20160414

Spring's Top-Shelf Bases


For Spring I'm all about that natural, healthy base during the day without anything overly dewy that's going to leave my t-zone looking shiny! As the temperature heats up and during the evening I pick something a little more matte. It can be hard to find light bases with a matte finish but I have a few in here for you.

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser | £29.50

Regular readers will know I love this stuff so I won't bleat on too much; I just want to fully summarise my thoughts on it. It's perfect if you want a nice, slightly dewy base but your skin is prone to surface shine. It doesn't look greasy or over the top but just gives the skin a really healthy glow (that's nothing too 'wet'). This looks and feels such light coverage but somehow gives your skin a real radiance (it doesn't contain shimmer) and evens out the skin tone. It's so natural that if you're just wearing this, you could probably be mistaken for not wearing makeup and just having amazing skin. It don't go greasy or wear off my skin; I just make sure to powder my t-zone in warm weather. It's so effortless to apply (Sephora Pro Airbrush #55, naturally!) and the oil-free formula works well for so many different skin types.


This was definitely my #1 base last summer and I'm already starting to reach for it again. For me the shade Golden Medium-Deep is perfect for my Spring/Summer skin tone. It's so lightweight on the skin and never feels like I'm wearing loads of makeup (even in the sweltering heat) but it evens out my skin tone and gives me a surprising amount of coverage. Somehow it doesn't melt into a greasy mess on my skin but it's not drying and doesn't cling in an unflattering way when first applied. I also find I don't break out as much in the sun when I use this and it's so long-wearing. Basically: I love it!

Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint | £30

When this was released I have to admit I ran out and bought it on the first day - such is my belief in the magic of a Nars base! This didn't disappoint me at all because it delivered on the light coverage with a semi-matte finish. The 'velvet' part is definitely true because it isn't completely matte or drying at all; it gives you a lovely, subtle radiance still. The coverage is somewhere between a fuller bb cream and a lighter foundation which makes it perfect for everyday wear. It lasts really nicely on my skin too. I wear St. Moritz in this, which is the same as my shade in the Tinted Moisturiser.

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation | £31.50

I absolutely love the finish this gives; it's so natural, glowing and flawless. Think the Nars Tinted Moisuriser but slightly more dewy and with a fuller coverage. The formula is very watery so I do get through it pretty fast. It does take a little more work to apply but once it's on it looks so natural, glowing and skin-like. For me the main downside of this is that when the weather starts to heat up I don't feel like it lasts as well. Although it's fine for now, I probably won't be reaching for it during summer and I make sure to set the t-zone and under my eyes when I wear this to ensure things don't start to move around. If you have dry skin then I totally recommend this as I loved it when my skin was all flaky and awful earlier this year - it lasts much better on dry skin and gives such a healthy, natural look and keeps things hydrated. I wear the shade 4.5 Warm Natural, for reference.

This is sort of similar to the Bobbi Brown but a tiny bit less dewy and with a slightly fuller coverage if you build it up a little (which is much easier with this formula). I also feel like this last much longer as the worst that's ever really happened to me with this is needing to powder my forehead after lunch. It's not matte, it's not dewy; it just gives that 'natural skin' look. I think that's what makes it great for so many different skin types. If you're more of a combination-to-oily skin type and you don't know how to make 'dewy' Spring skin work for you then this is the perfect solution. I set it with a bit of powder as it stays in place without going all slippery and shiny throughout the day. I really love the coverage of this because you can sheer it out to a light-medium finish or build it to a good medium-full look. I tend to apply it lightly then just build it up where I need the extra coverage and where my makeup tends to wear off first. My shade is Y375 - I'd heard quite a lot of people say Y385 for NC40-42 but  for me that's too dark, though I think I'll be mixing the two in summer. Y375 is perfect for my current skin tone. The shade range is pretty amazing so you'd be hard-pressed not to find  match.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation | £31

To be honest this is a favourite of mine no matter what the season (except perhaps in the height of summer)! It can be sheered out for a medium coverage or built up to looking pretty full; for a fresh Spring look I tend to go for the former. What I love about this foundation is that it gives me that shine-free satin finish without a hint of dewiness but it still has a 'lit from within' matte glow. So many different skin types seem to love this and it's one you can wear if you have oiler skin and want to get glowing skin without worrying about shine and greasiness or your base disappearing after a few hours. My shade in this is Stromboli.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-in-Place Makeup | £30

This is my fullest coverage and most matte option for a more evening-appropriate look. I think the original Double Wear (as much as I love it) is something I wear more for a night out and during the colder months. For a while I mixed it with Sheer Glow for summer evenings because my shade in that (3W2 Cashew) is slightly darker and Stromboli is slightly lighter and that stuff is seriously long-wearing for hot summer nights! Then I discovered the perfect solution: Double Wear Light. It delivers on the matte (but not at all drying or flat) finish and being incredibly long-wearing like the original but has a lighter coverage. However I wouldn't really describe it as 'light' apart from in comparison to the original - it's more like a medium-full coverage. The only negative of this is that it's a little 'one-note'; you're only really going to get that one level of coverage out of it so if I was travelling I probably wouldn't take this as my only base. I wear shade intensity 3.5 in this one.


What are your go-to bases for Spring?


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*DISCLOSURE - PRODUCTS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK ARE PR SAMPLES/GIFTS. 
ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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52 comments

  1. I've been a Mac girl for such a while Now, and I'm really wanting to try newer foundations and bases , I've heard lots of good things about Nars so I will definitely give that a try !

    Lorraine
    Lorrainewhitney.com xx

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    1. I'm the opposite - for the longest time I only wore MAC foundation! I definitely need to rediscover their bases :) xx

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  2. I really want to try some products from Cover FX i have been looking at the Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation. Nars Sheer Glow always makes it into my top Spring/Summer Foundations.
    Emmy | Emmys Beauty Cave | Bloglovin

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    Replies
    1. The Natural Finish is really nice if you want good coverage but quite a natural (not overly dewy) finish xx

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  3. Bobbi Brown, NARS, and MUFE cannot seem to go wrong when it comes to bases. I really, really want to try Nars' Velvet Matte Skin tint but I need to finish my current ones. Will try swatching this when I go to Japan for sure.

    Selene Addicted

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  4. I really want the double wear but now I've read about the light version it sounds great for summer as it only is a medium coverage!
    Charlotte // www.charlottespicks.com

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  5. I have wanted to try the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light and the Makeup Forever HD. What would you say would be your favourite out of the two? I have combination skin but a weird type of combo skin. So I have a dry nose but oily chin and forehead! What would you say would be the better option? (Can't afford both, I cry :( )
    Sophie | It's Cultured

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    1. I think they're quite different - I'd say probably the EL DW Light as you might find the MUFE HD doesn't wear as well on the oily patches xx

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  6. I'm really struggling this year, as my Rimmel Match Perfection has decided not to agree with my skin anymore - gutted! So far I've been sticking to a light dusting of a mineral powder foundation over a glow-boosting moisturiser... x

    NINEGRANDSTUDENT: A Student Lifestyle Blog

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  7. Great spring bases, I love the Bobbi Brown foundation. I find I am really loving the original Makeup Forever HD foundation, the formula is so good for my oily/combination skin. It controls shine, has a semi-matte finish and I kid you not it lasts all day from 7am-10pm. That is ridiculous! So sad they have discontinued it, I will guard this bottle with my life. I am really keen to try the Marc Jacobs Remarcable foundation and the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea foundation. It's just a matter of finding the right shade.

    Kiran | www.alittlekiran.co.uk

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    1. I wish I'd been able to try it properly! I never got into it as the shade was wrong xx

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  8. Lovely picks! I would love to try some Cover FX base products and you always make me want to try the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation!

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

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  9. nars sheer glow is my all time favorite foundation. i also love the bareminerals complexion rescue. its perfect for the warmer days.


    loovelle.blogspot.com

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  10. Nars Sheer Glow and EL Double Wear have been on my wish list for such a long time, I definitely need to try these foundations! x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  11. Sheer Glow at this time of year is so perfect, I need to dig mine out and start using it more!

    Lauren Ashleigh xx

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  12. The Nars tinted moisturiser is still on my wish list, oops! x

    Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x

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  13. I'd absolutely love to try out the NARS products! I've been wanting to try out the foundations for ages! amazing photo Jasmine!

    www.leahrachelgoth.blogspot.co.uk

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  14. The Makeup Forever HD foundation is the best, I love it! I really want to try the NARS Matte Skin Tint, it sounds amazing!

    xx, A Little Dose of Makeup

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  15. Killer picks! I'm so in love with MUFE's Ultra HD and I'm super curious to try NARS' new matte tinted moisturizer. Lately I've been loving Chanel's new Les Beiges liquid foundation!

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  16. I recently did a similar post, how cute :)
    I keep going back and forth about my next base product is going to be, either the Nars tinted moisturizer (which I'm leaning towards!) and the MUFE face and body foundation. Would the tinted moisturizer work on my dry skin that gets oily?

    RachelShuchatMakeup

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    1. Yeah definitely - I have combination skin which has been more dry recently so I've just been using this and setting it with a little powder where I get oily xx

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  17. The CoverFX BB cream is love! :)

    S .x http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com

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  18. I'm so tempted by the NARS velvet tint but I'm not sure it's going to be enough coverage for me! Love Sheer Glow and will definitely have to give Double Wear light a go at some stage as I love the original so much!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  19. I was planning on doing a spring bases post too, just so don't think i'm copying. I really need to try the NARS tinted moisturiser, I keep hearing so many good things! I'm huge fan of the double wear light too. I'm really Enjoying the UD one and done - its brilliant xx

    www.lpagebeauty.com

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    Replies
    1. Haha I'm sure we did the same thing recently as well, of course I won't - great minds think alike! xx

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  20. Your collection is amazing, a girl can only dream!

    Cultivation of Jasmin

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  21. I'm in the process of sorting through my collection, picking out my most Spring-appropriate products but at the moment, I'm reaching for Dior Airflash & Estée Lauder Perfectionist more often than my other bases. Great post, as always! xx

    Beautylymin

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  22. Do you prefer the NARS skin tint or tinted moisturiser? I really want a lighter base now that my skin has cleared up and can't decide which to go for!

    The Makeup Directory

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    1. I really do love both! I guess it depends how matte you like your base and also the VMST is a little more coverage. I reached more for the PRTM at the start of this year (I think realistically it's still probably my overall favourite) but as it's started to heat up I am appreciating something a little less hydrating xx

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  23. Yes! The Bobbi Brown foundation is one of the best foundations I've ever used. So amazing! I need to try the Cover FX range still! The BB Cream may be a good spot to start from.
    http://www.lipstickisalife.com/

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  24. The Bars sheer glow and Estee Lauder double wear are on my list to try, they both sound fab!
    Tenz
    www.shesabouthatlife.com
    xxx

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  25. I love the sound of the Cover FX Bb Gel! Will definitely look into that one. I just hope it will work with my extremely oily skin. Bb creams don't usually work for me :(

    Elle // laorcabella.com

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    Replies
    1. BB creams are actually traditionally 'supposed' to be matte, a lot now aren't and are basically tinted moisturisers but this definitely isn't one of those. As I said, it's matte with good coverage and helps keep away blemishes xx

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  26. NARS Tinted Moisturiser is one of my favourites at the minute. I really want to try out the MUFE HD Foundation especially after getting matched at the Debenhams event recently x

    Beauty with charm

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  27. I just bought the Nars Pure Radiance Skin Tint and am LOVING it! Everything you said is so true! My other go-to is the Bobbi Brown foundation stick, which I think blends to a fuller coverage and is pretty matte. I want to try the Estee Lauder one too - its such a cult favorite.

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    1. I've been meaning to try that one for ages! xx

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  28. Nars is an alround winner for me too, I am so obsessed with their sheer glow right now! Have had the new moisturiser in my basket on spaceNK for a week... I dont need it.. but with the £15 off I WANT IT lol #problems

    http://www.makeerinover.co.uk

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  29. So many foundations that I don't have!!! I won't even mention my lack of NARS base products again, but I really want to repurchase Skin Foundation at some point. It is such a lovely finish. High praise for the Cover FX one...it seems so pricey somehow :/ xxx

    Sal UmmBaby Beauty

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    1. I kind of thought that when I first got it but it performs for me like no other so I will happily be purchasing this again and again when it runs out! xx

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  30. I also love the velvet matte skin tint! lovely post :)

    http://claresloves.blogspot.com/

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  31. oh man now I really want to try the Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint, although it sounds very similar to my Clinique Velvet Lumière foundation...

    Love, Charline | Charline Has a Blog

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  32. Great Spring bases! I just got Nars all day luminous foundation and I'm loving it thus far. I hear so much about cover fx and I'm tempted to get a product or two. Xx

    www.lauralivinglife.com

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  33. Nars sheer glow has to be one of the foundations I've tried, it gives such a nice finish! Velvet matte is on my wishlist, I need to give it a try! x

    Ela BellaWorld

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  34. I'm always so stingy :( I always want to buy a little bit more expensive make up products, but then I end up buying this cheap stuff again because I don't know if the product is better then a cheaper product…but reading these kind of entries helps me finding a product that I actually could buy for a little bit more money! Thank you ^^

    xx Alina

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    1. Personally I always invest in bases as drugstore brands don't have a shade for me. If you're looking to spend a bit more, you can always ask for a small sample to take home and try for yourself before committing! xx

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  35. I'm sure you'd love their other bases too in that case :) xx

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  36. Thank you for your comments :) hope this post was helpful! xx

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  37. NARS foundations are still on my wishlist! I love BB creams, I have heard great things about Cover FX. I think I'll be using mostly BB creams this summer because of the heat :)

    Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed

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  38. I love Nars foundations as well! I'm currently testing out the Dior Forever Foundation and seeing how that one works for me :)
    - Ambar | Her Little Loves

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  39. I've been loving the Body Shop's BB cream - no idea on the name and I'm far too lazy to get up and check, lol! I've actually never tried Nars Sheer Glow (I know, I'm a failure of a blogger!) but I do need to add it to my list! Chanel Vitalumiere is my go-to foundation.

    Jodie @ Jodetopia x

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