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How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin Type

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*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Choosing the right foundation is key to complexion perfection and will be an absolute game-changer for your makeup routine. But there are so many options out there which can make it feel completely overwhelming! You need to choose a formula that complements your skin type for a flawless, natural finish. In this guide, I’ll help you identify the best foundation for your skin’s needs.

Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type

Skin Type guide
Skin Type guide

How to choose the right foundation

It’s important to understand your skin type when understanding how to choose the right foundation:

Skin Types and Skin Conditions are two different things and it is important to understand that. Knowing what Skin Type you are will help you greatly when buying your skincare and makeup.

Normal Skin

The skin looks healthy clear and fresh. A normal skin type is neither oily or dry and is usually free from congestion and blemishes.

Dry Skin

This skin can thin and fine and is lacking in sebum and is prone to premature wrinkling. The skin will feel tight after washing and may have dry, flaky patches.

Oily Skin

The skin looks shiny and can be slightly sallow-looking from the excess sebum that is produced. Enlarged pores can be visible and skin could be prone to clogged pores. Oily skin tends to age slower, the excess sebum can help lubricate the skin through the ageing process.

Combination Skin

The skin has areas of dry, greasy and normal skin. Usually the forehead, nose and chin (T-Zone) are oily, leaving dryer areas around the eyes and cheeks.

Sensitive Skin

The skin is often dry, delicate and reddens very easily. Hereditary factors may be the cause of sensitivity as well as environmental or topical use of products.

Mature Skin

Mature skin refers to skin that shows signs of ageing which can include wrinkles, fine lines, and a lack of firmness. You may find that skin is dryer and needs a bit more hydration.

For more help with identifying your skin type, read: How to Work Out Your Skin Type – The Ultimate Guide & What Products You Need.

Step 2: Choose the Right Formula

Once you have identified your skin type, how to choose the right foundation comes down to finding formulations that best match it.

Foundation Formulas for Normal Skin

You have the flexibility to choose from a variety of finishes, from matte to dewy. This one is simple, so it’s just up to you to choose the finish you want.

My favourite foundations for a dewy finish are NARS Light Reflecting Foundation and Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30.

For a more matte look, I love e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation and Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation.

Foundation Formulas for Dry Skin

How to choose the right foundation for dry skin
How to choose the right foundation for dry skin

Choose hydrating, dewy-finish foundations with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Here’s are some of my favourite foundations for dry skin:

  • Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
  • Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation
  • NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
  • Cle de Peau Radiant Cream Foundation
  • Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30
  • Maybelline Superstay 24Hr Skin Tint + Vitamin C
  • Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint
  • Estee Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Makeup
  • Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation

Foundation Formulas for Oily Skin

How to choose the right foundation for oily skin
How to choose the right foundation for oily skin

Opt for oil-free, mattifying foundations such as powder or long-wear liquid formulas. Here are some of my favourite options for oily skin:

  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation
  • IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream Natural Matte SPF40
  • ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
  • Sisley Phyto-Teint Nude Foundation
  • NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation Review 
  • bareMinerals BarePro 24HR Wear Skin-Perfecting Matte Liquid Foundation​ Mineral SPF 20
  • Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
  • Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Foundation Formulas for Combination Skin

How to choose the right foundation for combination skin
How to choose the right foundation for combination skin

Choose lightweight, buildable foundations to balance different areas of the face. I have combination skin and these are my favourites:

  • Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Foundation
  • Sisley Phyto-Teint Nude Foundation
  • Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
  • Guerlain Terracotta Le Teint Glow Healthy Glow Foundation
  • Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation

Foundation Formulas for Sensitive Skin

How to choose the right foundation for sensitive skin
How to choose the right foundation for sensitive skin

Choose fragrance-free, non-comedogenic foundations with soothing ingredients:

  • ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation
  • Dr Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm SPF 50
  • Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25
  • It Cosmetics CC Cream 
  • Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint
  • NARS Light Reflecting Foundation

Foundation Formulas for Mature Skin

How to choose the right foundation for mature skin
How to choose the right foundation for mature skin

For my mature skin, I love hydrating, blurring formulas that deliver skincare ingredients, while softening the look of lines and wrinkles:

  • NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
  • Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation
  • Cle de Peau Radiant Cream Foundation
  • Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint
  • La Mer Radiant Skin Tint 
  • Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation
  • Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50
  • Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer
  • Revlon Illuminance™ Serum Tint 
  • delilah Wake Up Radiant Skin Tint
  • ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30
  • Sisley Phyto Hydra Teint Beautifying Tinted Moisturizer

Step 3: Find Your Perfect Shade

Choose the right foundation for your skin tone and type
Choose the right foundation for your skin tone and type

Once you have picked your formula, choosing a shade is the last step in how to choose the right foundation for you.

Here are my top tips:

  • Test foundation on your jawline in natural light.
  • Determine your undertone (cool, warm, or neutral) to find the most flattering shade
  • Consider seasonal changes as your skin tone may shift slightly between summer and winter

A lot of getting the right shade is trial and error, and in every blog post I have shared with you in this round up, there will be a range of different shade swatches for you to check out.

Step 4: Application Tips for a Flawless Finish

Personally, I love to use a brush to apply and blend my foundation and my favourite is the one I made for my brand, the REESON No. 1 Brush.

My best tip is to have one brush to apply and then another clean brush to buff away excess product. This technique means you will never look cakey and you will achieve the most flawless and natural looking result.

Check out this video to demonstrate:

I hope you found this guide on How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin Type helpful. Please always let me know if you need any recommendations.

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape UK Review

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Rhode Peptide Lip Shape UK Review

I am definitely in my lip liner era, so I was interested to try out the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape now that it has launched in the UK. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Rhode Peptide Lip Shape?

What is Rhode Peptide Lip Shape?
What is Rhode Peptide Lip Shape?

This is a lip liner designed to be easier to use than a regular lip liner:

  • Combines soft-focus colour and skincare
  • Designed to give your lips dimension
  • Promises to be creamier and more seamless than a lip liner
  • Works to create a contoured effect
  • Delivers skincare ingredients that work instantly and over time to enhance lip volume

Key Ingredients

Peptide – to boost hydration and help soften lips for a smoother appearance

Fenugreek Extract– derived from organic fenugreek sprouts, promise to visibly enhance the look of lip volume and give lips a firmer appearance

How to use it

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape
Rhode Peptide Lip Shape

Use this like a regular liner and glide Peptide Lip Shape along the outline of your lips. You can use the silicone smudger to diffuse the colour or tidy up any smudges. It’s also easy to fill the whole lip area if you want to use it more like a lipstick.

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape Shades and Swatches

There are 11 shades in the collection:

  • Lift – soft neutral pink
  • Press – warm pinky mauve
  • Bend – soft peachy beige
  • Lunge – rosy beige
  • Twist – warm taupe
  • Balance – caramel brown
  • Lean – warm medium brown
  • Stretch – neutral mocha brown
  • Flex – rich neutral brown
  • Spin – rich plum brown
  • Move – deep cool brown

I have the shade Lunge to show you:

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape shade Lunge
Rhode Peptide Lip Shape shade Lunge
Rhode Peptide Lip Shape shade Lunge Swatch
Rhode Peptide Lip Shape shade Lunge Swatch

My Review of Rhode Peptide Lip Shape

My Review of Rhode Peptide Lip Shape shade Lunge
My Review of Rhode Peptide Lip Shape shade Lunge

When I heard Rhode was launching a peptide-infused lip liner, I was instantly intrigued. Here’s everything you need to know.

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape is designed to be a new generation lip liner to sculpt and nourish the lips.

Shade Tested: Lunge

I tested the Lunge shade which is described as a rosy beige and I think it’s a super flattering nude. What’s really nice about this product is that it the shade strikes a good balance as it defines without overpowering the lips, and works both as a base under balm or all over as a modern matte lip.

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape shade Lunge Swatch
Rhode Peptide Lip Shape shade Lunge Swatch

Application & Texture

The formula glides on really nicely with no dragging and it has creamy precision but with a slight grip that helps it last. While it doesn’t feel dry, I don’t think it feels overly hydrating, but I think this helps it last more as it’s not slippery. It’s definitely a product that I feel I need to pair with a balm or gloss.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, I do like this lip pencil. The shade Lunge is really nice and I think it will go well with a range of my lip colours and glosses. It lasts well, feels comfortable and is easy to reapply. It’s in my makeup bag and staying there.

One Thing I’m Not Sure About

The silicone smudger. Rhode’s Lip Shape pencil comes with a built-in silicone tip for blending, which I wanted to love but I’m still a bit on the fence.

What is Rhode Peptide Lip Shape Silicone Smudger
What is Rhode Peptide Lip Shape Silicone Smudger

It’s meant to help blur out the edges for that soft, diffused lip look (very Hailey), but in practice I’m not really sure it adds much. It feels a little gimmicky, especially when my finger does the same job. It’s a cute idea, but maybe not essential.

That said, if you’re someone who hates getting product on your hands, you might appreciate the tool. Just not a game-changer for me.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Creamy, glide-on texture
  • Flattering, versatile shades
  • Skincare bonus – peptides

Cons

  • Silicone smudger feels a bit gimmicky – nice in theory, but not very effective in practice
  • Not transfer-proof – wears off softly, but will need reapplying after meals
  • Not overly hydrating worn alone

If you’re looking for other options for easy to use lip pencils, check out MERIT Beauty Signature Lip Liner Review & Swatches.

Where to buy it

Rhode Peptide Lip Shape is £24 and available now via the link below:

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Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick (Naughty Talk) Review & Swatches

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Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick (Naughty Talk) Review & Swatches

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

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Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick (Naughty Talk) Review & Swatches

Brand new and limited edition lipstick shades have been added to the Pillow Talk collection and I think Naughty Talk is going to be a big hit. Here’s everything you need to know about the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipsticks with photos and swatches of Dream Talk, Love Talk, Naughty Talk and Kiss Talk.

What shades are in the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick collection?

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick Collection
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick Collection

There are four new lipstick shades in the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk word and they are split across two of the brand’s best-selling formulas – Matte Revolution and K.I.S.S.I.N.G:

  • Dream Talk – muted deep mauve (Matte Revolution)
  • Love Talk – strawberry red (Matte Revolution)
  • Naughty Talk –  neutral nude glow (K.I.S.S.I.N.G)
  • Kiss Talk – fresh, dewy pink (K.I.S.S.I.N.G)

See the swatches below.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick Shades & Swatches

I have all four new shades to show you.

This is Dream Talk, Love Talk, Naughty Talk and Kiss Talk:

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick Shades
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick Shades

Here are the swatches:

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick Swatches
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick Swatches

My Review

Charlotte Tilbury Naughty Talk Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury Naughty Talk Lipstick

I really like the Charlotte Tilbury lipstick formulations. Both the Matte Revolution and the K.I.S.S.I.N.G textures are lovely and both are easy to apply and wear.

The Matte Revolution is a creamy matte that doesn’t dry out on your lips, and the K.I.S.S.I.N.G formula is soft and juicy and leaves a very pretty glow.

Dream Talk, when I first saw it, really reminded me of the CT Shade The Queen (swatches here) but it’s a lot less pink than The Queen and more of a deep wine shade. It’s really nice. It also reminds me of Opium Noir (see that here), but it’s softer and less deep.

Love Talk is quite a unique red I think. It is described as a Strawberry red and it’s one I’m excited to try when I am ready to commit to a red lip!

The sheeny K.I.S.S.I.N.G shades are obviously the easier ones to wear because the formula and finish is all about that totally effortless feel. I am a big fan of Naughty Talk (see above), although I hate the cringy name! It’s a very pretty neutral nude and just gives the lips a lovely glow.

Kiss Talk is another pretty shade. A soft yet fresh pink that will be great for really enlivening the complexion.

This is a really lovely collection but I think that Naughty Talk will be the big hit out of them all.

Where to buy it

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick is £29 and available now via the links below:

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Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder Review

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Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder Review

I got a sneak peek at the new Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder and wanted to share it with you. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder?

Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder in Candy
Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder in Candy

This is a brand new setting powder from Kosas:

  • Ultra-translucent setting and baking powder
  • Formulated to last for 12 hours
  • Designed to blur, brighten and give a natural matte finish
  • Allows skin to keep its glow
  • Uses bamboo stem extract to help absorb excess sebum
  • Available in four shades

How to use it

To Bake – Use a puff to apply a generous layer of powder where you experience the most creasing or oil breakthrough. Let sit for a few minutes and then brush off excess.

To Set – Dust a light layer of product all over face, focusing on areas where you experience the most oil breakthrough.

Swatch

There are four shades in the Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder. I have shade Candy:

Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder Swatch (Candy)
Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder Swatch (Candy)

My Review

Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder Texture (Candy)
Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder Texture (Candy)

I have to start by saying, I am not big on powder, and I have never baked my makeup in my life, so I am really not the target customer for this product! But having said that, because I love to use super glowy products, a powder can come in handy to take down the shine in certain places. The Kosas Cloud Set Translucent is great for this.

I haven’t used this product it ‘bake’ yet, and I most likely never will, but as a setting powder, this gives my skin a really pretty finish, without looking cakey, dry or over-done.

Before and After Photos

I took some pictures of how this looks under my eyes, which I find is the trickiest area to use powder without it settling into lines. And the good news is that I really liked how it looked.

Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powderbefore photo (Candy)
Before
Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder after photo (Candy)
After – shade Candy

I think that the pink shade, Candy, that I have works really well for brightening the under-eye area.

It has a good blurring effect on the skin, which I notice most on the areas where I don’t use my REESON Bronzing Balm (because that really blurs the skin on its own very well). Read all about that in REESON Beauty Bronzing Balm Review & Swatches.

I used a small fluffy brush to apply, but if you wanted more coverage you could press on the product with a puff. Coverage with powder is not what I am looking for, so it’s hard for me to judge it on that front.

For light powdering, I think this is a really lovely product, especially for under my eyes in this pink Candy shade.

Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder packaging
Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Setting & Blurring Powder packaging

In terms of the packaging, I love the fact that it has an inner lid to control the powder, because I generally find loose powders so messy.

If you are interested in more newness from Kosas, check out: Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Review & Swatches.

Where to buy it

The Kosas Cloud Set Translucent Loose Powder is £34 and is available at Cult Beauty and will later be available via the links below:

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Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Review

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Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Review

Lancome created one of my first mascara obsessions, so I was keen to try out this new one. Here’s what you need to know about Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara. I have all the information, along with before and after photos.

What is Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara?

Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara
Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara

This new mascara from Lancome is all about achieving super fluttery extra long lashes:

  • Promises to achieve up to +5.5mm visibly longer lashes
  • Formulated to last up to 24 hours
  • Flake free formula
  • Features a super precise brush, with 480 ultra-thin micro bristles
  • Brush works to instantly elongate, separate and flare lashes from root to tip
  • Easy to remove with oil based cleanser

Before and After Photos

This is before with nothing on my lashes:

Before Photo in Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara review
Before

And here’s 2 coats and a touch on the bottom lashes:

After photo in Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Review
After

My Review

Review of Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara
My Review of Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara

If you’ve been around here a while, you’ll know that I absolutely love a good mascara launch, and the latest from Lancôme really caught my eye because Hypnose was the first luxury mascara that I ever repeat-bought. It will always have a special place in my heart.

The Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara is a brand new take on Lash Idôle which launched back in 2021. If you want more info on that one, read: Lancome Lash Idole Mascara Review.

I’ve been testing out this new launch for the last week or so and I have to say, I really like it.

The Wand & Formula

Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Wa
Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara Wand

Let’s talk about the brush first. It is super slim and precise and really very different to the original Lash Idole wand. I really like it because I am pretty clumsy with mascara (especially as I have hooded lids) and it does make application very easy.

It’s packed with tiny, short bristles that grab every lash, even those awkward ones right in the corner. It’s brilliant for definition and separation.

The formula is super black and feels really light on the lashes which I always appreciate. You can go for a nice light coat, or really layer it up without any crunchiness or weight, and it doesn’t dry too quickly, so you’ve got time to work it through.

First Impressions

I think this is a lovely mascara. It gives a great natural looking, fluttery effect and is easy to apply, wear and remove. I never use eyelash curlers, but this formula gives my straight lashes a good lift.

How does Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara compare to the original Lash Idôle?

If you already love the OG Lash Idôle, you’re going to enjoy this one. It is like its lighter, more fluttery sister. The original gives you a bit more volume, whereas Flutter Extension is all about length and lift. It’s more subtle but very elegant, and perfect for an understated look. If you want more drama, stick with the original.

Final Thoughts

This mascara is a really good addition to the Lancome line up. I love how effortless it is and it gives the lashes that naturally lifted, fanned-out look without feeling heavy or overly dramatic It is perfect for everyday wear.

If you are looking for a pretty life-proof tubing mascara, check out the Too Face Ribbon Wrapped Lash*. I love it.

Where to buy it

Lancome Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Mascara is £28 and available now via the links below:

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