First Impressions: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

Recently, I decided it was time to branch out into newer foundations - I was looking for a product that would hopefully be let my skin breathe in the Summer months. After reading tonnes about the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation, I knew it really must be time to give it a go and see what all the fuss is about. I've trialed this on two or three occasions, and so now I'd like to share my first impressions with you.

Firstly, you'll be glad to know that Bourjois have included a very handy pump, therefore it means that the right amount of foundation will be dispensed and I (supposedly) won't waste much product. The shade range is, hmmm.. limited. I personally think that the lightest shade (Ivory) is only just about acceptable for my pale skin once I have a slight tan, otherwise, in Winter it'd be an obvious "oompa loompa". Not a good look.

It blends fairly nicely into my face buffed in with a brush like the Expert Face Brush by Real Techniques . I'd say the coverage is light/medium with a lovely radiant finish (don't worry it's not packed with "glitter") due to the fruit extracts. The wear time varies, in my opinion, in the warmer temperatures I'd say 5 hours max, in cooler weather I'd like to expect around 6/7 hours (also dependent on skin type).

Overall, I'd recommend the Bourjois foundation, particularly for Holidays where lighter coverage is a must-have. Oh and I have to mention how much I lovvve the scent, think raspberries/cranberries. Find the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation here, via boots.com - link.

REVIEW // Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation

Yes, The Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation did disappoint me, greatly. Despite the fact I bought this around 1 year ago, I do occasionally use this (to see if my opinion has changed), although I don't see any difference. In my opinion, this foundation provides zilch (zero..) coverage or at the most very, very sheer. Covering no spots, redness or scarring - which is not what I want/need.

Plus points;

• A pump - for easier application, as some foundations don't offer one.. (why not Colourstay? Why not? Read my review of the Revlon ColourStay foundation here).
• It doesn't dry straight away - as in it won't dry before you blend (meaning less streaks).
• Large-ish shade range (well larger than most brands).
• Affordable price at £6.99.

And for me, the advantages end there... For some reason this foundation really doesn't work with my skin. Maybe it is due to my combination skin? Hmm not too sure. In my opinion, it just seems to ''disappear'' from my face.. the coverage completely goes and I'm just left with a mess. Thankfully the colour is light enough too, but, once applied there is a significant pink/rosy tint that is visible (to me anyway).

Overall, I unfortunately wouldn't recommend this to a friend. Even though some people love it (it seems), I just can't work with it and I wouldn't repurchase either. That's the end of ranting Rachel.. for now. On another note, do you have any wondrous products that you need to tell me about? I'd love to know!

REVIEW // Revlon ColourStay Foundation

Foundations don't usually impress me at all, it's so difficult finding the right one for my skin tone and type (especially under a budget). That is until I found you, Revlon ColourStay in the shade 110 Ivory. The formulation I have is for combination/oily, which is perfect for me. The shades vary greatly in the range, to suit the very light and darker skin tones. 

Revlon say ''wearable for up to 24 hours'', thankfully, I've never worn makeup for that amount of time, so I can't comment on that. Although, I do know that it does last a very long time, around 8-10 hours on me. Furthermore, ColourStay features SPF of 6, which really is an advantage when transitioning into Summer. After purchasing this in mid February, I have used this foundation straight for a good few months, enough time to get a good feel and opinion on it. ColourStay has been my go-to for a while now, although it is not perfect for me. 

To apply this foundation, I use the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge which creates the most natural and even base. This sponge is so unique, and does it all - foundation, concealer, primer. Next, i'd quickly buff in the remaining with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, my go to brush that I could not live without. These two brushes definitely work hand-in-hand with the foundation, although, against the matte texture, this technique sometimes feels too harsh buffing in a dryer base.

The only downfalls are that, firstly, I think this foundation, in my opinion, is too matte and feels slightly caked on occasional. So when applying blush/bronzer on top of this base, it doesn't blend as effortlessly as I'd like it to as my face won't be completely even. Also, i'd say this foundation has a light-medium coverage, not to my preferance. I'd rather have a higher coverage as not all my blemishes and redness is covered using this base. Due to this, my dream foundation still hasn't been discovered, any recommendations? I'd love to hear your favourites.