My Flawless Base series concludes with my top picks of the best concealers, setting powders, and setting sprays. If you’ve spent a lot of time and effort on your base, and are happy with how it looks, you don’t want to fall at the final hurdle. These are my favourite products to give your look longevity and a natural finish.
Before we get into the last segment of my Flawless Base series, I’d recommend starting with the other posts: Primers, Colour Correctors, Foundations and Application Methods. I can wait … … … are you all caught up? Let’s go!
CONCEALERS:
Over time I have realised that wearing foundation on my under-eyes can look heavy, cakey, or unnatural so I much prefer covering any under-eye discolouration with concealer (if you have hard-to-cover dark circles, the Colour Corrector post may help). The formulation tends to be lighter, easier to blend, and more resistant to creasing, all of which is better for this delicate eye area. Here are some of my favourites:
- HIGH COVERAGE:
- With any high coverage concealer I expect it to cover everything (eye bags, spots, rosacea redness) but still feel light on the skin. The concealers I go back to over and over again are the Sephora High Coverage Gel Concealer (not easily available in the UK and my current tube is empty so I need another France trip to stock up!); the NARS Creamy Concealer (a cult concealer and, after bowing to peer pressure, I can definitely see why. It’s very high coverage but I only use a couple of dots, otherwise it can look too heavy. However, this means a tube will last you ages!); and Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer* (similar to above you need a TIIIINY amount for full coverage and no heaviness).
- NATURAL LOOK:
- The BareMinerals BareSkin Concealer* is a lovely option if you have dry under-eyes as it’s a serum concealer – a lighter formula for those who don’t want the full coverage look, with a more natural and hydrating finish.
- HIGHLY COMMENDED:
- Not pictured but ones I love: Maybelline The Eraser (I always remove the sponge and just pump it onto the back of my hand instead as it’s not very hygienic, but I love how hydrating and natural this concealer is) and the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (so so affordable and a great high coverage option).
POWDERS:
As an oily-skinned gal I need powder to help me stay matte but over the years I’ve perfected my technique and found the powders that work best for my sensitive skin. In the past I used to grab a huge powder brush and liberally apply loose powder all over my face and then wonder why I looked dusty and unnatural. I now use the small Real Techniques Setting Brush to spot-powder, only applying it to the areas that crease or get oily: my T-zone and under-eyes. This leaves the rest of my skin glowy and natural-looking – exactly what you want for a Flawless Base.
- GREAT FOR UNDER-EYES:
- If you want to brighten your under-eye area, I’d recommend picking up a loose powder with a slight shimmer or reflective particles as this will give the appearance of a brighter under-eye – ideal! I’ve used the Bourjois Poudre De Riz for years and it’s lovely and affordable. It does have a fragrance to it, but it has never irritated my sensitive skin. The Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Setting Powder* is a much bigger pot and a higher price point but is a slightly less glittery option, which is good if you like a more natural look.
- ALL-OVER POWDERS:
- Obviously the two powders above can be used all over the face, but they come into their own under the eyes. When I’m powdering my t-zone I usually reach for IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores* or Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder*: both are lightweight and finely milled so they look incredibly natural, plus are wonderful for keeping my foundation in place.
SETTING SPRAYS:
The most famous setting spray (and the one that many credit with starting the setting spray trend) is the Urban Decay All-Nighter spray. I use it interchangeably with Pixi Make Up Fixing Mist*, and the Too Faced Hangover Cure 3-in-1 Spray*. All of them are great for keep my oily skin in check, none of them irritate my sensitive skin, and don’t leave a tight or sticky feeling on the face. Setting sprays can also help to ‘save’ your make up if you’ve over-powdered: by spritzing all over the face, you can add some glow back into your skin and remove that ‘overdone’ look. They can also be good for refreshing make up part way through the day instead of piling on more… Oh how I wish I’d known that 10 years ago! The first two in that list contain alcohol – but I’ve never had an issue with them annoying my skin – but if your skin hates alcohol then the Too Faced spray contains none at all, in fact it contains coconut water for added hydration!
I’ve really enjoyed putting together this Flawless Base series, I hope you’ve enjoyed it as well! What are your favourite products, tools, or tips for a flawless finish? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to take a look at the other posts in my Flawless Base series here: Primers, Colour Correctors, Foundations and Application Methods.
Lex
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