Decluttering My Foundation Drawer
My makeup drawers are in for a major declutter in 2020. Even though it’s not as bad as it used to be a couple of years ago when I decluttered for the first time in, like, 8 years, there were still a lot of products that I fully intended to use and just never reached for. I love it when the skin looks nice, whether it’s due to a proper skincare routine or a good makeup base, so naturally, my foundation drawer was the worst offender. It was filled to the brim with primers, foundations, concealers, setting sprays, you name it! Way more than any normal person would ever need, all sitting there and quietly waiting for their expiration dates.
- Good news: After going through all of the products, I couldn’t find any that I didn’t like. This means that I stayed true to my previous resolution to only keep products that I love.
- Bad news: There were a lot of products that I never use, simply because there’s just too much. Of everything.
I showed you guys a few snippets from this decluttering process on my Instagram stories, and today I want to share swatches and mini-reviews for the 10 foundations that I decided to keep for sure. I also set aside a few others that I’m not sure about. Basically, if I don’t reach for them within the next 3 months, I’ll take that as a sign that they’ve got to go.
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening No. 17 Light Beige* ($65) – I previously reviewed it here. Pretty much still one of my favorite no-fuss foundations for everyday wear, especially when my skin is feeling a little dry. It provides medium to full coverage and gives a nice dewy glow.
Perricone MD No Makeup Foundation Serum Nude* ($60) – This barely-there coverage is perfect for my no-makeup days! It’s basically a tinted serum that’s more skincare than it is makeup. It’s a bit on the rich side, so it probably won’t work for oily skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth Boosting Perfect Skin Foundation 01 Fair* ($46) – Previously reviewed here, this is another great buildable foundation for everyday wear. It also mixes really well with moisturizer when I feel like sheering it out even further.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Liquid Foundation Neutral 1* ($34) – While the formula is pretty solid, my favorite part of this foundation is how well it blends with my skin. Can’t really tell from the swatch, but the finish couldn’t be any more perfect. It’s simply fabulous!
bareMinerals BarePRO Performance Wear Liquid Foundation 03 Champagne* ($34) – This is another one of my full coverage favorites, reviewed here. It’s a rare treat: fair shade with the perfect yellow undertone!
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup 1N1 ($43) – The OG, The One, The Only, the HG. This is literally one of my favorite foundations of all time, and even after all these years, few brands came close to this awesomeness. It’s one of the best matte full coverage foundations for oily and combo skin, hands down.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation 01 Fair* ($44) – I previously reviewed it here, and still stand by my original review. Charlotte Tilbury foundations worked really well for my skin so far, and this one, in particular, will suit those with oily or combination skin the best. It’s also one of the better-looking full-coverage finishes because it looks pretty natural despite being mostly opaque.
Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation 100.5 Cream* ($44) – I haven’t had this one very long, but I reach for it pretty often compared to some of my other faves. It has a very lightweight, barely-there formula with buildable light to medium coverage. It should work for all skin types except very oily.
Glo Skin Beauty HD Mineral Foundation Stick Cloud 1C* ($48) – I previously reviewed it here, and it’s still one of my personal favorite newcomers. Fantastic release by Glo, and I feel like it can work for all skin types, even dry and oily. Plus, the solid stick format is TSA-friendly so I plan to bring it along on my travels this year.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer SPF30 Bone ($28) – Speaking of traveling, I actually did bring this tinted moisturizer on my trip to Russia last summer. It’s an interesting formula: on one hand, it’s pretty moisturizing and creamy, but at the same time, it didn’t make my skin look too glossy and shiny even though I wore it in the scorching heat every single day. I’m impressed!
Okay, I know that 10 foundations are still more than a single person could ever need, but at least I use them! All of these work wonders for my combination/dehydrated skin and provide a nice variety of coverages and finishes.
*Indicates PR samples.
