Who says you can’t take years off and conceal dark spots, wrinkles and blemishes with the right foundation? Our beauty editor shares her best anti-ageing foundations… and trust us, they work!
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Whether you’re struggling with inflammation, fine lines and wrinkles or dry, dull lacklustre skin, all these skin ailments make your skin look older and more tired.
That’s the bad news. But the good news is, there’s a whole new range of high-tech foundations on the market to treat just about any skincare problem. And we’re not talking about expensive creams or serums, we’re talking about the best make up for concealing wrinkles that’s packed with the latest anti-ageing ingredients.
Focus on a flawless foundation
It’s more essential that skin looks great, because when it looks its best, you have the right “canvas” for your eyes and lips and cheeks.
Whatever else you’re drawing attention to, a smooth, flawless complexion will only enhance your make up.
Many of today’s foundations are just about as light, yet covering as it gets.
Aim to cover blemishes with a touch of concealer and give a light layer of anti-ageing foundation to everything else – creating a base over the skin, eyelids, nose and mouth.
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Try these 5 fabulous foundations to treat your skincare concerns:
The one that cools and calms
Whatever the reason you’re feeling flushed – hormones, rosacea etc, try a foundation, powder combination. The creamy, yet lightweight texture makes it easy to apply, its light enough for all-day wear, and covers up imperfections and blemishes thanks to pigments that reflect the light.
If you suffer with oiliness, coverage might need topping up, but when the compact’s this nifty and portable, you probably won’t mind.
Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup, R505, Red Square
The one that banishes oiliness
If your base goes AWOL by the afternoon and is superseded by shine, you need a sheer, hard-working foundation on your side.
Look for one that contains tiny particles which will absorb excess oil before it reaches the surface of your skin. You’ll also need one that’s highly pigmented, so really stays put, yet doesn’t look at all chalky.
L’Oréal Infallible 24H-Matte Foundation, R230, Clicks
The one that quenches dryness
Dry, flaky foundation that sinks into lines is your skin’s way of saying “I’m thirsty!” The new dewy foundations with a smooth, silky texture are just the tonic. They contain hydrating ingredients to plump and balance the skin, leaving you with a beautiful glow.
Revlon Colorstay Whipped Crème Makeup, R329, Red Square
The one for amazing radiance
The best way to achieve that dewy glow is to use a treatment foundation that contains an anti-ageing serum formulation. The texture should be silky, and the finish so light and dewy that skin looks lit up from within.
We also love foundations with a dropper dispenser as they deliver just the right amount of foundation, so there’s no wastage. If you want high coverage, these probably aren’t for you – otherwise, they’re genius.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40, R845, Edgars
The one that let’s skin breathe
Thick foundation leads to clogged pores and stuffy skin. A “caked look” can also make fine lines and wrinkles stand out more.
If you’d like full coverage, but want a lightweight formula, look for a foundation that has an oil-free base. BB creams are ideal for this. The texture must be almost watery-light at first, but then dry to a fine, matte finish.
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35, R535, Woolworths
