Barry M which is one of the UK's most favoured nail polish brands are about to become one of the best high street foundation go to brands if you ask me. Sneaking into Boots and Superdrug just over a week ago is Barry M's Flawless Finish Foundation and let me tell you from the get go it is a good 'un...choice of fonts aside of course!
Before I discuss the shade choice and formula let us touch base on the packaging, yes it looks rather similar to Benefit's Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation and I'm not all that sure why. In brief the casing is plastic, simple and easy to use thanks to the build in pump mechanism. Speaking of the pump it easily distributes the foundation in a controlled manner so you do not waste product due to excess production. Yes it is a little copy cat in terms of aesthetics but I truly can not fault the packaging.
In my opinion the shade line up of Barry M Flawless Foundation is a little samey in the sense that it really is 5 shades of beige. If you have exceptionally pale skin then the lightest shade may be a little too dark and forget about it if you have a deep complexion as the deepest shade within this line is lucky if it is an NC40 if that. The shades and approximate MAC reference point are as follows:
Ivory (LF1) - approx NC15-20
Nude (LF2) - approx NC25
Beige (LF3) - approx NC30 (very neutral)
Sand (LF4) - approx NC35/37 maybe an NW30ish
Tan (LF5) - approx MAC NC40 maybe an NW35
For reference I wear a blend of Sand NC35-37 in MAC foundations.
Shade woes aside this foundation truly is a high street gem - the formula is light yet creamy it will hydrate and soothe dry skin yet won't overwhelm oily skin types. It applies beautifully both with the fingertips (my preference) or brushes et al offering a medium natural matte coverage. Flawless Finish foundation can be built up where needed with next to no effort without caking or feeling heavy on the skin. For most the level of coverage this offers will be more than suffice for most imperfections especially those that lie flat on the face but some concealer will be needed for blemishes. Having deep pores I can struggle with certain foundations but I can vouch that this does not settle into my pores nor will it emphasis fine lines nor does it oxidise. I was a little wary of the promise of matte skin due to the oily nature of my complexion but again this came up trumps. No it won't leave the skin looking flat or provide mask like coverage but rather it provides a soft, matte finish that does keep oil at bay for up to 6 hours in my experience and that is without a primer or setting powder. With such products you can easily get a full days wear oil free which is no easy task in my case.
A huge, huge thumbs up from me and one of the few high street foundations I fully recommend.
You can find Barry M Flawless Finish Foundation* via Boots for £5.99 - link and via Superdrug
for the same price but with free delivery - link
*PR samples sent for consideration for review.
I definitely need to try this, just hoping Ivory is light enough for my super-pale face!
ReplyDeleteJess xo
Sounds great! Love the packaging as well. I think "nude" will be a good match for me and I might give it a try since my summer-foundation is getting too dark for me right now.
ReplyDeleteI am heading to the Barry M website right now and getting international shipping on this! I really want to try it!!! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteLooks really interesting :)
ReplyDeleteMegan x | MeganRoisinn
This sounds great, can't wait to try it, been looking for a new foundation as well! xx
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! Once I finish up my Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation I'll definitely be picking up one of these, just hope they have a good shade match for me x
ReplyDeleteA beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog by Izzi
Definitely need to give this a go!
ReplyDeletewww.laurensinwonderland.blogspot.co.uk
They sound great! May give them a try once my Jouer has run out Rachel from whatabeauty.co.uk x
ReplyDeleteHaving been super impressed with their new mascara recently I will certainly give this a try as well now! Thanks.
ReplyDeletewow really need to try this one out!! thanks for the heads up on it :)
ReplyDeleteIts a rare form of torture reading UK beauty blogs because now I want all these things I can't get in the US :)!
ReplyDeletekatespitz.blogspot.com
Oooh might have a look at this :) Its looks like a nice foundation. Clare Elise
ReplyDeletewow! what an amazing price for a foundation with such a glowing review!
ReplyDeleteI might have to pick this up, even though I'm generally pretty reluctant to chance my base, this looks lovely :)
The Blushing Giraffe| The Blog Loving
xxx
this looks really promising.. i think i might have to get my friend in scotland to source it out for me
ReplyDeletejenn
A Beautiful Zen
ahh, i wish i could get my hands on barry m products!! they seriously need to start shipping to the us because i'm on the hunt for a new drugstore foundation and these look lovely
ReplyDeletexx
Natalie | Salt & Sail
This morning my current foundation started to splatter when pumped- a sign it's almost out! Will definitely be buying the Barry M one next based on your recommendations. I don’t spend lots on makeup and going to have an even tighter budget soon. I currently use Barry Ms liquid and pencil eyeliners and love both products and they suit my thrifty purse.
ReplyDeleteXx
The Thrifty Magpies Nest
For the price it looks good, but the shade choice is poor, I wish theyd have some more yellow toned fondations out there most of these are very pinky for me. The packaging is cute though and perfect to pop in the handbag.
ReplyDeleteLiza | Glambeautys | YouTube
nice post ! thank you for sharing this amazing information oily skin best makeup.
ReplyDeleteI want it !
ReplyDeletehttp://www.betzysmakeup.com/
After reading your review, I am really looking forward to buying this product. I have been using Body Shop's oil-free foundation for years but it has now been discontinued and it's such a chore to find something else without spending a small fortune! I really struggle to find the perfect foundation for my combination skin that is not tested on animals. This is really important to me and makes the job even harder.
ReplyDeleteIt's reviews like yours that make my choices easier. Thank you for helping me in my quest!
Sally :-)
thank you for sharing your knowledge ..and your beautiful :) ?
ReplyDeletebest primer for oily skin