Product Review - Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation

Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation - 1 oz., $34, sephora.com

I know - not another foundation review!  I have a problem, yes I know it but I am obsessed with finding the perfect foundation, and concealer, and longest lasting kohl eyeliner and well...you get it.  And until then, I have to continue testing out new foundations until I am completely satisfied - which won't ever happen so I guess that I'll have to keep on with my search. 

So...I purchased this foundation last year sometime in August/September during Sephora's Friends and Family sale.  I have always been intrigued by this British makeup line but felt that it was a bit out of my price range but I would be willing to purchase some of the products through a sale.  I ended up purchasing this foundation along with 2 lip glosses.  And I have to say that I really like this line...but again I'm going to have to wait until another sale to pick up some more of their items. 

But as for this foundation...it has taken me forever to like this foundation.  Every time I tested this product, I really wanted to like it but it just didn't look right on me - something wasn't quite right.  I was pretty sure that I wasn't applying it properly.  It looked too heavy and cakey on my skin.  After a couple of hours of wear, it would settle into my lines and look like a mask.  I would end up having to blend the foundation with my fingers mid-day to try to "thin" it out which would end up looking messy and even more cakey (huh?).  Well, after many trials and errors, I think that I have found the right application technique to make this foundation work for me!! I have found that this foundation does "set" quickly so it's best to apply just the slightest "pea-sized" amount (or less - like a small dot) in one area at a time and blend, blend, blend!  I really like using either my Sigma Sigmax F82 Roundtop Kabuki Brush or a dampened Beauty Blender.  I start out stippling the dot of foundation and then buffing the product into my skin.  Just like the name - it truly is a "rich" foundation.  A little bit goes a long way...applying too much foundation will leave a heavy and cakey looking finish - not very pretty!  Once you have finished one area, go on to the next area and blend/buff the product into the skin.  Continue buffing/blending the slightest bit of foundation to one area at a time until you are done with your whole face and don't forget to blend down onto the jaw line and neck.  I like to set this foundation with a setting spray like MAC Fix+ - this helps to not only set your makeup but also take away that powdery/cakey look.  Since you end up using such a little amount each time you use it, I feel like this foundation will last me a very, very long time.

This foundation leaves a very natural looking finish that may or may not need to be set with a light setting powder - I put some on just in my T-Zone area that tends to get oily during the day.  This foundation looked great for about 10 hours but started to show signs of breaking down at around 12 hours, and definite break down at 14 hours.  But the finish is great, especially on oily or combo skin types.  I would not recommend this product for those with dry skin.  This foundation would definitely accentuate dry patches on the skin.  Having said this, it is very important to hydrate and moisturize your skin as well as applying a primer before applying this foundation.  I also love that because this foundation is so extremely pigmented, I find that I don't need to conceal any blemishes or discolorations as much when I wear this foundation.  I only need to apply my favorite under eye concealer/brightener, set it with a powder and call it a day!  Gotta love when you can cut out products and steps from your makeup routine. 

This is a great foundation once you figure out how to use it...it did take quite some time for me to get used to the formula as well as the appropriate application techniques but once I did, this has become one of my favorite foundations to go to when I need that extra coverage or want a flawless face.  If you are looking for a new foundation to try and one that has great coverage and gives you a flawless looking face, go ahead and give this one a try.  Keep experimenting with the application techniques but I guarantee once you figure out how to use this great foundation, you'll be reaching for this one all of the time.  Yet another great face product for you gorgeous, busy moms!!