When it comes to foundation, it’s no secret that it’s an exercise in patience and a test of trial and error.  After bouncing between tinted moisturizers, full coverage, powder foundations, etc.… I’ve been on a mission to find what fits my skin seamlessly.  My last endeavor was finding the perfect tinted moisturizer, but as I’ve been using it, I felt like it wasn’t doing as much for my skin as I needed.  I loved the lightweight feel, but not exactly the short wear or lack of coverage.  Most recently, I’ve used Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer daily, and Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation occasionally.  I would recommend these products for those who don’t need full coverage, because I absolutely love how they feel on my skin.  I’ll continue to use Laura Mercier for beach and pool days, but for everyday use at work, they don’t last like I need it to.  So the search begins for something new.

With my newfound need to switch it up, I’ve been roaming department store cosmetic counters; eager to ask salespeople for recommendations based on my skin type (oily), the coverage I was looking for, and, most importantly, a barely there feel.  With being open to take advice and try new things, I’ve been pulled in many different directions so far.  This is where the most important factor of finding a foundation comes in: samples.  I used to be far too timid to ask a seller for a sample of the product, scared I would offend them with my lack of purchase.  Lately, however, I’ve realized how invaluable trying an expensive product is before diving headfirst into a $60 failure.  I’ve been burned far too many times by a formula I didn’t like, only then to be plagued with a full bottle that I refused to use.  With this in mind, I recently gathered a few testers for trial: Dior Diorskin Forever, Nars Sheer Matte, and Giorgio Armani Maestro.  I was told that each of these had formulations that would be sufficient coverage, have long-lasting stay, and a lightweight feel.

I’m hopeful one of these will be my new go-to for every day.  I’ll try each of these for a full day in the near future, seeing which is going to give me that coverage and feel I’m searching for.  With this sample game, I’ll easily be able to compare each formula and narrow down to the winner.  Check back to see who wins this face-to-face battle.  And remember: samples lead to full size purchase, so never be afraid to ask!