Foundation Files | ft. Chanel, La Mer, Armani, By Terry, Tarte and Rimmel

Welcome back to my Foundation Files! Foundation is one of my favorite products to apply and to hoard. The main reason is that a great foundation, in my humble opinion, is the ultimate complexion Pick Me Up! I use foundation to enhance my natural complexion, even out my skin tone and smooth the surface. But there is a lot to be said about the effects of foundation on those days when I don’t really feel like myself. It can instantly revive my complexion, lifting it from a dull and sallow state, while imparting that lit-from-within healthy-looking glow!

A while back I uploaded my very first Foundation Files post, see here, and it’s quickly become one of my most popular articles on the blog. Since I’ve recently welcomed a few new foundations in my routine, I thought it was time for an update. In today’s post, I’ll share with you the foundations I currently have in the mix, when I reach for each, what I like and dislike about each one, how they compare, and most importantly which ones I’d repurchase and how to get them at a discount. This post is not meant to be an in-depth review of each foundation. However, I will link a detailed review where I can find one.

Here are my My Foundation Files featuring Chanel, La Mer, Armani, By Terry, Tarte and Rimmel …

Chanel Fresh Water Tint (shade: 4 Medium Plus)

This is such a unique product, truly one-of-a-kind in its category. It is the perfect mixture of hydration and color. It evens out the complexion and corrects the color, while feeling weightless on the skin. I have a detailed review with before and after photos here. It is the base I’ve used the most this summer, simply because it’s been scorching hot outside and no other product would last. However, this provides absolutely NO coverage. On the days I struggle with my skin, I use this as a hydrating primer, but not as base.

Best For: hot and humid days, when skin feels dehydrated

Where To Purchase: I’m not sure I’d repurchase this product considering the price point and the fact that it provides zero coverage. However, as with all Chanel products, the best way to purchase would be in the duty-free. But Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are great options as well (although not free of sales tax), as their customer service and return policies are some of the best I’ve experienced. If you decide to purchase from Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus, I would suggest using Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates), that’s another way to save a little. The Chanel Water Tint sells out quickly, but most of the shades are still currently available only here.

Chanel Ultra Le Teint (shade: B40)

This is the foundation that surprised me the most so far this year! I love how it looks on the skin, the coverage it provides, the soft matte finish and incredible lasting power. It doesn’t transfer or budge all day. There is a detailed review with swatches and a makeup look here.

Best For: long work days

Where To Purchase: duty-free, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Chanel’s website here

La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation (shade: B23 Sand)

This has become a staple in my foundation stash! It’s one of my all-time favorite foundations! There is a detailed review with swatches and a makeup look here. It’s very similar to the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk and Tarte Rainforest Of The Sea, both mentioned below. In terms of texture, it’s a bit more fluid than Chanel Ultra Le Teint. The La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation is my foundation of choice for cold, harsh temps. I used this foundation during my winter trip to NYC (see photos here) and during our ski trip to Colorado this past Spring (photos on Instagram @DailyCatL).

Best For: every day, all year-round but particularly for cooler temps

Where To Purchase: Will definitely repurchase during the Sephora Sale

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk (shade: 5.5)

This is another favorite and staple for me! It has been previously featured in my Foundation Files here! It blends super easily, provides medium coverage and feels weightless on the skin. The texture is similar to the La Mer Foundation. I find that Luminous Silk holds on my skin better that the La Mer during the hot and humid Florida summers. The La Mer looks great for the first 5 hours, but becomes quite dewey after and requires blotting. The Armani Luminous Silk shade range is fairly extensive, so it’s easier to find an exact match. It also photographs great on camera!

Best For: every day as well as any special events, all year-round

Where To Purchase: Will definitely repurchase during the Sephora Sale

By Terry Terrybly Densiless Serum Foundation (shade: Golden Beige 7)

Here is another foundation that’s probably in my Top 5, previously mentioned here. It’s a bit thicker than La Mer Soft Fluid and Armani Luminous Silk, but blends just as easily. It has a natural finish and excellent medium to full coverage finish. The only cons are the limited shade range and availability. There is no counter at my local mall in Tampa that carries By Terry. I have purchased it in the past from the Dermstore during their 20% off sale event, but it took ordering several shades before I could find a good match for my skin tone (still not a perfect match).

Best For: all year-round

Where To Purchase: You can find this foundation at the Dermstore and can purchase during one of their 20% off sale events

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation (shade: Medium Neutral)

This is the newest member of the stash! Dare I say, the Tarte Rainforest Of The Sea Water Foundation is THE best from the brand yet, the kind of foundation I see myself always going back to and using for years to come. It’s also the only SPF foundation that is clean at Sephora. There is a detailed review here with swatches of several shades, plus a makeup look to show you how this foundation looks on the skin!

Best For: every day, all year-round

Where To Purchase: You can find this foundation at Sephora and on the Tarte website here

Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable Foundation (shade: Sand)

This is an excellent budget buy! It has medium coverage, blends easily and lasts beautifully throughout the day without oxidizing or separating. The finish is very reminiscent of my beloved La Mer Soft Fluid and Armani Luminous Silk foundations. The difference is that La Mer and Armani offer better coverage and some skincare benefits, but of course that’s reflected in the price as well. I have a detailed review with swatches of several shades and a makeup look here.

Best For: every day, particularly best for the warmer months

Where To Purchase: In store at Target and online here

This concludes my current Foundation Files. Typically, foundations have a shelf life of about 2 years, more of the Shelf Life of Beauty Products in a previous post here. Some of the foundations currently on my list of things To Try are the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Foundation, Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation and Guerlain L’Essential.

What about you? What are some of the foundations you’re currently loving and which ones would you like to try?

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