Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation
Before I start this review I will just say this is my absolute favourite foundation. Anyone who knows me will know how much I rave about this foundation.
I may be biased as I did work for Illamasqua, but I also worked for Clinique, and Skinbase beats any Clinique foundation in my eyes (Sorry Clinique I still love you).
Product Description: ‘Our award-winning Skin Base Foundation is the go-to choice to create a flawless complexion every day. This lightweight, easily blendable foundation is suitable for most skin types and smooths, softens and conditions thanks to skin boosting Vitamin C and E. Tested in HD environments, this foundation also provides the ultimate skin realism effect and with 26 shades to choose from, finding your perfect match has never been so easy.
Coverage: Buildable, medium to full
Finish: Natural/ Dewy *Use over Illamasqua Matte Veil Primer for a more matte look, perfect for oilier skin types. Use over Hydra Veil Primer for a more dewy look and use over Radiance Veil Primer for a more illuminated glowing look.
What I love: The buildable coverage of this foundation is amazing, it is so blendable. I use a Real Techniques buffing brush to buff the foundation into my skin using circular motions.
I am a fully qualified professional makeup artist and after trying every foundation there is, this is the only foundation I carry in my kit.
I have never found one person it didn't work on while doing a makeup application. I have had clients with severe acne and rosacea and it covers all imperfections without looking to cakey.
I love the shade range, For myself I am obsessed with yellow undertones and Skinbase 7.5 is like a dream on my skin. Skinbase 12 is the perfect shade for clients who love a spray tan but don't want to look orange!
Skinbase mixers also exist in an Amber shade for warmth, Chestnut for a deeper tone or Skinbase 01 is a pure white, to make foundations paler if needed or great for Halloween makeup! You can also mix 01 with any eye shadow to create a whole rainbow of foundations!
Skinbase is also great for photographic makeup and brides, as there is no SPF there is no flashback from cameras that can leave you with a bright white face when the rest of your body could be relatively tanned. It never makes me break out or clogs my pores.
What I don't love: I have Dry/Combination skin, I find after around 5 hours I will have to reapply powder to my T zone. I have read a couple of other reviews and some people are not a fan of this foundation for that reason, some going so far as to say the foundation doesn't last at all. I disagree with this as I have used this product on all skin types, you just have to make sure your skin is prepped and you use the correct primer. I would also advise caution if you have any dry patches as Skinbase clings to your skin it can settle into these areas making it hard to blend, exfoliation is key. I use a liquid exfoliator (Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2) morning and evening to keep my skin ready for makeup application.
In Conclusion I would highly recommend this foundation to everyone apart from people who want a heavy foundation that they don't want to touch up at all. I find some Estee Lauder Double wear clients are not fans. But if you are looking for a great buildable foundation with an amazing customisable finish and good shade range this is for you. I would also recommend this for professional and student makeup artists for their kit. As you can mix the foundations to create new colours you don't need to buy the entire shade range. I suggest going to your local Illamasqua counter to get shade matched by a colour creative assistant.