.Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation.

You can probably guess from the title, the foundation in question is Illamasqua's new formula, Skin Base Foundation.

This product was released a few weeks ago, and as far as I know it has created a huge storm in the beauty industry. I really wanted to try it straight away, but had no idea what shade I would be, so the minute I got to London I hit Selfridges to get colour matched. Adam Sidwell (international makeup artist who has worked alongside the Pussycat Dolls and has done shoots for Vogue and Elle - impressive! And he was so lovely - always a plus point!) colour matched me to shade 11.

First thing's first, here is Illamasqua's description from their site:

'Inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined formula unlike anything on the UK market. Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage.'

And here is what the packaging looks like:

I really and truly can say this is, hands down, the best foundation I have used since I discovered Estee Lauder's Double Wear a good three years ago. And I will 100% not be using anything else for a long time.

The foundation comes in 18 different shades so you are sure to find one suitable to your skin. I am seriously contemplating buying the whole range when I am qualified - that's how much I like it. Skin base has a gel like texture which I really like, and find quite unique compared to other foundations on the market - maybe that's where the Beauty Balm comparison is coming from? I can't stand runny foundations. You put this on the back of your hand for application and it's not going anywhere. I also really like the packaging - it is a transparent tube, so easy dispensing plus you can tell when you're running low.

I apply it using Illamasqua's 'Blusher Brush 1' which I love for this. It blends and buffs it in like a dream and you really do end up with a flawless finish. I haven't used a primer once and I wore it powder-less all day in London and it still looked pretty good by the end of alot of shopping and tube hopping. I don't need to touch up through the day - I find if I buff my brush over my face halfway through the day it evens out any shiny patches (I have noticed around my mouth is the only place this fades?! Probably me eating too much... haha.)

How do I apply?

- Cleanse, tone and moisturise (ALWAYS do this, no matter what foundation you use).

- Dispense a baked bean size blob on back of hand.

- Using Illamasqua Blusher Brush 1, pick some of the product up and dot over face, cheeks first.

- Swirl and buff foundation into the skin until it is undetectable... Trust me, with this foundation it is undetectable, it just looks beautiful on your skin.

Easy peasy!

Unlike Double Wear, it comes off as easily as it goes on and looks amazing in photographs! I love foundations that look good in photos, and seeing as Illamasqua is designed for HD environments, I only expect the best. The lack of SPF obviously helps this too - no white masks in photos - Hurrah. Here are a couple of pictures of me wearing the foundation - no photoshopping or anything...

Sorry for the random type of photographs, but I thought it best because they were all taken in different lights! As for my lovely friend Sally's 'Chauffer' hat - She is a hero...

The only think I would maybe not agree with, is the fact they are trying to market this as a beauty balm... It is 100% a foundation. And an extremely wonderful one at that, but I would not say it is Beauty Balm. I am not complaining however and my mum did actually ask me this morning if I even had makeup on because my skin looked 'so natural' - always a lovely thing to hear.

I paid £25 for my Skin Base Foundation, and as far as I am concerned I will purchase it for that price again and again. Sorrys NARS Sheer Glow, you've been demoted to the makeup draw for the forseeable future!

Thankyou for reading guys, hope this isn't too 'rambly'! Loads of love, Kate.xx

PS... I have Twitter so follow me to keep up to date with my daily updates and blogging.

@katelambie

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