Stay put

I, like many other women, am always on the search for a better foundation. However, my search is made slightly harder by the fact that as a gal in her late 20's, I still sport shiny skin, blemishes, spots of flaming red acne and of course the obligatory patches of dry skin. So you can understand why the term 'combination' when describing what a foundation covers, often falls well short of the mark. All I, and others like me, really want for Christmas and the new year is smooth coverage that hides all the inequities, smooths out the patches and evens the skin tone. That's all.

I was skeptical when the brand new Maybelline SuperStay 24Hr Makeup fell into my hands for a trial. I mean, really, what could it have that the others don't, and for a supermarket price tag? Well, the short answer? Everything. The slightly longer answer?

On day 1 I put it on at about 9 am, and was immediately impressed by how silky smooth my skin felt straight away. The powder-like finish was soft to the touch, and easily blended in. Before my very eyes my skin evened out and blemishes faded away. Still skeptical, I wondered how long the perfect finish could last. Despite its light barely-there feeling on my face, I was sure it would be smudging everywhere, all over my clothes, children, and the husband's jacket. I carried out my normal routines, chasing children, dashing round the supermarket, and even threw in a light jog to really push things. I hugged and kissed and squeezed anyone I knew. And this little beauty stayed true. No slippage, no creases or sweat-lines, no sign of it on men's jackets. I went out that evening without a touch up, and felt confident that all was hidden.

By day 2 I was hooked, but had one test to go. Now I must confess that occasionally when my son is in bed and my daughter is at kindy, I do sneak into my bedroom and curl up in my bed, pulling the covers over my face and sleep deeply, slightly burdened by the guilt of unwashed dishes. So on days like those when I know a nap is in store, I often forego makeup, knowing that my pillows, my face and the sheets will all regret it. Now, hand on heart, with all honesty, there was not one single smudge of foundation on the pillow. Not one smear on the sheets. And my face in the mirror was still ready to hit the shops.

Ladies and well, ladies, Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hr Makeup is my foundation of choice. Micro-Flex Formula, Zero Transfer, 24HR wear, it speaks the truth. It DOES withstand heat, sweat and humidity. It WON'T rub off. It IS flexible, breathable and comfortable. Believe the bottle.

By Rachel Osborne, 24 December 2009
 
I trialled Revlon's new PhotoReady at the most appropriate venue I could think of; where else should one be ready for a photo finish, but the races?

I applied PhotoReady over moisturiser (SPF of course for Auckland's glaring summer light) and was pleased to note that the makeup also contains SPF20, as women don't apply enough of any one product to get a full SPF 20 coverage, so layering is a far safer bet. The range includes a powder and to set your makeup, a translucent finisher.

I put on the powder and slipped the compact into my vintage clutch all ready for the Boxing Day Races. It certainly came in handy on the Cuvee Lawn when after some post-race excitement I needed to touch up my face, and the brush and mirror are perfectly convenient. It's great for occasions you want a flawless look with a heavier coverage and are having photos taken.



Roll up, roll up. You've never seen anything like this.

The first roller applicator foundation has been released by L'Oreal on sale in mid January 2010. The Roll'on True Match Foundation ($41.99)  - reminiscent of a tiny and glam version of a paint roller tray - is a mini roller designed to give a more even finish. Its 'stretching formula' glides over the skin to give a sheerer finish than fingertip or makeup brush application.

I always loved L'Oreal's popular True Match liquid foundation ($39.99) with the blendable shades that you were either a warm, cool or neutral shade in. I liked the little glass bottles it came in, faintly medicinal in appearance. Now they're re-releasing it mid-January 2010 in a pump bottle for no mess dispensing. It remains one of my all time fave liquid foundations for its blendability (yes, a real word) and just the right amount of coverage: no imperfections, but no Mask of Porelessness either. This time around, the formula is enhanced with ultra fine pigments. We think that's just fine.

Megan Robinson, 26 December 2009