on before work and it will still look beautiful after 10 hours. Even through a workout. This is probably my holy grail foundation and I have no idea why I didn’t buy it last time. Note to self, buy this foundation.

Verdict: An overwhelming YES! Spend your money.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation – $42

I really wanted to like this foundation. I really, really did. People all over Instagram and YouTube rave about this foundation, but I just can’t. Maybe it’s my skin type, but this is sooooo cakey. And for over $40, it should be a freakin’ cloud for my skin. This foundation sets so quickly that you have to work extremely fast to get it to blend. Yes, it’s full coverage, but at what cost. If you want a natural look, this is not for you. It made my skin look dry and patchy. Any texture or dry patches were accentuated times 10. It didn’t even sheer out with a sponge. Plus, the color selection is so off. I was color matched and it still didn’t look right on me. Maybe because it looked like I was wearing a mask. If you have super oily skin, you may like this, but for my dry skin peeps, please, just don’t.

Verdict: Hard PASS!