First off, here is Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra.
I was told that I was the shade 110 Ivoire C. I trust this deduction because I usually use the lightest or second lightest shade. This time, the problem was not in the shade itself but the formula. I have combination skin which tends toward dry except for in a few places and this foundation stayed dewy. I like a matte look, personally, and even with setting powder (I was using the Marcelle Face Powder at the time- I am no longer doing so), I felt the foundation would not set. I did, however, find that it was at least a medium coverage and it did tend to cover up most of what I wanted hidden. This foundation truly was a mixed bag. I feel that if you're looking for a foundation that gives you a dewy look and has a decent coverage, this one is pretty good but beware of it's $50 Canadian price tag. Another thing I didn't like was the smell. I can't even really describe it but it wasn't for me. I'm glad that I got a sample so I didn't have to buy the full size. I'd give this foundation a 1.5/5 but that's only because it wasn't what I was looking for.
Next up, Estee Lauder's Maximum Coverage Camouflage Foundation
By the time I came across this foundation, I was desperate for something to cover up my red blotches and acne scars. I spent a lot of time researching this product online and I just decided one day to head to Sears on my lunch break and see if they had it. They did and I purchased the shade Extra Light after being colour matched to it. Now, I loved this, would have given it a solid 5/5 after the first couple of days of use. I did find that it remained dewy even with a setting powder but I didn't care. It covered all of my imperfections, which is what I needed it to do. After a few days I began to question my decision, however, because it started to get everywhere. Despite its full coverage, it did not seem to have any staying power. I work 9 hour days, so I need my foundation to last. Another thing that I noticed was that over the day, this foundation oxidizes and gets darker. It was a nightmare! Add to that the price tag of $41 Canadian and it just isn't worth it. I don't like coming home from work only to realise that I look like an orange. I took a couple example pictures, the first is of when I first apply the product, the second is mid-set and the third is a completely dry product. This foundation is in the middle:
So, as you can see, the beginning shade is much different than the end one. Definitely watch out for this when purchasing this product!
Lastly, we have Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Even Finish Foundation.
For this foundation, I actually went back to Sephora and asked them to match me via their Colour IQ again. This time, I had vastly different results which turned out to be much more accurate. I purchased this foundation in Porcelain 0 for $55 Canadian. So far, this foundation matches, it goes on easily and it does have decent staying powder. What I don't like about it is that it has a weird scent and a light to medium coverage instead of a medium to full which I had expressed the need for. I find that no matter how many layers I use, it still doesn't have the coverage that I need. It's fine for now, I am still using it, after all, but I am hoping to find something more suitable for my needs.
Coming up: I've just ordered Kat Von D's Lock-It Foundation in Light 42 so there will be a part three of this series. Hopefully there will be no need for a part four.
