Playing Catch Up With Foundation

Until last year, I never used foundation. It just didn't seem to sit right on my skin. Then I started using concealer to match my freckly nose and rosy bottoms of my cheeks with the rest of my face, as well as under my eyes and on blemishes. I was using it nearly everywhere, so thought it'd be more cost effective to buy foundation. Now I'm discovering a wide range of products I've never even glanced at before, and it's exciting.

I acquired some vouchers which made the No7 foundations very affordable, so bought the Stay Perfect (£14.50) and Beautifully Matte (£13.50) ones in the lightest shade, Calico. Both have a medium-full coverage and don't feel heavy. The only difference is the Stay Perfect one is more satin than matte. Beautifully Matte doesn't feel or look as expensive, but the packaging is much more practical.

Last month, I bought the Max Factor Skin Luminizer Foundation in 40 Light Ivory (£11.99). I was sent the Skin Luminizer a few months ago, but it was in the wrong shade, and then I completely forgot about it. I was drawn to it on that day, though. It's thick, but, again, not heavy, and it also has a medium coverage. The reflecting shimmers are very subtle, unlike Rimmel's Wake Me Up. Everyone seems to love that foundation, but my sister looked like a disco ball when she wore it!

I also bought the L'Oreal True Match Foundation in C1 Rose Ivory (£9.99). I don't know what tone my face is because I have warm freckles and rosy patches, but this looked pale, so I went for it. The colour seems fine, but what I was most surprised at was the formula. It's very runny, so I thought it was going to be quite sheer, but it's not. Its coverage is just as high as the others.

L'Oreal had a 2 for £12 offer going on in Boots last week, which was amazing, so I couldn't resist buying two more. These next ones were technically free because I used my Advantage Card points to buy them. I chose the L'Oreal True Match Foundation in N1 Ivory (£9.99) to see if it'd be a better match for me (I think it is), and I also picked up the L'Oreal Infallible Foundation in 015 Porcelain (£9.99). You can't really tell from the photo, but it's lighter than the others, which is rare. I've used it a couple times so far, and it's probably the best match, especially on my neck. This one also has a medium-high coverage, a natural satin finish, and seems to sit and last well on my skin (I always moisturise and prime before applying makeup, though).

I still use my fingers to apply these, like I do with my concealer, because I find it looks the most natural. I'm going to try out some different techniques in the next couple of weeks, though, to see if there's a better way.

What's your favourite foundation? I know a lot of people love the Bourjois ones, but they're too dark and yellow for me. Let me know!