GURL, if someone took away my bottle of Laura Mercier’s Flawless Fluide Foundation, I would go full-on Walking Dead Ricksanity on that @ss, improv shiv and ALL. It is the business. It’s been my can’t-live-without-it foundation for months.
It’s my go-to foundation for pics because it covers everything and mellows out my pores (cue blessed makeup angels harmoniously singing). I also grab it whenever I’m in the mood for a matte finish (can even skip powder).
Lightweight? Yup. Comfortable? Uh-huh. Doesn’t break me out? Yes, yes, YES! And it comes in a ton of shades. I wear the one called Chai, as in “Oh, CHAI!” or, “I’ll have a venti pumpkin soy chai latte please, hold the foam.”
I’m still a MAC Face & Body fan/fiend 4-Life, but I like having another holy grail foundation I can turn to. Sometimes I’ll even layer both of them, applying MAC Face & Body all over my face with my fingers, then blending Flawless Fluide on my cheeks, nose and around my chin (where I like to have more coverage) with a Beauty Blender — which totally helps with Flawless Fluide, by the way, which can look super matte. The BB makes it look really natural.
What foundation have you been wearing, and are you happy with it? Tell me all about it!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Agata says
Well, as you know I have been loving Face&Body as well. But for fuller coverage I still turn to my holy grail Revlon ColorStay foundation.
Bella says
My favourite actual foundation (because I’m more a tinted moisturiser/bb cream girl) is still Nars Sheer Glow; sue me, I’m boring. I mix 2/3 Stromboli with 1/3 Syracuse.
But dahlin’, since you posted dissing Tom Ford’s Traceless Perfecting Foundation I remembered that I had it and I’ve been using it and loving it!! The colour Tawny matches me straight up, no mixing, and the stuff lasts for absolute ever on my face, much longer than Sheer Glow!! I actually think I’m going to use this up, and Sheer Glow and a long-ago long forgotten Bobbi Brown foundation are the only ones I’ve ever used up. So there :p.
scrapgalgr says
Estée Lauder Double Wear mixed with L’oreal Lumi Magique (DW is too uncomfortable by itself, dry skin gal here!)
Tina says
Those two are my favorites to mix up… The Lumi makes the DW look awesome!!
Karen says
I heard great things about both of these. This sounds like a combo I need to try ASAP! Do you gals use primer beforehand? ‘Cause I haz pores.
Tina says
I have dry skin so I have to moisturize like crazy before I even wear the DW. So no, I’ve never tried it with a primer. I imagine it would just increase the staying power for the oily/combo girls. But it really is a good mix and finish!
Mehak says
Plz tell did it work really well, though i have an oily skin but even in summers DW is too dry for me for first few hours and if i try wearing over sth else, it cakes n oxidizes. Plz help me if u know the solution
Ashleigh says
Pumpkin soy chai latte is a thing? Sounds heavenly ☆_☆
I have been wearing my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer a lot but the shade has become too dark for my skin now so I just bought MUFE high def foundation and I love the texture of it. Not sure if it’s perfection in a pump yet since I’ve only had it two days but I’m loving it so far! I would like to try that foundation you have but the sephora near me doesn’t have LM (criminal!) So I have to drive extra far for shade matching. It’s on da ~list though!
Karen says
Hi Ashleigh,
Yes! It’s a real thing. I get mine from Starbucks. 🙂
I hope you try Laura’s foundation soon. It is THE BEST!
Erin says
I really like NARS TM but I don’t have a foundation that I would swear by.
Divya says
I keep forgetting how much I love face and body! I have been loving Jouer’s Matte moisture tint recently!
Tina says
This is also another one that if you mix it with EL DW you get an amazing finish that will last all day!
Angela says
Between YSL touche éclat and hourglass immaculate I just don’t know. I get the longest wear from hourglass but ysl looks so natural and the color adjusts to my skin tone. It’s a tough pick.
Katie says
With your co-sign, Karen, and the many glowing reviews I’ve read elsewhere about the LM foundation, I really want to try it! But with the slight tan I got this summer, I want to wait for my skin to return to its usual color before doing so. (Plus, I’ve really enjoyed not wearing foundation this summer…!) Which shades do you recommend for an Asian, neutral-toned NC20 and NC25
Karen says
Hi Katie,
Maybe Honey or Dusk? I hope you give this foundation a go. It’s seriously one of the best ones out there right now!
Katie says
Thanks for the rec, Karen! It’s such a pain having to filter through/select foundation shades and having to test each one out for a day (indoors, outdoors, in photos, etc.), so let’s hope this one works out.
Ruchita says
I ran out of my Makeup Forever HD foundation a while ago, so I’ve went back to trying Revlon Colorstay. It’s pretty good for a drugstore foundation. I’ve also been using L’Oreal True Match here and there. Although once I get through these, I’ll probably go back to my MUFE. It’s my fave!
Alex says
I’ve been really boring lately and resorting back to the good old L’Oreal True Match. I find that the best way to compare it is to a toast – yes, a toast, because it’s not the most delicious food in the world but it’s still satisfying and you can eat it at anytime. In the same way True Match is not a HG foundation but it’s just a good foundation for a reasonable price. I usually love EL Double Wear and MUFE HD foundations but since I had to move to France to work for a while, I just really didn’t want to be spending big bucks on a foundation that might end up not even making it with me to my destination (last time I was flying from Paris the pump from my MUFE HD broke and the whole thing leaked 🙁 and I kept it in my hand luggage!)
Rachel P. says
I have been turning to my drugstore foundations lately, and as always, I love my L’Oreal True Match super blendable liquid foundation (shade W3 Nude beige) for medium to full coverage. I can also sheer it out if I spray my brush with water or use an extra-damp beauty blender. For sheer, satin-finish coverage, I have also been going to the L’Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder foundation. I didn’t like it at first because I thought it was just too sheer, but I’ve discovered it’s actually pretty buildable (up to medium) and I love it. So those two (coincidentally in the same brand) have been my daily go-to’s.
HOWEVER. I would absolutely love to try the Laura Mercier Flawless Fluide. Your reviews on that have been amazing, and I have not purchased a new high-end foundation in a while!
Angela says
Katie, I s#|} you not, shell. That’s what I wore when I had a tan. Their lightest color is too dark for me when I’m my normal nc15.
Katie says
Wow, I’ll keep the oxidation aspect in mind! Karen suggested another two shades, so I’ll just have to be discerning. Thanks for the rec, Angela!
Lisa says
I am currently using Pur Minerals 4 in 1 pressed mineral foundation. It’s OK. don’t hate it, don’t love it. I am done with BB’s and CC’s. they either break me out, or they might as well be plain old moisturizer. I was in love with Clinique’s Stay Matte Oil Free Foundation, but could never get a good color match. I either looked deadly pale, or like I was wearing bronzer, and not in a good way. It is really hard to find a medium coverage foundation, oil free, that goes on feeling like nothing, but wears 8-10 hrs. Luckily I work from home, but when I do travel for work, I am always running to the mall searching for foundation…….
Esther says
Estee Lauder Double Wear for over 14 years now…:-p I have been cheating with all kinds of different brands but they can never equal Double Wear for me:)
Casey says
I love Face&Body – I’ve been using it for years. I am currently using the new liquid foundation by Bare Minerals. It’s called, Bare Skin, and I really like it. I think it’s because I’m only using a few drops every day and it gives me light to medium coverage. Getting a color match is tricky, I went to my local Ulta and tried out a few shades. The brush for the foundation is great, but not sure it’s completely necessary.
Sara says
Benefit’s Liquid Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow in I’m Pure For Sure Ivory. Best foundation I’ve ever personally used. This was a pretty expensive makeup purchase for me, but it was so totally worth it! & a little bit goes a long way! I love it!
Natalie says
I’ve been obsessed with the Becca Ultimate Cover. It’s a bit like the LM you’re loving (which I also love). It’s matte, lightweight and high coverage. It’s a bit thicker than the LM Flawless Fluide but I find it doesn’t catch on dry patches as much.
Kylie says
I am loving MUFE Mat Velvet Plus! Love the full coverage and it’s good on my dry cheeks, which, with the winter coming, are about to become a major problem.
txabela says
I am using the Maybelline Better skin. Have 3 shades: cameo, ivory and nude and I am happiest when using the first one:Cameo.
Also happy that is the cheapest I have had for a while since I have used and tested Chanel Vitalumiere, Clinique, Armani luminous silk, Dior, Lancome, Kat von etc but somehow this little number satisfies my needs to almost perfection … for the moment!
Vanessa says
It cosmetics CC cream! Looks great all day and doesn’t break me out!
EM says
Me, too.
Karen says
I have to try this! I’m on an It Cosmetics kick right now.
Jill says
Love this CC Cream!!
Tina says
Girl, you are not th eonly one in LOVE with LM’s Flawless foundation…. I LOVE THE STUFF… I have it in 3 different colors I love it so much!! 🙂 Another one I have in rotation is the Arbonne foundation… I love that one too. Haven’t been able to put it down.
Andee says
For many, many years I used Clinique’s Super Balanced then Stay Matte, but once I hit 30 Idk my skin changed or their formula, it just didn’t work the same. I landed back to MAC Studio Fix which I had tried years ago and at the time it was not available in my area and they didn’t have online sales(yup a looooong time ago!)and I still love it! Great coverage, buildable, I do not break out with it.
Isabella says
I have such a problem finding a good liquid foundation! Everything just makes by combination (dry/ oily) skin look like cracked desert in some places and a shiny mess in others. if anyone have a good recommendation on what to use?
For now i’m sticking with mineral foundation from Tikei. It only has 5 ingredients and my skin likes it, but it takes so much time to apply mineral foundation!
Miki says
I have this problem also. But, do you use a primer? I have to use a mattifying primer for my crazy oily skin in my T zone. Regardless, most foundations go all cakey and splotchy looking on me. I was so relieved to find Physicians Formula Organic CC Cream. It works amazing on me. It’s obviously not total all out full coverage, but it is buildable and the coverage is still medium with the first layer. (I’m not looking for a cake face of makeup, just a nice cover of my imperfections). And bonus, it’s always on sale, and it has lots of great ingredients for skin!
Isabella says
Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll try it!When I use mineral foundation I don’t use primer cause I don’t feel like I have to. Just use a good amount of my moisturizer. Mattifying primers work for a while but seams to make it worse after that. Right now I’m adding oils and more moisture to my skin care routine to see if that helps. It feels like my face is telling me it needs som good oils 😉
MonicaP says
I may have to check out your recommendations .. I’m wearing Makeup Forever HD and think is .. ok. I also have Estee Lauder’s Double wear and find that too heavy .. so currently not thrilled with my foundation.
Monica.
Tracy says
My go to has been Urban Decay Naked Skin. It’s lightweight, covers redness, evens out my skin tone and it wears all day on me. A little goes a long way too.
KK says
Hey girl! So I love Channel vitaluimiere but I’m ready to try something new, I also really like the tarte Amazonian bb. Face and body is the bomb, but I feel like I go through it really fast because I build it up to full coverage with my beauty blender.
Have you played with the Bobbi Brown new stick foundation? It’s next on my list!
Karen says
Hi KK,
I’ve worn it before and like it. It does tend to look dewy on me though (but I like that).
Ame says
I keep going back to the Lancome Tient Idole 24 hour whatever its called. I wear the lightest shade they offer. The best color match I ever had was a Laura Mercier Oil Free but then they reformulated the line and the color changed and it’s less “olive” than it was before. I used to mix a pump of that into the Lancome and it was perfect colorwise and then would actually stay put all day, whereas the LM on it’s own didn’t last an hour.
But the Lancome actually sets up great on it’s own and stays all day.
Majick says
I have a million foundations in rotation – it’s sick. I guess my all time favorite is IT Cosmetics CC Cream (light in the dead of winter and medium mostly all other times). I also have the powder foundation coming in todays TSV on the Q. I already have it in Medium and the shade is a good match right now.
The others that I use are Smashbox CC cream and Smashbox Studio SKin 15 hour foundation. I really like the studio skin but will have to stop using it soon because the color I got was after a bit of color from the summer. I’ll keep it in a cool dark place until next year. Since it’s in a pump bottle it will stay better.
I really think I need use up what I have before I buy ANY more foundation. I also have enough Bare Minerals to choke a … I found as I got older it was just making me look a little too dry.
lafemmetop says
LOL, I have many foundations in rotation too. My absolute favorites are MUFE Face and Body, Armani Luminous Silk and Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation(liquid).
I will state that I’ve been using Nars Sheer glow and MUFE HD foundation a lot in recent months. Fall is here and it’s time to bring out YSL le teint touche eclat. It’s my most dewy foundation.
Jeannie says
Laura Mercier new fluide foundation. When I read your review on this, I had to try it. It’s amazing! Light, great coverage, lasts forever, I’m not a greasy mess, and flawless! My only problem is the container! After shaking it, it’s a mess! Karen, what do you do?
Karen says
Hi Jeannie,
GURL. I have trubs with the packaging, too. It is NOT my favorite. I end up propping my bottle upside down. It still gets messy though.
Do you end up using setting powder? Or do you skip?
Rachel says
I love NARS sheer glow. I’m in the shade Benares. I usually wear tinted moisturizer or just concealer and pressed powder. I prefer a sheer formula in general. I also like Becca’s luminous skin colour ultra sheer (mink) for every day, but sadly I think it’s being discontinued. I just ordered 2 bottles.
Zara says
Clinique antiblemish makeup works amazing for me. It is my Holy Grail foundation. Medium coverage, long lasting, covers and treats my skin 🙂 A Drugstore foundation I really love as well is the Revlon Colorstay Foundation in the Dry/Normal formula- doesn’t budge!
Fancie says
I’ve been loving my Revlon Nearly Naked foundation and NARS Pure Radiance tinted moisturizer. Both formulas are lightweight and have a natural finish. Can’t get enough of them!
Diana says
Been wearing Revlon Colorstay foundation for more than 2 years! But as the bottle often leaked during my travel, I don’t bring it for traveling. For traveling I wear Oriflame The One Illuskin Foundation.
Sylirael says
I have the YSL BB cream in Clear, which I love, and the YSL pressed powder foundation éclat thing in BR20 (Asia exclusive) which is ULTRA AMAZING OMG for the finish, but sadly just a hint too dark/pink for me to be 100% about it.
You could say I’m still on the search, but since my primary aim is for it to be as sheer/natural as possible, my options are a tiny bit limited (not to mention my vampire skintone, LOL!)
Chelsea says
I never wear full-face foundation any more! I have my skin looking pretty great right now, so I mostly wear tinted sunscreen (MD Solar Sciences – either the tinted sunscreen or their BB cream – they’re almost identical) and a little bit of either foundation or concealer under my eyes and around my nose. Foundation of choice is generally Lancome Teint Miracle, but when I wear that all over, I do notice it’s a bit drying, but, since I never wear it… I don’t care that much. I usually just use my Maybelline Dream Lumi concealer in Ivory – most people talk about using a lighter color for undereye circles, but I need something with more color than my white-as-snow skin to cover anything.
Trude says
I’ve been using It Cosmetic’s CC Cream set with a dusting of Mac’s Studio Fix. It’s still not as matte as I would love, but the coverage is so natural and I’m betting in the winter it’ll sit even better. 🙂 Plus they actually make it pale enough for me!
Genevieve says
I have very pale skin and suffer from redness, dry skin and sensitivity. So I have to be careful with my foundations. I have pink undertones. After a lot of years wearing the wrong foundation, I have found a really good one: It is Rimmel’s Match Perfection in the lightest shade (Ivory, porcelain -whatever). It’s very light, does not clog your skin, hydrates your skin and stays on all day. Above all, it is inexpensive. I have tried them all: chanel (threw out), Clarins (allergic to), Napoleon Perdis – horrible. Rimmel’s is the best.
Debra says
Bobbi Brown Skin in Cool Beige.
I have wandered off and tried Chanel, MAC, Dior, made a 2nd try with Chanel but returned home to Skin because it looks like my skin!
amanda says
I have a ridiculous rotation. Kate Somerville CC- its spf 50, Armani Lift one, the Chanel VL creme compact, Revlon colorstay, NARS sheer glow, L’Oreal true match lumi, the liquid n powder Bare Minerals, guuurl the list goes on. I just tried the Hourglass TM and that was sooo super awesome I bout died. I had a sample of your LM love but it was a bit too dark. I love the formula. It seems they don’t have a lot of pale shades. Maybe I can put the Chanel le blanc under one and it would be a fit.
PianoGirl says
I am obsessed with Josie Maran self adjusting liquid foundation since it is seemless on the skin, keeps my combo skin extremely balanced and when used over primer lasts all day and looks like skin. I have over 10 foundation and it’s the only one I go to all the time.
Jacklyn says
My current go-to foundations are Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua and Urban Decay Naked Skin. I love how weightless they feel, but they aren’t so great at controlling oil (I have become an oily beast in the past few months!) even with a setting powder. The Chanel one is almost empty, so I’ll try something else…suggestions are welcome 🙂
Camille says
ARG! I have been on the hunt for a new foundation: medium-full coverage. It has been a long process (trying, and returning), but I think I have gone back to where I started: Bobbi Brown. Funny how that happens, eh? 🙂
I was using BB Skin for the loooooongest time, and it will forever be in my makeup kit. But since I started getting hormonal acne, I needed something to cover up the blemishes and the scars they leave behind. 🙁 I have narrowed it down to the Long-Wear and the Moisture Rich. I’m still in the testing phase, but I am leaning towards the Moisture Rich, since winter is a coming! And these acne remedies are not kind to my skin: flakes galore. 🙁
If my skin gets any better, I might go back to the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. It was SOOOOO lovely! But it contains parabens, and the price was a tad high. I guess it’ll be in the back of my mind forever…..
Thanks everyone for sharing your faves!!! I might have to give a few brands another shot! 🙂
Jen C says
Wow, so many favs on this thread!
My fav so far is Bourjois Radiance Reveal healthy mix foundation, I tried it after watching it on Lisa Eldridge’s videos and have been hooked since!
Used to use Revlon Colorstay but was beginning to hate how heavy it felt on. I’ve tried too many foundation including Mac Face and Body and MUFE’s HD foundation, but no dice! So back to Bourjois, I love how natural looking it is while providing coverage, lasts decently on my oily-combo skin too!
Jennifer says
I just tried a sample of the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua – it feels and looks wonderful! Oh no!
However, my go-to for everyday is the Revlon Colorstay Whipped – even my wallet likes it! 🙂
Kim says
I’m happy with Tarte’s Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer (I’d be happier if it had a shorter name). 🙂 I wouldn’t say it’s my holy grail, and I’m sure I’d look better with fuller coverage, but it works for me. Sunscreen, lightweight, glides on, doesn’t break me out. Hits all the high notes.
Miki says
I absolutely love Physicians Formula Organic CC Cream. Tati recommended it, and it is a God send for me. It has super ingredients, and it is the first face cover for me that stays without caking. I don’t like a mask of foundation on my face, but I like to have medium-average cover of my imperfections. It’s so perfect.
NeapolitanMimi says
I have been wearing Prescriptives Flawless Face Foundation and looooooove it!!!!! I tried a lot of foundations and all price ranges. I couldn’t bring myself to pay 80 bucks for foundation though. Ugh. So I tried Prescrptives and am so happy I did!
Jenna N. says
Haven’t found my HG because it seems every loquid foundation/TM breaks me out. I just use powder instead. But now I’m intrigued by Laura Mercier’s that you mention!
Heather Keller says
I have become addicted to Bare Essentuals Bare skin Foundation. It is awesome. It has a serum in it. It goes on smoothly and covers my flaws. The brush is great for application. Its no mess no fuss. The mineral veil sets it and BAM!, My pores are minimized and I glow. And it is good for my skin. Its a must have.
Heather Keller says
I have become addicted to Bare Minerals Bare skin Foundation. It is awesome. It has a serum in it. It goes on smoothly and covers my flaws. The brush is great for application. Its no mess no fuss. The mineral veil sets it and BAM!, My pores are minimized and I glow. And it is good for my skin. Its a must have.
Heather Keller says
Its Bare Minerals, Not Bare Essentuals
Stephanie says
I love Lancome Teint Idole 24 and Dior, I think it’s Diorskin. The thing I love about the Lancome is it’s buildable to full coverage without looking heavy and it doesn’t transfer on to my iPhone or clothes. I also have some Clinique CC cream that I like, it’s ok. And I have Urban Decay Naked foundation. I’m not impressed with UD. I feel like it’s sheer, not medium coverage and I don’t like that there is no sunscreen. I’m curious about Hourglass and Estée Lauder. I wish my Sephora carried Estée Lauder. I may have to go to Macys to get color matched.
Jennifer says
My favorite foundation for the longest time was make up forever Matt velvet foundation. The only problem was, it rarely wanted to stay on my nose for someone reason. This necessitated concealer, and by the time I was done,I was looking at majorly thick coverage. I Didn’t think it was possible, but general consensus with the friends was that my skin was too perfect. I think that was a nice way saying that it was a little heavy and and unnatural looking. I switched to Nars tinted Moisturizer, with make up forever’s full coverage concealer for my nose and chin area. I actually look normal and dewy, a great combo for somebody who just turned 32.
JenJ says
Bare Minerals Matte foundation! Can’t get enough of it. I also really like Revlon’s Nearly Naked Foundation. I thought I would never find a foundation at the drugstore. I’ve tried the Blemish Ready foundation from Bare Minerals and it really really nice.
For a time it was called Bare Escentuals (the company name) and the foundation was Bare Minerals. Now it’s just Bare Minerals. But I still call it BE from time to time 🙂 Bare Escentuals is listed on the packaging.
Melisa says
I finally found the perfect match with Lancome’s nude miracle in 110…it is amazing but a little drying which in the summer/muggy days work for me. But now its getting cooler so Im not sure how it will fair. I did find a drugstore dupe, Maybelline dream wonder fluid which isnt as drying but doesnt last as long as Lancome’s. Also love Urban Decay’s naked foundation (3.5)…as u can see i like light to medium foundation 🙂 but when Im really lazy I just use my trusty Mac prolongwear concealer in NC20!!
Monika says
Face and Body and I’m loving it! It’s especially awesome with the new Matchmaster concealer on top!!