Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation (buy here)

Going to be honest and pretty much everything I learn't about makeup I learnt from the Internet. I rarely buy anything nowadays without seeing a swatch or a review (especially Temptalia ones!). Illamasqua Skin Base foundation was something I'd had my eye on for a while after seeing a post about it on their official blog. Pair that with some research I did on BB creams following the post, I was really interested in seeing what the product was actually like. When I bought this I'd not seen a single review on the foundation, so it really was a product I bought on a whim!

I have to say I really love this foundation, it feels very light and creamy and glides on and feels like it melts into my skin upon application. I've applied with a MAC 187 & a MAC 109, but I find using my fingers gives the best finish, despite the fact I'm a bit of a germaphobe and don't like the idea of touching my own face! To me the coverage is medium/full, a lot of people saying its totally full but I don't find it that full coverage, or maybe I'm just not using enough! A little really goes a long way with this foundation! You literally only need a tiny blob to do a full face.

The finish very natural and dewy, without that wet look some dewy foundations give. Personally I don't  like a heavy dewy finish and much prefer velvety/matte. Setting with a powder does take alot of the dewy finish but still has a subtle glow coming through without being too damp looking! In the photo I've set my foundation with a MAC Mineralize Skin Finish, but I wouldn't recommend a heavy powder like a MSF because it can cake a little over it as the powder seems to cling to the foundation!I've just bought the Laura Mercier Translucent powder to see if it will set it a little less heavy.

Overall I'm in love with this foundation, it photographs perfectly, ie. no ghost face like those darn foundations with SPF! Looking at you Estee Lauder Double Wear! The colour I got suits my skintone perfectly. I'm a shade 8, they do have a reference document you can download but I'd highly recommend getting matched buy a MUA. Have to admit since buying it I've seen a host of very mixed reviews, I really think its one of those you have to try it before you buy it sort of things. It is expensive and I normally refuse to buy a foundation is a MUA wont give a sample. Especially when you could be spending £25 on something you wont like.

Like with all reviews, take it with a pinch of salt, Just because its works for me it doesn't mean it will for you & give you the same results. Makeup, especially foundation is VERY subjective. Here are some links to various other reviews you may find helpful. Other reviews: here, here, here and here.
(My skin for reference: I have oily/combo skin, relatively good skin in terms of breakouts and spots, slight scarring on my chin. I have a very uneven olive and warm toned skin with very pink toned cheeks. Im a MAC NW15 without tan and generally wear foundation this colour then bronze up with bronzer if needed!)