I find that I tend to think about how well it spreads across my skin and how many lines are visible when used with a brush! I will also notice if it tends to cling to any dryness.
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I have a couple of problems areas which tend to highlight potential foundation fails; my red nose and the skin around my marionette lines. I can usually tell from initial application if a foundation will hold on my nose without pitting or if it is going to pool into my lines around my mouth.
Smell, whether it oxidizes, and whether it settles into fine lines.
1.) Even, medium to full coverage without looking cakey with an excellent skin tone match and depth.
2.) Skin-like instead of flat matte.
3.) Can outlast 110°+F heat with 60°+ dewpoint!
4.) No oil breakthrough.
5.) Doesn’t cling in an unflattering way to dry patches
6.) Does NOT pool in my pores and deep expression lines!!! (Because that just looks awful having little pale polka dots on my nose and inner cheek areas!)
Obviously, I’m very picky!
Consistency (I don’t like too runny foundations), texture, how easy is to apply and blend (since I mostly use my fingers to apply it), how it settles on my skin and fine lines, how it oxidizes on my skin (all foundations oxidize at least one shade on me 😅).
I prefer a thin / serum type of foundation. It has to glide on my skin and blend easily. I want a luminous finish light to medium coverage. It cannot settle funny in my pores .. has to have a smooth texture/finish on my skin. Must play nice with my other make up and powder and it must wear down nicely through the day without looking tacky caky or kinda nasty on my skin.
Having purchased and tried a couple of new foundations this year – these are the things I noticed:
1. Is it a true porcelain shade with pink undertones?
2. The consistency and texture – too thick, too thin – easy to apply to my face
3. Is it a semi matte to matte finish – I don’t want to look like a shiny disco ball
4. Does it settle into my fine lines
5. Does it even out my skin tones.
6. Does it last all day, including some very hot weather.
Is it oxidizing to an unsightly grey, orange or a few shades darker?
Is it pooling in pores giving me the polka dot look?
Is it melding into the skin or just sitting on top looking artificial and caked?
Is it clinging to dry areas?
Is it blurring or augmenting textured areas?
Is it creasing or settling into lines or wrinkles?
Does it stick to my nose or separate?
Ease of application, as in does it require excessive blending or buffing?
I notice if it creases in my forehead lines or makes my pores stand out. I also notice if it covers my melasma or not but not a requirement just shows coverage and also if it feels gooey after applying requiring powdering. I can’t stand a wet feel constantly on my face and love a nice self setting foundation such as Chanel les beiges.
I stipple with a brush and then go over with my target sponge as I don’t like heavy application.