The Foundation That Changed My Mind About Wearing Foundation

I gave up wearing foundation a few years ago when, every time I wore it, someone would inevitably say, “Are you feeling ok? You look a little pale.” I’d also find my combination skin (ahem, super shiny forehead) would inevitably get suffocated by mid-day and I’d feel even more slippery than usual. And how did I get so many eye wrinkles, I ask? Past attempts at using foundation seem to put a spotlight on y’olde crows feet, and I am not cool with that.

And so I’ve been BB Cream woman for years (specifically, Mac Cosmetics’ Prep & Prime BB Cream, which I still dig for its SPF factor and skin-that-looks-like-skin formulation). 

But last week, I tested Charlotte Tilbury’s new Airbrush Flawless Foundation and, um, mind kind of blown. There are 44 different shades that run cool, warm or neutral (I’m a 4 Neutral, apparently) so I don’t get that pale-faced sickly look that’s been a problem in the past. It’s loaded with both hydration boosters for my mid-40s skin, her “Air-Cool” tech that keeps it feeling cool on my face, peptides that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and a matte finish. 

I went to an event that night, and not only did my skin feel like skin (it’s a sweat-proof, waterproof finish) it stayed looking like I’d just applied my makeup. It felt, well, flawless. (Nice work on the name, Charlotte.)

Paired with my new Hot Lips in a berry shade of Amazing Amal that I also couldn’t resist, I’m skintastic right now.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, $53
Available at Nordstrom and charlottetilbury.com