Truth be told, I have yet to find a drugstore foundation that I would use everyday. One thing is for sure though: drugstore products are getting better and better with each release! Take for instance the Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse (P599). This is a watery foundation that gives a demi-matte, natural finish while feeling light on skin. It promises to give an airbrush finish and it can do that with the right brush.

Coverage and finish. The Maybelline Liquid Mousse is a nice daily foundation that has light to medium coverage. It's sheer on the first layer, so I recommend that you use a minimum of two generous layers if you need medium coverage. If you just want to even out and brighten up your skin, one layer would be enough.

This can cover minor blemishes and light eye bags if you use a generous amount. The finish is very natural - not completely matte, I think, since it has a hint of dewiness to it. It would be great to use during events when you'd be heavily photographed. It doesn't have SPF and is quite photogenic with its demi-matte coverage!

It's been a while since I reviewed a foundation, no? I've been so enamoured with my favorites that I haven't been exploring outside of the things I already have. That's perfectly fine, of course, but I'm a beauty blogger. I'm all about options for you guys, which is why this week I'll be talking about five foundations worth looking into. You just might find a new favorite!

Let me begin with a drugstore product: the BYS Minerals Naturale Compact Foundation (P699). I liked it as soon as I swatched it - it had this pearlescent sheen and a silky, smooth texture, two qualities that mark a good foundation. I'm quick to judge when swatching foundation, and I'm happy to say that I made a good call in buying this one!

There was a time when flawless makeup involved layers and layers of products on the face. Sure our skin was smothered in all that gunk, but the result looked convincingly pretty enough that we didn't mind. Thanks to technology though we have all these new face bases. They successfully cut down on the amount of liquids and powders that we need to combine to get that naturally gorgeous skin effect. 

One such base is the new Clinique Even Better Powder Makeup SPF 25/PA+++ (P1,950). This is a light to medium coverage powder foundation that promises  luminous, porcelain-like radiance that would give the skin a youthful look. That's a lot to promise, but I believe it delivers! I only wish it offers better staying power for long-haul days, but to its credit it's also a great retouch powder due to its super smooth, satiny texture.

That texture is really something. It's so fine that according to Clinique's Marketing Manager, they weren't able to stamp the logo on the surface of the powder! You'll notice that other Clinique compacts have that ubiquitous stamp. Even Better doesn't have that because it falls apart. To the touch, it feels creamy, almost (though not quite) liquid. It applies as a powder.

How many foundations do you have and whats your current fave? - ManilaJen

Hi Jen! Fab question. I love foundation, and even on good skin days I still prefer to wear a little. It really helps enhance the skin, to take it to the next level of flawlessness not humanly possible. Well maybe it's possible if you have genes the aliens would like to keep in storage but that's beside the point. Foundation can make skin look even better and hey, I'll take that any day!

Currently, I have 22 foundations in my collection (I forgot to add the Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme and the Age Defy since I can't seem to find them!). I don't use all this all the time - I still have exactly one face - and there are a few that I haven't actually tried yet. But I do like to rotate. I use only light foundation if I'm stepping out, and the long-wearing, heavy ones are reserved for special events.

I regularly cut down on my foundations. If something isn't my shade or if the formula does not suit me, I give it away to someone who would appreciate it better (after I've reviewed it). I honestly hate things going to waste!

I'm sure you've already seen the raves about the Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream (P1,550) from the other beauty bloggers. No question about it, this stuff is da cheese! It's a great face base for two reasons: the flawless satiny finish and color match (at least on me). It's also the first BB cream I've encountered that has no SPF whatosever.

While other BB creams focus on skincare claims and sun protection, the Fairydrops Candy Bar is all about perfecting the skin. A Japanese newscaster, who needed something that will look good on harsh studio lighting, is credited for helping formulate it. It's supposed to have micro-gold pigments and soft focus powder in the waterproof formula.

Here's what I think!

What I love about the product

• It makes my skin look fantastic. Not just good or nice, but fantastic both in person and on camera. It has light to medium coverage, which evens out my skintone well. It won't cover major blemishes or acne but it can give brighter-looking skin.
• This has no perceptible shimmer. It has a satin finish which means that it's not glowy or dewy; more like matte but with a bit of fresh lustre to it. Like real skin.

I've always thought of BB creams as just another form of foundation. Most of them have pretty good coverage already, but of course with the added SPF and skincare properties that can't be found in your usual bottle of face makeup. It's a marvelous idea for women who need multi-tasking products - who doesn't want their sunscreen, serum, moisturizer, primer, and coverage in one bottle? Provided that there's a good shade match that is.

One of the latest BB creams to hit the market is the Etude House Precious Mineral BBdation (P848 / with applicator P1,678). It's an out-and-out foundation that promises "zero defect skin", whitening, and anti-wrinkle. Let's go back to the zero defect skin part. What? Is that even possible? Well not really! However this does a bangin' job making skin look great. It doesn't cover dark blemishes but it blurs out lighter ones and fills in pores/ minor wrinkles as well, thus delivering a super smooth finish. You'll see a photo later.

Texture. It's a bit mousse-y, surprisingly. It applies thinly and is very emollient so I'm inclined to think that it moisturizes skin. You will only need one full pump to cover your whole face, which makes it economical.

Oooh my first time to try Laneige! Other bloggers have raved about the brand so naturally I want to see what the fuss is about. That said, I got the Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion (P1,950 with refill) a few weeks ago and have been using it every so often. Not as often as I would like, to be honest, only because I chose the wrong shade. 

First off, this is not foundation. Laneige primarily describes it as a whitening product with SPF which is pretty much how many BB creams are. The Snow BB provides just enough coverage to even out skin and give it a dewy glow, but it won't hide blemishes or pimples you might have. It's really more of a tinted makeup base that anything else.

Here's a quick rundown!

What I love about the product

• Gives a dewy, super natural finish on skin. It doesn't look like makeup because it's sheer and allows your real skin to show.
• Has SPF50 PA+++. That's a pretty good number if you're looking for extra sun protection!

I love the VMV Skintangible, but as fantastic as it is it has limitations due to it being a tinted moisturizer at best. Girls who are looking for better coverage, shade match, and higher SPF may not find it compelling enough. But never worry! Skintangible has a grown-up sister who can take all the heavy lifting: the VMV Hypoallergenics Skin Savvy 60 Foundation (P1,840).

This foundation is exactly like Skintangible in terms of packaging and how it's dubbed to be 75% free of common allergens. But that's where the similarity stops. Skin Savvy is a cream foundation with SPF60, six available shades, and full coverage. It lasts fairly well under the tropical heat, too! Just set it with loose powder and you're done.

However, because of these "extra" features, Skin Savvy has some down sides.

I'm in a contemplative mood today. I've just been thinking about responsibility and what it truly means. The hardest way to learn it is when something needs to be done, you don't want to do it, but there's no one else so you get on your knees and get to work. You are not truly responsibly for something unless it's a thing you have to do completely alone.

My, what heavy words to start the week! Back to makeup. I want to talk about a really nice foundation I've been test-driving for a while now - the Human Heart Nature Perfect Coverage Mineral Foundation (P475). It's 100% mineral makeup, it's pressed, and it has heavy coverage! Products like this usually cost a pretty shiny penny, but thanks to Human Heart Nature it's now affordable and easily available.

Here's what I think about the foundation!

What I love about the product

• It delivers medium to heavy coverage while only requiring a bit of product. It's heavily pigmented, not chalky at all, so opacity is easy to achieve.
• Smooth, matte finish evens out minor imperfections and discoloration. My skin looks like a doll's whenever I wear it!

I work mainly from home, as you know, but there are days when I am rushing all over the place. Contrary to popular belief I do have a life and a real job! Lol. One example: I went to the Ferretti office in Marikina to coordinate with one of our suppliers for a shoot. Afterwards, I went to Eastwood with my Ferretti boss to meet my Pinkbox boss to talk about stuff. Then, I headed to The Spa with my Pinkbox boss to try Barre3 (easier than Plana Forma btw). 

These women, I swear, are more of a riot than I am! They are hyper all the time! They are also my pegs in life.

Suffice it to say, I am haggardo versoza that day. It was super hot too so I was sweating buckets. However, I am very happy to report that my foundation didn't quit on me even after the Barre3 work out! Care to know what it is?

Ta-dah! It's the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation (P2,650). This foundation is specifically formulated for Asian skin, with a lot of consideration for our hot and humid weather. As far as I am aware this is available in Asia for now. That says a lot about Bobbi Brown's dedication to the needs of a specific market, don't you think?

Anyway, here are my thoughts on this foundation after using it for a few weeks!

What I love about the product  

• Delivers an uber-smooth, flawless, and heavy coverage that doesn't look like a thick mask. Just remember to set it with a sheer translucent powder instead of your normal pressed powder / foundation powder; otherwise, your makeup will already look too heavy.

BB or blemish balm creams have gone a long way. From being overly thick and white just a few years ago, they have now evolved into light textured semi-foundations that come in different shades. Everybody wins, really! 

Today I'll be reviewing the Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream (P798). It's a nice BB cream with heavy coverage and the lasting power of your average liquid foundation. No, it can't be categorized as tinted moisturizer. It's a nice brightening foundation that comes in four shades which can accommodate Pinay skin.

What I love about the product

• It delivers an even, smooth finish that looks like skin. It has brightening properties so you get a glowy finish!
• Medium to heavy coverage with only a small amount.
• Has SPF30 PA++! Pretty good sun protection, so even if you only use a little, you still get adequate cover from the sun.

There's a lot of buzz surrounding a new foundation, the one called the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup ($34/ P1,900 locally). It sounds like the foundation to beat! It promises to feel like tinted moisturizer but with the coverage of foundation. It also has vitamins E and C combined with antioxidants to help brighten skin.

I just got mine yesterday after my meet-and-greet with Maggie and Annie, and I am so excited to use this in the next few days! It's not even out in the US yet, and in the Philippines, the target release is April.

What do I think about it? I was wowed the first time I used it, that's what! It has coverage but it lets my skin peek through. It doesn't look and feel like makeup at all, due to its very light, watery texture.

You better see it to believe it!

The shade I'm using, Petal, is two shades lighter than my actual skintone.

Good Monday morning to you! Say hi to Nikki, who shall be talking about the latest L'Oreal foundation to hit the Philippines!

I’m a BB cream fan and I have been using BB creams for a while now, mainly because they are the most economic choice for me. Not only do they cover blemishes and make your skin dewy and delightful but they also offer additional perks like sunscreen and whitening (I’m not really big on whitening but hey, why not).

However, as my life is pretty hectic and demanding (and I have yet to master the art of time management), I’ve been searching for a better form of foundation because BB creams, like liquid foundation, can be a little time consuming and tedious to use. Musing on that thought, I realized that powder foundation is the easiest foundation to apply. I swear, we women go through so much to get perfect skin, but as Liz puts it, “You can call it vanity but I call it survival”. 

As my beauty guru and close friend, I told Liz about my predicament and she told me to try L’Oreal’s White Perfect Pearl Duo Powder Foundation (P995 / P795 refill only). I was really excited to use it because the packaging was really cute and it came with a highlighter too!

I fancy myself as a foundation expert (humor me) because I've tried a goodly number of that stuff. I've lost count, but I've narrowed it down to six foundations which I consider are the best I've used to date. They're the ones I keep coming back to because of their superb formula and finish. That's not to say that the other ones I've raved about before are not good ha; they're just not the best.

Anyway, here's a list of my favorite foundations of all time! Do click the links to read the full review of each product. I use these regularly depending on where I'm going and what I'm doing so I'll explain that.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. Yeah you should've seen this coming! Still one of the best there is for me. It has a satin, flawless finish that covers all my skin's sins. It's also so economical that a bottle can last you for more than a year even with regular use.

Last week I actually found out that I still have 20-25% of this stuff left in the bottle, which is mind blowing considering I bought this on September 2010.

I use this when...It's my all-around foundation, especially when my skin is terrible.

Are you a makeup snob? I wouldn't call myself one because I do use drugstore brands that do wonderful things for the price. However, in my experience, the more expensive products tend to work better than their affordable counterparts. That's why I would rather save my money and spend it on big-ticket beauty items if I'm going to have to buy a specific type of product anyway.

Take foundation, for instance. The best foundation I've ever tried hurt my wallet pretty badly, but it was one of my best buys ever. I have found that foundation is something that's difficult to get right so the good ones tend to cost a really pretty penny. That's why I kinda don't know why I purchased the Tony Moly Baby Doll BB DollFoundation, because it's just P398. I didn't know exactly what I expected from it!

Well, I was impressed when I swatched it in the store and thought it was quite interesting. The clincher though was the fact that Tony Moly was new and I want to try something new. Good thing that this foundation is actually a nice product so I feel that my 400 bucks went to the right place.

Coverage and finish. I wouldn't call the Tony Moly BB Doll Foundation a proper "foundation" though. It's really more of a BB cream or tinted moisturizer to me, judging by the texture and coverage.

The Shiseido Supplist Poreless Powder Foundation was my HG foundation for a while. I think I used up two or three pans of it before moving on my current favorite! While I wouldn't mind buying this foundation again for lazy days or as setting powder on top of liquid foundation (when I really need coverage), the Supplist has sadly been discontinued last year. 

Now, its younger, flashier sister has appeared on the makeup scene - the Majolica Majorca Skin Remaker Pore Cover Foundation (P895/refill while the case is ~P500). The quality and finish of this foundation reminds me so much of the Shiseido Supplist, and it's not a surprise really. Shieseido makes Majolica Majorca after all! 

The main difference between the two would be the better powder quality and coverage of the Shiseido Supplist. Otherwise, I'd say that the Skin Remaker Pore Cover is a cheap dupe of its pricy sister.

What I love about the product 

• Delivers a very smooth, flawless finish.
• Coverage is light to medium. I recommend applying this wet if you want heavier coverage.

I've said this once and I'll say it again: Clinique makes some of the best foundations out there. The brand has a foundation for your major skin concerns, and the lasting power + finish are always amazing. My top Clinique foundation favorites are the Perfect Real Compact Makeup and the Superfit Makeup because they give the most natural finish that actually looks like my skin. They're second only to my Holy Grail foundation, the NARS Sheer Glow.

Anyway, today I'll talk about another favorite, the Clinique Supermoisture Makeup. It's Clinique's version of the tinted moisturizer, but without the limitations that usually comes with TMs. Convenient moisturizers that provide coverage are everywhere now - some of them cleverly called BB creams - but the main problem with these is that the shade selection and coverage are very limited. Not so with the Clinique Supermoisture Makeup!

What I love about the product

• I skip moisturizer when I use this! That's one step slashed from my makeup routine. You know I love the Clinique Moisture Surge, but sometimes I'm in a rush and I prefer to skip it.
• Light to medium coverage. It covers redness and light blemishes.
• Has a glowy, natural finish, as if I'm not wearing any makeup.