When it comes to makeup, it's all too easy to believe that more expensive is better, and it's a trap I've oftentimes fallen into over the years. However, thanks to certain brands, the tide is certainly shifting on that belief, and it's due to innovative products which won't break the bank.
Usually, I'd wear Mac Studio Fix Fluid (£34) foundation, or Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Le Teint Foundation (£42), and I'm more than happy with both of them. But when I heard Collection Cosmetics had launched a skin tint set to rival my two favourites, I was intrigued.
Packed with skin-loving ingredients, this buildable formula had me stunned when I first applied it. I opted for shade three, and it's like a lighter foundation, but it's still full coverage, with the perfect amount of glow without making you look sweaty.
The Collection Cosmetics website reads: "Formulated with Squalane and Glycerine to deeply hydrate, Niacinamide to smooth and refine the look of pores, and Vitamin C to visibly brighten, this lightweight skin tint melts into your skin."
It also promises an "anti-ageing effect" and "an instant glow," which I definitely believe it quickly delivers on.
"Whether you're going for a soft, natural finish or building up to medium coverage, Collection’s Skin Tint effortlessly enhances your complexion with a second skin finish," they share.
I applied it at 9.30am and was ready for a packed day of walking in the Lake District. Nothing too heavy, we'd done our mega hike the day before, but we ended up clocking up over 10,000 steps walking through Keswick, Grasmere, and Ambleside.
It was also a very warm day, with glorious sunshine, which can sometimes make makeup look less than perfect.
However, when we got back to where we were staying at about 6pm, my foundation still looked flawless. That was already almost nine hours of wear.
It was nice to be able to freshen up and change my clothes without worrying about having to redo my entire makeup. After spending a few more hours out for dinner, I came back again and was so impressed that once again, the foundation hadn't shifted, leaving everything perfectly in place.
Also it comes off effortlessly, too, thanks to the fact it's not a cakey formula, leaving your face feeling as fresh as it did when you applied it in the morning.
Overall, I absolutely love this foundation, and it will certainly be a mainstay in my makeup bag. It'd look great applied with your fingers, or as a lighter alternative to your regular base makeup, but with everything else locked in place, too.
They reckon it "lasts up to 24 hours and [is] transfer proof all day," which I can certainly believe! However, my being up for 24 hour days are firmly behind me, so I won't be testing it that stringently. But it gets a huge thumbs up from me!