Find Your Perfect Match at Estée Lauder.

In between seasons, also means in between foundations from me. As I need less color and more coverage, this time of year I move away from tinted foundations and look for more from a foundation. I wish I knew this before a dropped a lot of cash trying to find the perfect foundation last week.

I did not know that when visiting an Estée Lauder counter while looking for foundation, I could be matched both for shade and formula and leave the counter with a 10-day supply for free.  You know it is never easy to find the perfect match under the harsh lighting at a department store.  I always like to test out a foundation before purchasing. I like to see that it looks good in all sorts of lighting, both inside and out. Just as important is wear. I like to know that it covers and wears well all day, throughout all my life needs.

Now, if I lived in the New York City area, I would be sure to visit the first of its kind Foundation Fitting Room that Estée Lauder just opened. Located exclusively at Lord & Taylor’s New York City flagship store on 5th Avenue, Estée Lauder teamed up with Philips with a new lighting technology that aids in finding the best shade match. Taking the guesswork out of shade matching, in just two minutes an Estée
Lauder Beauty Advisor will perfectly match skin’s tone, type and shade. It definitely sounds innovative.

Alternatively, Estée Lauder also has a Virtual Foundation Fitting Room where you can shop right at home.  If you are pretty good at matching and know the type of foundations you need, this might be the way to go. If you are near a counter though, I still suggest going to get an in person match and a 10-day supply to truly test it.

How do you look for your perfect foundation match?

A Beautifully Bare Sensation from Lancôme.

During the hotter months of the year, I usually revert to tinted moisturizer for normal daytime use. There are plenty of those days though, that I need more coverage and longer wear. Finding a foundation to do just that has been quite difficult. Until now, that is.

Lancôme recently launched a wonderful new long wearing foundation that  feels like wearing nothing at all. Yes, it is a beautifully bare sensation and it is called Teint Idole Fresh Wear Foundation. It has a built in SPF of 15 too!

"This fresh formula in a convenient tube delivers weightless yet moderate coverage that instantly minimizes the look of pores and imperfections. The complexion remains flawless and shine-free from morning until night – for a full 18 hours – even under humidity and perspiration."

I say, hooray. It really is what I have been searching for in an all-day makeup. Only a small amount is needed for complete coverage too. I mean, the size of a small pea blends out perfectly over my entire face with either a foundation brush or sponge.

Lancôme celebrity makeup artist Sandy Litner explains her feeling for this new beauty: "Teint Idole Fresh Wear Foundation evens out the skin tone and then disappears, like you’re not wearing a foundation. Makeup should look effortless, especially in the casual summer months. Fresh Wear is perfect for this effortless look. It also happens to feel great on the skin.”

Teint Idole is available in a full range of 17 shades and retails for $32.00. Shop for it at your favorite Lancôme counter or online.

*Press sample(s) of the product(s) featured was provided by brand or brand representative for editorial consideration.

Bobbi Brown's NEW Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation.

I used to think that I was on the hunt for the holy grail of foundations. As I get older, though, I realize that I need different foundations for different days. As my skin seems to be constantly changing and I need more coverage and wear on some special days, I am learning to look for a variety of foundations to meet those needs. I cannot wait to try this new one from Bobbi Brown as it seems like it will cover a few needs - the need for a natural looking finish while providing lasting wear.

The formula seems to be well balanced as it is infused with sponge-like powders to absorb excess oil on the surface of the skin, while emollients lock in moisture to ensure skin stays perfectly balanced. The transfer-resistant formula helps create a barrier against heat and humidity for 8 hours of wear, and who doesn't need that? A built in SPF of 15 is a definite plus too.

Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation is available now at Bobbi Brown counters and online. It comes in 20 yellow based shades from Alabaster for super pale skin to Espresso for dark brown tones. I suggest going to a counter for initial purchase to get your perfect shade.