You may have observed the huge trend for “clean foundations” – that is, (usually) American makeup bases that mostly just adhere to existing European ingredients and safety guidelines, throw in some lovely natural oils, and are marketed as disruptive innovation. Many have beautiful textures, packaging and finishes, and I’m pro all three, but here’s what no one admits: they don’t last. If you’re someone whose skin type or lifestyle encourages makeup to fade, streak or break for the border by lunchtime, you’ll need a foundation designed specifically for stamina if you want it to stick around – and the longest-lasting ones are made by huge companies with fortunes to spend on research.
The most famously durable base is Estée Lauder DoubleWear (£38.50), a product so successful that it alone is bigger than many major brands. Double Wear would hold steady in a tornado, promises 24-hour wear and comes in a commendable 60 shades, none of which alter on skin (inferior foundations turn orange on oilier types), so there’s no chance of not finding one to suit. Its texture (oil-free) and finish (shine-controlling) are not for everyone – drier skins will prefer its younger sister, Futurist Hydra Rescue (£39), or Nars’ Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation (£39) – but as any Double Wear devotee will tell you, there is nothing better for its specific job.
For a glowier finish that won’t budge, head to Dior. Forever Skin Glow (£45) is exceptionally good if you like a radiant finish but your oily, combination, exerted or menopausal face struggles to hold on to anything dewy. It gives lasting coverage with some brightness and is good for long, tiring days like weddings.
If you’d like all of the staying power, none of the shine but less of the camouflage associated with long-wearing bases, Bobbi Brown essentially invented the solution. Skin Long Wear Weightless Foundation (£38) can be worn as sheer coverage (apply with fingertips) to full (use a brush) and in either case, is a great mimic for real skin. Think of it as a foundation that looks like one of the ephemeral, hipster variety, but performs like a sturdy stalwart.
Convincing, long-wearing foundations came at a premium until L’Oréal Paris’s brilliant Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation (£12.99). This is a terrifically resilient, colour-true base that looks as natural as medium coverage can, feels much lighter than many, and is the frugal ideal if you get through foundation like water.
