Fashion

Aisling on Beauty: 5 heavier foundations for autumn

Let’s put products by Laura Mercier, Rimmel, Mac, Chanticaille and Estée Lauder to the test

Illustration: Thinkstock

Aisling McDermott
Tue Oct 6 2015 - 06:00

Many women will change their foundation as soon as the leaves begin to fall from the trees, preferring a heavier foundation in winter and therefore discarding water-based formulas for creamier, more moisturising coverage. Comfortable, long-lasting and giving some protection from the elements are criteria that I look for in a winter foundation. These five are among the best of the new crop.

LAURA MERCIER SILK CRÈME MOISTURISING FOUNDATION

If you are a fan of the original Silk Crème foundation, you’ll find that this new moisturising version brings a lot more to the table. It still builds to full coverage, works well with flash photography and comes in a tube, which is much more practical than the original jar.

Best for: Normal to dry skin. And brides.

CHANTECAILLE FUTURE SKIN

This foundation has a gel-cream texture and medium coverage. It gets a major thumbs-up for its beautiful, natural coverage. It also imparts a light sheen, and feels comforting and protective, which combine to make it a really good winter foundation.

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The downside is the packaging: it’s messy to get the foundation out of the jar, meaning that this isn’t one to carry around in your handbag.

Best for: normal to dry skin.

ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR MAKEUP TO GO

This you can carry in your handbag. It looks like a powder compact but – and here's the ingenious bit – it's actually a liquid foundation in a Korean style spill-proof compact. It's really easy to control the amount dispensed and it is great for top-ups and application on the go.

Best for: full-coverage lovers and oily skin.

RIMMEL MATCH PERFECTION

The reformulation of this old favourite has improved it so that it is now comparable to more expensive brands. It is long-lasting and feels light and moisturising, providing medium to full coverage.

Best for: everyone.

MAC PRO LONGWEAR NOURISHING WATERPROOF

When you see the size of the tube, you could be forgiven for thinking that this base won’t last long, but it only takes a tiny amount to cover your whole face. If your skin is oily it may work well alone, but drier types will need to moisturise well. I mixed it with a glowy CC cream because I like a sheen on the skin. It also doubles up as a concealer.

Best for: fans of maximum coverage.

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