From the sunny beaches of Florida to 10,000 ft. up in the Colorado Rockies, some of these foundations have traveled the distance with me. Although I like to review foundations individually, I thought you might find it beneficial to see a comparison of those I currently have in the mix, their similarities and differences, when I reach for each, and most importantly which ones I’d repurchase and how to get them at a discount. Here are my Foundation Files featuring La Mer, By Terry, YSL, Armani and Chanel …
Shade: Sand B23 – I have previously raved about this foundation in a separate post here. It’s THE best option I have found for cold, harsh temperatures. I used this foundation during my trip to NYC this past December (see photos here) and during our skiing trip to Colorado last Spring (photos on Instagram @DailyCatL ). It’s very similar in finish to Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk and to Chanel Vitalumiere. In terms of texture, it’s a bit thicker but just as fluid. In my personal experience, Armani Luminous Silk holds a bit better in the hot and humid Florida summers. The La Mer looks great for the first 4 -5 hours, but becomes quite dewey after and requires blotting.
Best for: cold weather in the Fall and Winter.
Where to Purchase: Will definitely repurchase during the Sephora Sale or when online retailer Spring runs a 20% off event.
By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Serum Foundation
Shade: Golden Beige No. 7 – This is my summer foundation, as it holds beautifully during warm weather. I have previously mentioned it in my Luxury Makeup Worth the Splurge post here. It’s similar in finish and texture to Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. However, the By Terry shade range is rather limited. I have tried 4 different shades and Golden Beige was the best match for my summer skin tone (although not an exact match). The shade is still a little yellow on me, but it does blend easily which makes it wearable. Although I really like the ingredients in this foundation, I don’t think I would repurchase. For the price tag, I would expect to find a shade that matches perfectly.
Best for: all year round.
Where to Purchase: You can find this foundation at the Dermstore and can purchase during one of their 20% off sale events.
YSL All Hours Full Coverage Matte Foundation
Shade: Sand B40 – This was the most surprising foundation of them all! I haven’t found any similarities to the foundations I currently have on rotation. The finish is what really sold me on it. See before and after photos here. The YSL All Hours works well all year round, but especially during hot and humid summers. I do find it a touch drying in cold temperatures (39F and below). One solution I’ve found is to mix it with a few drops of facial oil. I like to use my Darphin Vetiver Elixir mentioned in my Cold Weather Approved Beauty Essentials post here or my Elemis Superfood Facial Oil mentioned in my Minimalist Skincare Routine post here.
Best for: hot and humid weather or long days.
Where to Purchase: I would definitely repurchase it during the Sephora Sale as the finish and lasting power are excellent. Nothing holds as well in the hot and humid Florida weather!
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Shade 5.5 – A cult classic and for good reason. It’s the kind of foundation that wears well all year round. The finish is natural and radiant, almost imperceptible to the naked eye. The texture is light and fluid, very similar to Chanel Vitalumiere. It has good coverage and blends like a dream. The coverage is medium. However, because this foundation is so fluid and blends so easily, it’s highly buildable to full coverage without looking cakey. The shade range is fairly extensive, so it’s easier to find an exact match.
Best for: all year round.
Where to Purchase: I would definitely repurchase this foundation during a sale at Sephora or Spring.
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Foundation
Shade: Beige 50 – I purchased this in the duty-free almost two years ago, as that’s the only way you can save on anything Chanel! It’s one of the few foundations I own that comes in plastic packaging (although not cheap-looking), the other one being the Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Aqua Nude reviewed here. The Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua has a thick cream-like consistency, similar to the Chanel Les Beige, but that melts beautifully onto the face. The finish is very natural, a soft radiant matte. The coverage is medium to full.
Best for: all year round.
Where to Purchase: I would definitely repurchase this foundation in the duty-free. But Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are great options as well (although not free of sale tax), as their customer service and return policies are some of the best I’ve experienced. If you decide to purchase from Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus, I would suggest using Ebates, that’s another way to save a little.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Shade: No. 30 – I used to wear this foundation only in the summer, before discovering the By Terry Terryby Densiless and the YSL All Hours. The finish is a true matte and I personally find it a little harsh on my complexion. It makes my skin look dull and lackluster. I have found that the spf from my sunscreen counteracts some of the mattifying effect, making this foundation more wearable for me. The coverage is medium to full and the texture is that of a thicker cream. In my personal experience, this foundation is not easily buildable as it tends to look a little cakey. One solution is to mix it with a fluid serum, such as the Maya Chia Highlight of the Day Illuminating Serum reviewed here, which increases the blendabiltiy.
Best for: hot and humid weather.
Where to Purchase: I would not repurchase this foundation. But if you’re curious, I would suggest trying it out at Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus.
Chanel Vitalumiere Moisture-Rich Radiance Foundation
Shade: Natural Beige 41 – I’ve been using this foundation for years!! It’s one of the very first high-end foundations I’d ever tried! The finish is luminous and dewey, but it doesn’t give me that greasy, sweaty look. It’s lightweight and has a beautiful, your flawless second skin-type finish, similar to the La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation. The texture is incredibly fluid, making this foundation easily buildable to full coverage without looking cakey.
Best for: all year round, especially in the colder months.
Where to Purchase: Since Chanel is never on sale and this foundation is similar to the La Mer foundation which I love and can buy at 20% off, I don’t think I would repurchase this foundation. But Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus are great resources as you can easily return if you’re not happy.
So, these are my current foundation files. Typically, foundations have a shelf life of about 2 years, more of the Shelf Life of Beauty Products in a previous post here. I am trying to finish some of my older foundations such as the Chanel ones and make room for new ones. Two of the foundations I’m excited to try are newly reformulated Armani Face Fabric and the Charlotte Tilbury ones.
What about you? What are some of the foundations you’re currently loving and which ones would you like to try?
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
I bookmarked this post 🙌🏼 I want to purchase the LaMer as my next foundation buy and waiting for a sale to take advantage of.
You’re a genius when it comes to all this breakdown 👏🏼😍 thank you so kindly for always being super detailed and fabulous
Thank you, Anxhela. So glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful. Hope you get a chance to try the La Mer foundation! It’s perfect for the wintertime! ~ Cat L.
Hello and thanks for the fascinating glimpse into your high end foundations stash. After reading the article, I am going to ask for a sample of YSL All Hours and test it. I am curious whether it is as good to me as my own HG foundations are: Estee Lauder Double Wear and Diorskin Forever. Hugs and have a great weekend!
Thank you Daphne for stopping by. I think you would love the YSL All Hours. I remember from our talks on Instagram that you mentioned you have combo skin. This foundation is a great option, especially heading into Spring and Summer. Keep me posted! ~ Cat L.
Your recommendation Cat are always on point, and you are so right foundation is the ideal pick me up of tired dry skin. Thatsbme pretty much these days.
I have never tried Lamer but would love too. Thanks for sharing and taking time to create such beautiful pics for us.
Esnath @ http://www.prettypeachblossom.com
Thank you Esnath. Hope you get a chance to try the La Mer! It’s the best option I’ve found for wintertime! ~ Cat L.
I have not yet tried By Terry Foundations and I’m so curious about them! I am a huge fan of Armani and YSL foundations too and the La Mer is quickly becoming a favorite! Thank you for the break down & swatches!
xx
Dom
Thank you for stopping by, Dom. I think you would love the By Terry, plus it has some antiaging skincare benefits. It’s been difficult to find a good match, but the formula is excellent! ~ Cat L.
This is such a wonderful review and comparison of all these different foundations Cat! I love that you highlighted when they’re best suited as well, because weather and climate can really effect our skin and the products we use. The Giorgio Armani one has been on my wishlist for a while, but now you have me wanting to try the La Mer foundation as well. Will definitely need to see if I can test them at my local Sephora the next time I’m there!
Jenny | Geeky Posh
Thank you, Jenny! So glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful! ~ Cat L.
Hi, Cat! I recently discovered your site and I am OBSESSED! Judging by your posts, it seems like our skin-tone is more-or-less the same, as I, too, am in the shade 50 in the vitalumiere aqua (though I am a shade 50 in the Les Beiges Healthy Glow). I am keen on purchasing the La Mer Soft Fluid and was also matched to shade 23 Sand. But the shade seemed comparably light next to my Chanel vitalumiere. Do all these foundations match you perfectly? Thanks heaps!
Thank you for stopping by and for the kind words! So happy you’re enjoying my posts. Of all the foundations i have, the one that matches my skin tone the best is the La Mer one in the shade B23 Sand. It’s a foundation that melts into the skin and is nearly imperceptible to the naked eye. I highly recommend trying it. You can also ask for several samples in different shades and see how the colors look on you throughout the day! Hope this helps. ~ Cat L.